Costs
Breeder, Petshop or Shelter?
With growing public awareness of the ill effects of puppy factories and backyard breeders, people are less inclined to purchase animals from pet shops. Unfortunately, many dogs in pet shops have come from puppy factories and as a result, often have inherent health problems.
Shelters such as the RSPCA, have thousands of dogs and puppies needing new homes each year. They have been behaviour tested, vet checked and desexed to ensure you get a friend for life. Often it is the cross breed dogs who are more robust with a longer life expectancy than some defined breeds.
However, if you are going to purchase a specialist breed, it is recommend you go to a reputable and registered breeder.
Costs of Owning a Dog
Upfront costs
| Product/Service | Approximate Cost |
| Purchase of Dog Microchip Council Registration Desexing Worm/Flea Treatment Puppy Vaccinations Car Restraint Bed and/or Kennel Puppy Pre-school/Training Collar/Leash/Harness Grooming Toys and Treats Food and Bowls | $0 - $1500 (Free/Shelter/Petshop) $50 $40 - $150 (Desexed/Not desexed) $125 - $280 (Male/Female) $100 $170 $20 $100 $150 $40 $50 $30 $370 |
| Total for First Year | $1245 - $3010 |
Should you choose to adopt a dog from the RSPCA, the cost of microchipping, desexing, initial vaccinations and worm/ flea treatment can be subtracted as these are done prior to adoption.
Ongoing costs
| Product/Service | Approximate Cost |
| Worm/Flea Treatment Yearly Vaccination Vet Check Grooming Toys and Treats Food | $100 $70 $50 $30 $400 |
| Total for Consecutive Year | $650 minimum |
Dogs can live for up to 15 years, so on top of the initial costs for the first year, you may be looking at additional $650 per year minimum for the duration of the dogs life. The final figure may be more, or less, depending on the dog, breed, age, size and any illness or accidents etc.
Costs of Owning a Cat
Upfront costs
| Product/Service | Approximate Cost |
| Purchase of Cat Microchip Council Registration Desexing Worm/Flea Treatment Kitten Vaccinations Carry Cage and Bed Collar and Bell Scratching Post/Mats Tray and Litter Grooming Toys and Treats Food and Bowls | $0 - $1000 (Fee/Shelter/Petshop) $50 $40 - $150 (Desexed/Not dexexed) $100 - $180 (Male/Female) $100 $170 $50 $15 $80 $130 $50 $30 $370 |
| Total for First Year | $1355 - $2545 |
Should you choose to adopt a cat from the RSPCA, the cost of microchipping, desexing, initial vaccinations and worm/ flea treatment can be subtracted as these are done prior to adoption.
Ongoing costs
| Product/Service | Approximate Cost |
| Worm/Flea Treatment Yearly Vaccination Vet Check Litter Grooming Toys and Treats Food | $100 $70 $120 $50 $30 $350 |
| Total for Consecutive Year | $720 minimum |
Cats can live for up to 20 years, so on top of the initial costs for the first year, you may be looking at additional $720 per year minimum for the duration of the cats life. The final figure may be more, or less, depending on the cat, breed, age, size and any illness or accidents etc.
Inside or Outside?
Ultimately, it is the owner’s choice as to whether you keep your can inside or outside. However, indoor cats are less likely to get injuries or catch diseases from fighting with other cats and are less likely to be in car accidents.
For those cats that live both indoors and outdoors, one management strategy is to keep them inside from dusk until dawn as cats tend to fight and wander more at night.
RSPCA advise that you have your cat desexed as this will reduce wandering and territorial behaviours, such as fighting and spraying.
For more information please consult the RSPCA Knowledge Base.
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