Pet ownership can become costly long before an emergency sends an animal to the vet. New owners should budget for vaccinations during a puppy or kitten’s first year, with dogs generally receiving three vaccinations a month apart and cats two. 

Rabies vaccination is also compulsory by law, while costs can differ according to the animal, breed and veterinary practice, said Dr Wiandre Pieters, Bloemfontein Veterinary Hospital veterinarian.

Consultation fees can range from about R300 to R600, depending on the practice. Sterilisation is another likely first-year expense, with the procedure costing roughly R1,500 to R3,000 for female dogs, around R1,000 for female cats and between R500 and R800 for male cats.

Sterilisation also helps reduce the number of unwanted dogs and cats born without secure homes, food or shelter. It can prevent certain serious health conditions, including pyometra, a potentially life-threatening uterine infection seen in unsterilised female dogs, said Pieters.

Owners must also make provision for routine preventative treatment such as tick, flea and deworming medication. Premium monthly tick and flea protection can cost about R1,200 to R2,000 a year, depending on the size of the dog and the product used, while deworming is generally more affordable.

Dogs that are not frequently exposed to wildlife, unfamiliar animals or contaminated environments may only need deworming every two to three months. A treatment can cost approximately R50 to R100, although the frequency and product should be based on an animal’s individual circumstances, said Pieters.

‘Road accidents can result in some of the most expensive veterinary treatment’

Unexpected emergencies can quickly push veterinary costs much higher. A dog currently being treated at the hospital after being badly bitten by another dog accumulated a bill exceeding R5,000 within two days, including medication, wound cleaning and surgical procedures.

Road accidents can result in some of the most expensive veterinary treatment, particularly when animals suffer fractures to the pelvis or legs. Specialist surgery may be required, while owners could also face travel expenses if treatment is not available locally. Repairing a fractured pelvis can cost between R35,000 and R40,000.

The financial consequences can become severe when owners cannot afford specialist procedures, said Pieters. Some animals requiring extensive surgery ultimately have to be euthanised because their owners do not have the money for treatment, illustrating why provision for emergencies should form part of the decision to acquire a pet.

Basic annual veterinary expenses, including consultations, vaccinations and tick and flea protection, can already reach between R3,000 and R4,000 before food or major medical problems are considered. Food quality is another important expense because poor nutrition can contribute to skin, digestive and other health problems.

Better-quality food can support healthy digestion, skin and bone development, but adds significantly to the ongoing cost of keeping an animal. Prospective owners should therefore consider both routine expenses and the possibility of costly emergencies before adopting or buying a dog or cat, said Pieters.

OFM News/Siyakholwa Mbatyazwa sm

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