Pet ownership provides beneficial emotional support. However, it can come at a cost when you factor in food, care, and vet services.

Most people will tell you it is well worth it. Affordable pet care options are available for those looking for a budget-friendly fur friend.

Why Have a Pet?

There is increased evidence that having at least one pet in your home is critical for healthy aging. A 2017 study review published in Frontiers in Psychology found that pets offer benefits in specific areas of health, such as:

• Heart – Having a pet can increase your exercise and lower your blood pressure.
• Mental – Animals are therapeutic. Having one can lower stress and reduce anxiety and depression.
• Social – A 2024 Gallup poll found that one in every five people in this country suffers from loneliness. Having a pet to do things with can improve social interaction.
• Security – The benefit of having a pet for security goes beyond just safety. Pet owners are often more physically active, which can mean fewer falls.

Overall, having a pet improves a person’s quality of life at any age.

Pet Care Options

The average annual cost of pet care is estimated to be between 1,350 and 1,700 dollars. That’s a lot of money, considering most people live on a tight budget, especially as they age. You can factor that money into your budget and put some aside each month as a pet fund.

Lower Health Care Costs

Ultimately, prevention is the key to lowering the cost of any health care, including your pets. Get annual exams and preventative care. It will cost less in the long run for you to pay for heartworm prevention medication, for instance, than it would to cover the costs of care should your pet get ill.

Also, manage your pet's diet. An overweight pet is at risk for some of the same conditions humans face, such as:

• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Arthritis

These conditions affect your pet’s quality of life and may mean they leave you sooner than necessary. If your pet is overweight, cut back on their portion sizes and help them exercise more. This will save on the cost of food, too.

Vaccines are also critical care measures. To save money, ask your vet about getting them every three years instead of once a year.

Finally, get your pet spayed or neutered. Most communities offer low-cost options that can help you save. Contact local shelters and vet colleges for services like vaccinations or spay/neuter. Often, they will offer care on a sliding scale or for a low fixed fee.

How to Save on Vet Visits

All pets need to see a vet once in a while. Get recommendations from friends and family for vets and determine what it costs upfront. If necessary, go online or call to get prices for standard wellness care.

Wellness Plans

Some vets offer wellness plans that you pay yearly. This umbrella program covers services like an annual wellness visit and vaccinations under a fixed price. Most will provide a certain number of “sick” visits, too.

If you sign up for a wellness plan, ensure you understand what it covers and what you might have to pay for yourself. For example, it might cover dental cleaning but not pay for the anesthesia.

Pet Health Insurance

Purchasing pet insurance allows you to pay a monthly premium, and after a deductible, the plan covers trips to the vet. Like human health insurance, pet insurance covers certain things and may have in- and out-of-network vet practices. You may also have to pay for the care upfront and then file a claim.

What If Your Pet Gets Sick?

What if your pet gets sick and you can’t afford care? There are things you can do. First, call your vet and explain the situation. They may offer a one-time grant or an affordable payment plan.

If your vet can't help, call around different vets. If you can’t find a vet, ask online or contact your local shelter to see if they can recommend someone. They may even be able to help you get care through their vet service or suggest a community clinic with a sliding scale.

Financial Assistance Programs

Financial assistance programs like CareCredit will provide the necessary funds upfront and allow you to pay them off over time. However, you may have to pay interest on the loan.

Grant Programs

You can also appeal to an organization for help, such as:

• Onyx & Breezy Foundation
• The Pet Fund
• Paws 4 A Cure

These associations may require you to be denied by CareCredit before they offer you a grant.

Having a pet is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. Don’t let your budget stand between you and your best friend.