The cost of companionship

21 December 2011

The cost of companionship

It’s a fact. New Zealand is a nation of animal lovers. But in the current economic environment, the costs relating to pet ownership are even more important when considering taking on an animal– especially when the cute kitten or puppy is a Christmas present.

NZVA President, Dr Gavin Sinclair says: “Regardless of whether you’re thinking about giving an animal as a gift, or pet ownership has been a long-held desire of your own, even a healthy pet can cost thousands of dollars over its lifetime. People need to weigh this against why they want an animal in the first place.”

Research by the New Zealand Companion Animal Council (NZCAC) showed that, on average, a cat will cost $466 a year, while dogs are more than double this at $1,047. The research shows that after food, which accounts for around half of all expenditure on our furry friends, people spend the greatest amount on veterinary services and healthcare.

Total spending on veterinary services accounts for a total of $358m, or 23% of the $1.584bn spent each year on our companion animals. Healthcare products make up $166m or 10% of the money spent.

Over the last year, 85% of dog owners and 67% of cat owners have taken their pets to the vet. The average annual expenditure on veterinary services for cats is $108 per animal, totalling $157m. Dog owners spend more per pet at $262, totalling $188m a year.

While this may point to the fact that we’re taking good care of our pets, the tough economic conditions have given rise to some not so comforting trends.

Dr Sinclair adds: “Companion animals are visiting the vet less often, which is resulting in greater instances of diseases related to obesity, dental disease and flea and tick infestations.”

More importantly, there is the possibility that the financial pressures on households are impacting on de-sexing rates. This is an important issue that may lead to more unwanted kittens and puppies and also poses a significant threat to our wildlife.

“A single unspayed female cat and her unspayed female kittens are considered capable of producing 3,200 kittens in just one year. Many end up becoming stray or feral. They can have a devastating effect on our native wildlife.”

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