How to Save Money as a Pet Owner
11/26/2025 - By Rachel Ham - SouthState Stories and Insights
Your home feels complete with furry friends by your side. Whether you have cats, dogs or both, you treat your pets like family.
No matter the breed, size or species, however, pets cost money. Expenses to care for only one pet can quickly mount, so it’s important to plan ahead and save. If you aren’t including the average cost of owning a dog or cat in your family budget, now’s the time to begin.
It’s a great idea for your family to have an emergency fund for medical needs, home repairs and other unexpected expenses. When setting aside money, remember your pet’s costs, too.
Just like their humans, pets need different levels of vet care. You may be aware of medical issues when you adopt them, or health complications may arise later. Consider having a savings goal for each scenario, instead of having to pay with a credit card.
Diagnostic – blood tests and X-rays are often necessary to determine why your pet isn’t feeling their best
Chronic – once the vet has made a diagnosis, you may need to pay for a monthly prescription, expensive prescription food or additional vet visits to manage the condition
Acute – needing to see a vet on the weekend or for an unplanned surgery can cost hundreds, if not thousands
Annual costs – annual exams and vaccines cost roughly the same each year, so consider adding this expense to your family budget
When planning for a family vacation, don’t forget to budget the cost of your furry friend’s care while you’re gone. If you have a new pet, ask around about pet sitting rates in your area or call local “pet hotels” to find out their overnight costs.
Dog owners, especially those adopting a puppy, may need to pay for obedience training. A large retailer may have a budget option on training classes, but your breed may require specialized training.
No matter the breed, size or species, however, pets cost money. Expenses to care for only one pet can quickly mount, so it’s important to plan ahead and save. If you aren’t including the average cost of owning a dog or cat in your family budget, now’s the time to begin.
What Should I Save For?
It’s a great idea for your family to have an emergency fund for medical needs, home repairs and other unexpected expenses. When setting aside money, remember your pet’s costs, too.
Medical Needs
Just like their humans, pets need different levels of vet care. You may be aware of medical issues when you adopt them, or health complications may arise later. Consider having a savings goal for each scenario, instead of having to pay with a credit card.Diagnostic – blood tests and X-rays are often necessary to determine why your pet isn’t feeling their best
Chronic – once the vet has made a diagnosis, you may need to pay for a monthly prescription, expensive prescription food or additional vet visits to manage the condition
Acute – needing to see a vet on the weekend or for an unplanned surgery can cost hundreds, if not thousands
Annual costs – annual exams and vaccines cost roughly the same each year, so consider adding this expense to your family budget
Boarding or Pet Sitter
When planning for a family vacation, don’t forget to budget the cost of your furry friend’s care while you’re gone. If you have a new pet, ask around about pet sitting rates in your area or call local “pet hotels” to find out their overnight costs.
Training Costs
Dog owners, especially those adopting a puppy, may need to pay for obedience training. A large retailer may have a budget option on training classes, but your breed may require specialized training.
Is Pet Insurance Worth It?
Like insurance against car accidents, you can purchase a policy for your cat or dog.Several nationwide insurance companies offer pet insurance at around $10 a month. When considering a plan, it’s wise to shop around and talk to your veterinarian about insurance they accept.
Before you buy, know that most policies will not cover pre-existing conditions, similar to health insurance for humans. However, insurance can help alleviate the financial burden of surgeries, prescriptions and emergency care. Many policies also cover annual exams and preventative care.
Depending on the age and current health of your pet, you could save hundreds with pet insurance in the event of future medical needs.
How Can I Save for My Pet’s Needs?
Avoid Seasonal Purchases
That Christmas sweater would certainly look cute on your dachshund. And your cat would love heart-shaped catnip toys at Valentine’s. But will your budget benefit from these holiday-themed shopping sprees? Or should you put that $40 aside for annual vaccines or boarding costs during holiday travel?
Subscribe for Deals
Multiple retailers such as Chewy offer discounts for subscribing to regular food or medication deliveries. This is especially valuable for families with multiple pets, saving them money and trips to the store.
Find Deals in Your Town
Local social media pages can alert you to reduced-cost vaccine clinics, deals from area dog walkers and affordable ways to care for your pet. Other pet owners often share tips like $9.99 dog wash station at Tractor Supply or free events where dogs can improve their socialization.
Foster First
Some families must consider their home environment, children or other pets when deciding to welcome a new furry friend. Adopting a pet that ultimately doesn’t fit in with your family dynamic can lead to rehoming fees and other costs.
Before making the leap, find out if your local animal rescue has foster opportunities.
Fostering a pet not only aids the rescue by providing more room at the shelter, but it allows you to bring a pet into your home without the full commitment. If the trial run goes well, you’re ready to make the bigger leap.
Looking for more ways to build your bank account? Check out our savings options and CDs.
Fostering a pet not only aids the rescue by providing more room at the shelter, but it allows you to bring a pet into your home without the full commitment. If the trial run goes well, you’re ready to make the bigger leap.
Looking for more ways to build your bank account? Check out our savings options and CDs.
