“Pets are humanizing,” actor James Cromwell once said. “They remind us we have an obligation and responsibility to preserve and nurture and care for all life.”
On far too many different occasions, this quote resonates for so many of us. We come to love our pets as if they are our very own family. That’s because that’s what so many of them become. As time goes by, pet costs become a very real thing.
According to the ASPCA, the first-year cost of pet ownership exceeds over $1,000 for most Americans. Before you go and pick up your new best friend at the local animal shelter, DEXSTA is here to help tell you what kind of pet costs you can expect along the way. We’re also here to tell you that not all is lost if you can’t afford those costs at the time of payment.
Pet Costs You Can Expect
This may be an obvious statement, but pets can improve your self-esteem and make us capable of being able to bounce back from tough days. According to a study published by the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, humans are generally happier people when looking after a pet.
That’s a fantastic benefit that everyone can get behind. What the study doesn’t tell you is that owning a pet can also increase your financial anxiety. Whether you decide to adopt a cat, dog, or something more “exotic,” pet costs are a very real thing, and it’s absolutely vital that you’re prepared for what storms may come.
Here are some of the average pet costs when it comes to owning a four-legged companion according to a recent report by Pet Finder:
One-Time Pet Costs
- Spaying or Neutering: $200
- Initial Medical Exam: $70
- Training: $110
- TOTAL One-Time Costs: $565
Annual Pet Costs
- Food: $120
- Annual Medical Exams: $235
- Pet Health Insurance: $225
- TOTAL Annual Costs: $695
If these annual numbers seem like a lot, what we weren’t accounting for are the high costs associated with unexpected surgeries. With prices ranging anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars, these costs can seem debilitating. With DEXSTA, they don’t have to be.
DEXSTA’s Got You Covered
If you feel your heart rate beginning to rise in your chest, take a deep breath. It’s all going to be okay. DEXSTA provides a reliable and easy way to pay for those unexpected pet costs through our pet care loans program. We know what it’s like to care for our pets — that’s why we’re here for you.
You can apply today or just keep this link handy for the next time your pet’s health is put into peril. Remember, pets are like family — but that doesn’t mean you have to feed them a chocolate cake every time it happens to be their birthday.
In case your pet gets into the cake anyway, you can be sure that DEXSTA’s got you covered.