Learn about the responsibilities of being a pet owner. 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In addition to the initial cost of adoption, there’s a long list of expenses that the average pet owner may incur within a year. The cost of dog ownership is generally greater than that of a cat. You’ll need to take these expenses into consideration before deciding to become a pet owner. Here’s a list of fundamental needs for your new pet and how much it will cost. The costs of owning a dog Dogs can live for up to 20 years. So on top of the initial costs during his first year, you may also be looking at an additional $910 per year minimum for the duration of his life. The final figure may be more or less, depending on the dog’s age, breed, size and any accidents or illnesses. Upfront costs (the first year) Product or service and approximate cost*: Bed and/or kennel: $100-$200 Car restraint: $30 upwards Collar, leash or harness: $40-$100Council registration: $23-$201 (desexed or undesexed) Desexing: $200*-$500* depending on age, gender and size Flea and worming treatments, and heartworm prevention: $120-$300 Food and bowls: $800 each year depending on quality Grooming: $70-$90 depending on breed, frequency and size Microchipping: $60-$80 Name tag: $6-20 Puppy vaccinations: $170-$250 Puppy training: $170* depending on provider Toys and treats: $50 upwards *Please note, all figures are approximate and are purely a guide to what it may cost for dog ownership. When you adopt a dog from RSPCA NSW, the cost of desexing, initial vaccinations, microchipping, and worm and flea treatments can be subtracted as these are done prior to adoption. Ongoing costs Product or service and approximate cost: Annual vaccinations and veterinary check: $90 Flea and worming treatments: $120 Food: approximately $600 upwards Grooming: $70*-$90* depending on breed and frequency Toys and treats: $30 upwards Total for consecutive years: $910 minimum Costs of owning a cat Cats can live for up to 20 years. So on top of the initial costs during her first year, you may also be looking at an additional $880 per year minimum for the duration of her life. The final figure may be more or less, depending on the cat’s age, breed, size and any accidents or illnesses. Upfront costs Product or service and approximate cost*: Carry cage and bed: $50-$100 Collar and bell: $15-$50Council registration: $23-$201 (desexed or undesexed) Desexing: approximately $115-$300 (male or female) Flea and worming treatments: $100 Food and bowls: $370 upwards, depending on quality Grooming: $50 upwards, depending on breed and frequency Kitten vaccinations: $170-$200 Microchipping: $60 Name tag: $6-20 Purchase of cat: $0-$2,000 Scratching post: $20-$300 Toys and treats: $30 upwards Tray and litter: $130-$180 Total for first year: $1,150-$3,570 *Please note, all figures above are approximate and are purely a guide to what it may cost for cat ownership. When you adopt a cat from RSPCA NSW, the cost of desexing, initial vaccinations, microchipping, and worm and flea treatments can be subtracted as these are done prior to adoption. Ongoing costs Product or service and approximate cost: Annual vaccinations and veterinary check: from $80 Flea and worming treatments: $100-$150 Food: approximately $370 upwards Grooming: $50 Litter: $120 upwards Toys and treats: $30 upwards Total for consecutive year: $880 minimum
