Dogs vs cats: The cost of pet ownership

We love our pets – New Zealand has the second-highest rate of pet ownership in the world. Two-thirds of Kiwi households have at least one companion animal, with around 41% of households having a cat and 34% having at least one dog.

But before you buy a pet, are you prepared for the ongoing costs of ownership?

Costs to consider for dogs and cats

Getting a pet is the easy part, whether you go on a waitlist for a pedigree dog, or a cat wanders up to your house and adopts you. Either way, it’s essential to consider and budget for the basic ongoing expenses.

You’ll need to feed your pet and keep it healthy with visits to the vet and vaccinations, and dogs must be registered annually. In Auckland, annual pet registration for a non-service or working dog begins at about $100 and can go up to over $300 depending on a number of factors (de-sexed, dangerous dog,  owner has a responsible dog owner licence etc).

In addition to all that, though, most pet owners want to invest in giving their pet an excellent quality of life.

“We divide Top-to-Tail pet care into five areas: nutrition, health, comfort, training and play,” says Nathalie Moolenschot, general manager of marketing at Animates pet store. 

“How much you spend in those areas will depend on your pet – some pets need more than others in terms of additional support, grooming, training or attention.”

For dogs, your extra ongoing costs might include insurance, toys, collars and leashes, bedding, grooming equipment, training, and doggy daycare.

Cat owners probably don’t need the leashes, training or daycare, but they might be paying for litter and cattery costs.

The SPCA estimates that dogs cost an average of around $1,680 annually, while cats cost roughly $670.

Smart spending can improve life for you and your pet

Strategic spending can pay dividends for pet owners by keeping animals healthier and happier, explains Moolenschot. Poor quality pet food, for instance, typically contains “less nutrients and more fillers, so you’re feeding them more, and the quality of their health is not as good.” Think about the cost per feed and the lifetime impact of their diet to make the best choices about pet food.

Training, too, is an ongoing expense, but it should result in a better-behaved animal that causes you less stress. “Training might be in-home or formal,” says Moolenschot.

“It makes sure you’ve got a great relationship with your pet – it doesn’t stop when your pet learns to sit or stay.”

When it comes to healthcare, regular visits to the vet can help prevent more expensive problems in future. And a healthy pet is more likely to be a happy and engaged member of your household.

The right toys and treats can also prevent costly damage to your home. If your dog or cat is occupied with toys, they are less likely to tear up your furniture. In addition, active play between you and your pet will stimulate them and help develop a stronger relationship.

“If you have all these well-rounded components, your pet is less likely to have health issues – either physical or mental – in the long run,” Moolenschot adds.

The financial stress is worth it, say pet owners

According to the Furry Whānau Wellbeing study, 22.8% of dog owners and 18.4% of cat owners said their pet had “caused me financial stress”. But, the researchers noted, “There was a strong theme that ‘any financial stress is worth it!’”

Pets contribute to their owners’ lives in many ways, including boosting your mental and physical health. Pets improve cardiovascular health and lower the risk of depression and anxiety.

Dogs help their owners get more exercise, while cats can alleviate bad moods. Both provide companionship and purpose in our lives.

“It's love and happiness,” says Moolenschot.

“There’s something about the relationship you have with your pet that means you can be your complete true self. There’s no judgement, just pure simple love.”