New pet parents should be prepared to spend more than $500 in upfront costs when bringing home a new four-legged family member – and that’s just the start of the cost of pet parenthood. <br /><br />A new survey of 2,000 pet owners revealed that respondents spent an average of $553 on things like adoption fees and food in preparation for their new pet.<br /><br />On top of that, they spent another $550 on their pets within the first six months — resulting in 63% of respondents spending more than they planned to. Some 40% believe they spent more than other pet owners.<br /><br />Items such as toys and beds (45%), grooming appointments (42%), different types of food (39%) and “puppy proofing” their home with items such as gates or covered trash cans (20%) racked up the bill during those first few months of pet ownership.<br /><br />And while costs like vaccines (46%) and spaying or neutering (42%) may be expected, the average respondent had three unplanned medical expenses or vet visits within the first year of owning their pet. <br /><br />Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance and Foundation, the survey showed the average respondent spent more than $1,100 in the first six months of pet parenthood — more than they’d be willing to spend on a vacation ($620.50).<br /><br />In addition to preparation and routine medical care, respondents have more than $600 set aside in case of an emergency, but 46% worry it won’t be enough to cover it.<br /><br />Based on experience, one in five have been faced with an emergency and fell short of the amount needed.<br /><br />In order to get the pet the care they needed, many pet parents would travel any distance (42%), drain their bank account or savings (41%) and go into debt (38%).<br /><br />Others would go even further and get a second job (41%) or even sell their car (35%).<br /><br />More than a third (37%) of respondents got their pet from a breeder, but others came from a friend or family member (27%) or a shelter or rescue (24%).<br /><br />Others unexpectedly welcomed their pet into their home — one in twenty found their four-legged friend on the side of the road or in their yard.<br /><br />Almost three-quarters (73%) brought their pet home before their second birthday and they’ve had them for an average of four years.<br /><br />However, a little more than one-third (37%) fall under the “pandemic pet” umbrella — bringing their pet home within the last two years.<br /><br />The average respondent took about four months to decide they would get a pet.<br /><br />In addition to finances (45%), pet parents considered their lifestyle, mental (43%) and physical (44%) health and their housing situation (48%) before bringing home a new pet.<br /><br />Even so, one-quarter (25%) felt unprepared to bring their pet home. <br /><br />If given the opportunity to redo preparing to bring their pet home, respondents would, “set aside more time for training” or “save more money.”
