How much do you spend on your pets?

Our two cats are part of the family. We buy the best food for them and the best RSPCA approved bed! The Vet bills are expensive but so be it.

In the vain of most answers on Gransnet these days.
Nothing he is DH he eats the same meals I do, uses the NHS and actually shares my bed. He is included in the household insurance. Answer satisfies you?

🤣

Probably an amount that would get huge gasps from many on gransnet
He is a special needs dog. He has been for....eight..nine years . He has a very rigid medication routine. Five different times a day. He has special dog food due to his health issues.
He gives so much incredible happiness to dh and I. In regards to it helps people's health when they have pets I may certainly subscribe to it.
He is almost 14 and is still ticking along ruling our home.

I don't have pets but when visiting those that do I have often bought a gift for their dog.

The feeling of love is the same feeling whether it is for a person or an animal. If somebody loves their pet then they will want to spend money on it.

I think that people can spend their money on whatever they like and it is really nobody else's business.

Cabbie21

An acquaintance told me that last year she spent over
£6 000 on vets bills for her cats. I think she has two or three.
I was stunned, my jaw dropped.
I just thought about people who have nothing or very little to live on, those who are homeless, or the Ukrainian people.
I said nothing as it is not my business how she spends her money, but I can't get it out of my mind.
Now I wonder how much other people spend on their pets.

Absolutely nothing to do with you how much people spend on their pets. What a ridiculous post.

Cabbie21

Thanks for replies. As I said, I was stunned: not having any pets, I had no idea.
Yes, my thoughts did immediately go to the many clients who are really struggling, that I have supported as a voluntary advice worker, hence my reaction. I guess my post might come across to some as judgemental, but my question was genuine, as I had no idea what the costs might be. I am sorry if it offended some people.

I didn't feel any judgement. You merely asked a reasonable question. And that's fine, IMO. Well done you being sensitive.

Our pets are family. Whatever they cost is what they cost.

No insurance, we pay for routine shots and I make their food. Unfortunately one was attacked by a wild dog and the result was £4,000 bill. She's alive and can walk again, and that's what we prayed for.

We've a very old kitchen and I've been told the costs of our dogs would pay for new. No, this kitchen will see us out - we choose dogs.

Our pets are our family too. They have insurance. We treat them like family. I am however on first names terms with the veterinary team. 😁

Don’t even add up what we spend on our cats and dogs, they are very well cared for and our world, part of the family it’s never occurred to us to sit down and count out what we spend.

Same here Norah- the new kitchen will not happen, but who cares.

Blondiescot I totally agree! People spend such a lot of money on absolute trash and things they look at for a few minutes and then put them away never to retrieve.. a pet is part of a family or someone’s only family and they deserve to be treated and cared for as we would expect a human being to be taken care of! At least that money was used for a good purpose instead of vanity or greed.

If you take on pets then you are responsible for their care, and high medical bills could be a part of that care. You will always have the choice to either pay for insurance or not, but if you choose not to, be prepared to pay for their care. If you can't afford a big bill or insurance then don't take on the responsibility of a pet.

missdeke

If you take on pets then you are responsible for their care, and high medical bills could be a part of that care. You will always have the choice to either pay for insurance or not, but if you choose not to, be prepared to pay for their care. If you can't afford a big bill or insurance then don't take on the responsibility of a pet.

That ^ right there.

We've absolutely no interest at all in saving money on our pets. Material things like our home/ kitchen will see us out. Apart from actual needs, which we are very fortunate to be able to cover - family and pets are our priorities.

We spent an absolute fortune on Finn, even though we had insurance. He had complex medical problems and l tried natural remedies as well as our near monthly vet visits.
All our available money was spent on him and we were happy to do so. We had 11 wonderful years with him, he gave us unconditional love and was my best buddy. We said goodbye to him 3 weeks ago and every night l still think l hear him breathing. I miss him so much.

As much as needed to keep them happy and healthy

Having pets is a luxury - but so rewarding if it can be afforded

I spend an awful lot (haven't counted) on the very best food for my pets. My dog has her nails manicured fortnightly (I don't) and regular check ups etc. to ensure her comfort.

I don't drink or have a car, don't holiday any more, make regular charity donations - so I defend my right to spend on what I wish.

I’m about to spend £4,000 or so on one of our dogs who needs surgery. I do have insurance which will cover some of it. It’s really up to me what I do with my money and I certainly have no guilt about not giving it to charity. Why should I feel guilty about the lifestyle of others, I’ve worked all my life to fund myself and never asked for anything.

Maya1

We spent an absolute fortune on Finn, even though we had insurance. He had complex medical problems and l tried natural remedies as well as our near monthly vet visits.
All our available money was spent on him and we were happy to do so. We had 11 wonderful years with him, he gave us unconditional love and was my best buddy. We said goodbye to him 3 weeks ago and every night l still think l hear him breathing. I miss him so much.

So sorry Maya. I know you were devoted to Finn, and he to you. You did everything possible to give him the best life. We lost our previous girl a year ago today. Eventually we found space in our hearts for another rescue. The heart seems to have infinite capacity for love.💐

This thread got me thinking about why people have pets.
Dogs - company, security, exercise
Cats - companionship
I think they also keep a person in touch with the world. If there wasn't anything interesting to eat in my house, I'd cobble something together for me. But if I run out of dog or cat food, I'd have to go out to the shops. Likewise, as I have to take the dog for a walk, I have to get up, get dressed, go out.
So add mental health to my list if reasons for having a cat or a dog

Thank you GSM for your kind words, I know you have been through the same thing as have others.
My DH didn't get the chance to say goodbye to Finn as he has been seriously ill in hospital since January.
It just feels so hopeless at the moment.

People love their animals and they are responsible for their wellbeing. Why wouldn’t you spend money making them well and comfortable? What do you suggest as an alternative? What about all the money spent on wars, weapons, roads, cars, plane travel adding to the pollution of our planet? People who but artwork for thousands and thousands of pounds. People who have holiday homes? Jewellery and watches, not to mention clothes and even trainers costing thousands. What do you say about that?

It will sort itself out Maya. I remember your husband in my prayers each night, I hope that doesn’t offend. I remember that Finn was especially your dog, you slept with him and he would only go out with you. He is at peace now.

Natal, I had not realised your husband is so ill in hospital for so long. To loose your lovely dog during this time is so hard x

Mayal, please forgive predictive text

I lost my much loved old dog this week. He was pts sleep here at home with my son and I by his side. Vet fees are expensive but he gave me nearly 15 yrs of companionship and love so I feel he was well worth every penny. He was the last of the dogs my late husband and I chose and for the first time in 32 yrs there is no dog happy to greet me when I come home. He was a member of the family and I would have given anything to have kept him. Miss him terribly. I am sure pet lovers will know exactly how I feel.