Latest Pet Owning Costs Published

In May 2008 we reported the results of a survey, produced by pet insurer, Esure, which purported to show the lifetime costs of keeping a dog. Costing a Jack Russell at £26,000 (Esure's 'cheapest' breed), its figures are double those of this month's survey by rival pet insurer Intune.

Intune, has calculated that the average cost of keeping a dog over its lifetime is £13,000, and that of a cat, £10,000. What's more, the company says these prices represent roughly a 24% increase since the year 2000.

The increases, says Intune, are largely down to higher veterinary consultancy fees, up by 45%, with annual booster injections, worming tablets and flea treatments rising by 63%.

It pays to shop around says Intune. Differences in the cost of routine veterinary treatments with prices vary by as much as 86%, depending on the area. Its research showed a standard veterinary consultation fee ranged from £21.95 to £40.92.

Intune warns that the soaring costs of keeping an animal could lead to money pressures, especially if people don’t take out insurance to cover their pet against illness or injury.

Stuart Castledine, Managing Director of Intune, comments:

"A pet is a great companion, particularly for older people who can benefit from an improved quality of daily life. Unfortunately, not everyone goes into pet ownership with their eyes open and can find that the costs related to pet ownership are more than they bargained for. As a result they may either have to give their pets up or can fail to look after them properly."

COSTS RELATED TO OWNING A DOG OVER AN AVERAGE LIFESPAN OF 13 YEAR

Medium-Sized Dog

Estimated Average Lifetime Cost

2000

Estimated Average Lifetime Cost

2008

Two tins of dog food for 365 days a year

£4,650 (49p per tin)

£4,650 (49p per tin)

One bag of mixer every 2 weeks

£1,450 (£4.29 per bag)

£1,944 (£5.75 per bag)

Yearly booster vaccination, flea & worming treatment

£1,040

£1,700

2 weeks per year holiday boarding

£1,300 (£100 per year)

£2,145  (£165 a year)

Pet insurance

£1,330

£1,655

One consultation with the vet each year

£260 (£20 per visit)

£377 (£29 per visit)

Bedding and sundry equipment

£462

£545

TOTAL COST

£10,492

£13,016

 

COSTS RELATED TO OWNING A CAT OVER AN AVERAGE LIFESPAN OF 13 YEARS

Cat

Estimated Average Lifetime Cost

2000

Estimated Average Lifetime Cost

2008

One tin of cat food a day

£2,373  (50p per tin)

£2,445 (51.5p per tin)

One box of biscuits a week

£473 (£0.70 per box)

£608 (90p per box)

Vaccinations, boosters, flea and worm treatments

£1,000

£1,625

Pet insurance

£921

£1,213

Bag cat litter a week

£2,197 (£3.25 per bag)

£2,480 (£3.67 per bag)

Two weeks per year holiday boarding

£845 (£65 per year)

£1,192 (£91.70 per year)

One consultation with the vet each year

£260 (£20 per visit)

£377 (£29 per visit)

Bedding and sundry equipment

£294

£333

TOTAL COST

£8,363

£10,273