The hidden cost of owning a pet in India

Owning a pet is one of the most rewarding decisions you can ever make! Whether it is watching the excitement of a wagging tail when you arrive home after a long day or the gentle cadence of a soft purr from your lap when you take a break on the couch, something happens – they become family. Despite how forgiving and loving they are, being a pet parent has its costs.

In India, many first-time pet parents overlook the hidden expenses associated with their adorable, furry pets. Aside from the food and regular medical checkups that you undertake, various costs extend beyond the comforts associated with pet ownership. Buying accessories, grooming, training, and preparing for those unexpected medical emergency expenses, or perhaps during a travel period, can all lead to hidden costs piling up quietly. This article explores some of the hidden expenses of pet ownership in India and offers budgeting advice, allowing you to focus on love rather than expenses.

#1 Initial Costs: The Starting Line Can Be Expensive

There is no better feeling in the world than bringing home your new pet, the first cuddle, the wagging tail, the excited purrs. But inherent in those sentimental moments are a number of costly, basic expenses, that can catch first-time pet parents by surprise.

To begin, obtaining a pet from a shelter is typically a low-cost or free option, a great solution if you are looking to save at least on the initial costs of adopting a pet but the expenses really ramp up if you decided to purchase a pedigree pet from a breeder! A pedigree pet could cost anywhere from ₹5,000 to ₹1,50,000 or more depending on the type of breed.

The next cost is setting up your home for all the first-time requirements, which will include food and water bowls and a collar and leash, crate or bed, litter boxes and scratching posts, toys, and more. For all the basic supplies, you could expect to spend anywhere from ₹3,000 to ₹10,000. And, non-negotiable, is the initial vet care. This includes the first round of vaccinations, generally a health check-up, and microchipping — all of which would likely also cost ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 in the first month!

#2 Medical & Preventive Care: Not a Once-a-Year Thing

You may have assumed, as a new pet parent, that maybe simply seeing a vet once a year is all you need to think about in terms of participating in your pet’s health care. Experiencing pet healthcare costs in India is very different than that. The medical costs of another living creature go beyond an annual check-up and can easily become a regular and unpredictable cost in your finances.

There are standard vaccinations, oftentimes multiple vaccinations or boosters, to keep your pet healthy and protected from common diseases, which will run about ₹2,000 – ₹4,000 per year. Then there is monthly deworming and parasite prevention, to keep your pet protected from fleas, ticks, worms, etc. This will run you about ₹200 – ₹600 per month.

If your pet has not yet been sterilized, there is spaying or neutering, which is mostly a one-time cost, but can be very significant too. Depending on your vet, and your location, this can cost anywhere from ₹2,000 – ₹10,000.

Then, you will need to budget for unforeseen medical situations. Emergencies, injuries, or health concerns such as an intestinal obstruction from eating something inappropriate, stones or kidney disease, parvo, etc. may result in expensive vet services, hospitalization, surgeries, extended treatments, etc., that can exceed ₹10,000 easily but may exceed ₹1,00,000 in some cases.

#3 Food & Nutrition: It’s More Than Bowls of Food

Putting food in your pet’s bowl is not as easy as dumping a bag of kibble in the bowl! It’s a daily responsibility you must take seriously, and it can be a significant factor in your pet’s long-term health, energy, and happiness. Of course, it will also be the most predictable expense of the monthly household budget.

For the average pet parent, you will find the cost of standard packaged dog or cat food will be anywhere between ₹1,500 to ₹5,000 a month, depending on the brand, pet size, and any nutritional needs. There can easily be an increase in your monthly cost if your pet has a special dietary requirement — whether it’s due to breed, allergies, or a medical condition — which can range anywhere between ₹3,000 to ₹7,000 for veterinary-prescribed or premium dog or cat food.

When your pet will be eating this food every day, you should also factor in the cost of treats (veterinary advised or functional treats) or vitamins/supplements to keep it healthy. They might not all be necessary, but they are widely used for training, fostering joint health, and digestion, or adding shine to furriness — and this can add about ₹300 to ₹1,000 on top of your monthly spend.

#4 Training & Behaviour Support: Not Just Sit & Stay

Training is not a luxury but a necessity in fast-paced urban settings. Whether it is toilet training with a new puppy, separation anxiety, or barking, the best possible behavioural support is essential to facilitate the positive relationship you are trying to build with your pet.

If you are looking at basic obedience training, you can expect to pay anywhere from ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 for a structured program to learn commands, proper manners on-leash, and rules at home. For specific problem behaviour (aggression, anxiety, and barking), consultations with certified trainers or behaviourists run anywhere from ₹1,000 to ₹2,500 per session.

Moreover, don’t forget that in addition to formal training and classes, mental enrichment is just as important. Many interactive toy items, puzzles, chew items, and enrichment games can range from ₹500-₹1,000 per month, but they will help with preventing boredom and destruction.

#5 Pet Care While You are Away: Because Pets Can’t Travel Light

Having a pet doesn’t stop life in its tracks, but it certainly requires a little more planning. Whether it’s a weekend trip, business trip, or your yearly vacation, you’ll need to plan for your pet to be taken care of while you’re away.

If you live in a city, a dog walking service is a convenient choice for working professionals. You can expect to pay between ₹2,000 to ₹6,000 a month depending on frequency and experience of the walker.

If you are gone for longer, pet boarding facility is good option, as they provide a secure space as well as food, exercise and supervision. The cost of boarding is hard to pin down as it can be anywhere from ₹500 to ₹2,000 per night, depending upon the city, size of your animal, and amenities available.

If you are planning to take your furry friend with you, pet travel, whether in the air, rails or road will also be an added expense. Tickets, crates, documentation and handling charges will cost upwards of ₹2,000 to ₹10,000 or more.

#6 Unexpected Expenses: The Hidden Debt

Some expense come into play when you become a pet-parent that you do not think about until you are in the pet parenting routine — and they can be surprise expenses.

You will eventually experience furniture damage like scratching your sofa or chewing your shoes, which is common, particularly in younger or active pets. And the actual cleaning supplies; if you have a furry pet, you probably have a vacuuming device, a lint roller for clothing and furniture, some sort of smell removal spray for any stinky messes and maybe even an air filter, if the pet sheds a lot.

Plus, in many urban areas, pet accessories really become a necessity from a comfort and safety standpoint. Think coats, booties or seat covers for your car, especially if you have adverse weather or mobility requirements.

Getting a new pet is a fun and heartwarming experience filled with wags, purrs, and love. But those things do not come without responsibility – there is more to pet ownership than food and belly rubs.