Budgeting

Pet Expenses: How a Personal Loan Can Help Cover Costs

Your first job. Your first apartment. Your first pet. These are important milestones when you’re just starting out. But how much does a pet really cost? Here are some things to think about when you get a cat or dog. In addition, it’s good to consult information from the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) that answers common concerns about your pets.

Here is how your pet expenses add up:

Food: Buying the cheapest brands on the market can actually be more expensive over time. If those products don’t have the right balance of nutrients, they can potentially cause serious health problems. Better to check with your vet on what is the most suitable food for your dog/cat.

Vet care: Pets need to be vaccinated. And veterinarians recommend periodic dental checkups that will keep your pet healthier and reduce the risk of organ failure later on. Dental treats are available which postpone the need for dental checkups in some cases, but these are an investment as well.

Health products: Gone are the days where most vets recommend home remedies for pets. To ensure your pet’s health over time, it’s advisable that you use products specifically developed for your cat or dog, such as shampoos and toothpaste. Human toothpaste obviously won’t work, and using products on your pet’s coat that are meant for humans can over-dry her skin, causing discomfort or even injury.

Grooming: Brushing and grooming your pet regularly allows you or your pet groomer to check your pet’s overall health. Look for clear eyes, and skin and fur that are free of flea dirt. Your pet’s mouth should be free of foul odor, and teeth should be free from plaque. If you find a problem in any of these areas, it may be time for a trip to the vet or pet supply store. And that’s another incidental expense.

Boarding: If your job requires that you travel or if you need to head home for the holidays, boarding costs add up. You can pay someone to come to your home daily to take care of your cat or dog while you are away, but these costs can put a sudden dent in your budget as well. For dogs, pet expenses come to about $1475 a year; for cats, they add up to about $1029 a year. And they can hit you when you least expect it.

If you find yourself facing unexpected pet expenses this month, personal loan may be just the thing to get your finances back on track. Credit24 loans can range between $500 and $10,000. They are easy to apply for too. You can get the amount credited to your bank account in a matter of 24 hours!

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