Do you love your dog or cat, regardless of the cost? Inflation also affects our four-legged friends.
According to a Léger survey commissioned by the Association of Veterinary Doctors of Quebec (AMVQ) in 2021, more than one in two Quebecers (52%) own a dog or cat. We would have around 3,250,000 four-legged companions (more than 2.1 million cats and more than 1.1 million dogs) who need to be fed, cared for and… cuddled.
Some believe the pandemic has dampened our love for them. Adoptions at the Montreal SPCA increased by 28% last year compared to the previous year.
However, our pets are taking up more and more space on our credit card bills. According to Statistics Canada, the price of their food increased by 9.5% in September 2022 compared to September 2021.
However, a pet’s annual budget is not limited to food. It varies depending on race, age and physical condition.
A hefty bill
Two types of expenses need to be planned:
- often: food, cat litter, dog toilet bags, treats;
- Variables: Veterinarian, grooming, toys, accessories (bowls, nail clippers, litter box, etc.)
Several studies have examined the impact of pets on household finances (see table). But unexpected expenses can lead to surprises worth thousands of dollars.
A good way to protect yourself is to purchase pet insurance (Desjardins, Trupanion, Petsecure, Pet Plus Us). However, according to the company HelloSafe, 65% of Quebecers are unaware of their existence and 16% of pet owners enjoy such protection.
The main reason that motivates these policyholders? The third hopes to reduce veterinary costs. The price of such insurance varies depending on the animal and age: between $150 and $400 for a cat and between $470 and over $1,800 for a dog. It would be significantly cheaper at Costco. The deductible varies between 0 and 1,000 US dollars and the insurance cover in the event of illness or accident covers between 80% and 90% of the costs.
Another way to finance unforeseen events? The ACEF des Basses-Laurentides suggests setting up a savings account (or why not a TFSA) with small amounts every payday. It’s also possible to reduce veterinary costs by visiting the University Veterinary Hospital Center at the University of Montreal (450-778-8111 • bit.ly/3Mk4Q98).
Finally, adopting from an ANIMA-Québec certified shelter is beneficial. In Montreal and Laval, dogs and cats must be sterilized and microchipped. In Quebec, sterilization is only mandatory for cats. After all, the maintenance and care costs for a cat that never leaves the house are lower.
Some annual costs
Dog | Cat | |
Veterinarian (2 annual visits) | From $1000 to $1700 | From $750 to $1600 |
sterilization | From $350 to $400 | From $250 to $350 |
Vaccinations | From $60 to $200 | From $56 to $168 |
Microchip | About $70 | About $50 |
Dental care (scaling, polishing, x-ray) | About $1400 | About $1200 |
Eat | From $450 to $1000 | From $200 to $550 |
litter | – | From $100 to $300 |
Insurance | From $170 to $1800 | From $150 to $400 |
Miscellaneous items (collar, leash, nail clippers, bowl, etc.) | About $300 | About $250 |
Municipal permit | Between $10 and $20 | Between $10 and $20 |
Advice:
- Watch out for food flyers. However, for reasons of freshness, storing larger quantities is not recommended. There is a tendency to overfeed animals: follow your veterinarian’s instructions or the instructions provided on the packaging. Food is more expensive for a Golden Retriever than for a Yorkshire Terrier.
- There are different types of litter (absorbent, clumping, biodegradable), but clumping litter is generally less expensive.
- Buy used accessories (bowls, fountains, toys). Balls of wool or aluminum as well as rag dolls make excellent toys.
- Several tutorials allow you to take care of the care of your companions yourself.
- Certain dog breeds are more prone to genetic health problems. Larger dogs cost more for anesthesia or medication. Brush your companion’s teeth regularly, as dental care accounts for between 40 and 60% of the annual veterinary budget.