Are your pets breaking the bank? Aussies now spend hundreds on their furry friends as living costs skyrocket
As the cost of living continues to rise, we at the Seniors Discount Club are always on the lookout for ways to enjoy life as affordably as possible. Australian pet owners, however, are finding it increasingly challenging to keep up with the expenses that come with caring for their beloved pets, with recent research revealing some staggering numbers.
According to a new Finder survey of 627 participants, Australians are estimated to spend a whopping $2.9 billion on veterinary check-ups for their pets each year. On average, Aussie pet owners have faced an increase in expenses, now spending about $609 per year on pet care, up from $597 last year.
![1684380940242.png 1684380940242.png](https://seniorsdiscountclub.com.au/data/attachments/20/20091-e3e3051973ae56a2f8285cc63bd2062f.jpg)
If you own a furry companion, you're probably all too familiar with regular check-ups, vaccinations, and the occasional unexpected trip to the vet for various reasons. The survey found that 70% of pet owners visited the vet at least once in the past 12 months. With over half (53%) taking their pets to the vet once or twice, and 17% making three or more visits, it's no wonder the costs add up.
Finder insurance expert Gary Hunter commented on the expenses associated with pet ownership, noting, 'From food, to vet check-ups and grooming, there are plenty of expenses that come with having a furry friend.'
But there is hope. Gary Hunter recommended weighing the pros and cons of pet insurance as a means to safeguard against unexpected expenses. 'It's important to weigh up the pros and cons and decide whether pet insurance is right for you and your pet,' he said.
On average, pet insurance for dogs will set you back $1,524 annually, while cat owners get off a little lighter, averaging around $909 per annum. Pet insurance policies may cover a portion of your vet bills, accidental injuries, and illnesses. With policies varying significantly in price, shopping around for the best deal is essential.
Finder's recent Pet Insurance Awards report revealed a price difference of up to $1,000 between the cheapest and most expensive policies, so it's worth searching for a policy that suits your needs and budget. The Awards evaluated more than 25 policies and 190 features and offered over 700 quotes. In their assessment, Knose Pet Insurance took home the title of Best Pet Insurance - Value, while Petsy Top Cover and PIA Major Medical Cover were highly commended.
For those seeking more comprehensive coverage, Knose Pet Insurance also won the Best Pet Insurance - Comprehensive category, with Petsy Top Cover and RSPCA Ultimate Plus Accident and Illness Cover also receiving high praise.
In addition to regular check-ups, veterinarians will also provide up-to-date information about treatments and preventive measures that can be taken to protect your pet. Pet owners should also be aware of the potential for zoonotic diseases, which are diseases that can be transmitted from pets to people.
Overall, regular check-ups with a qualified veterinarian should be part of every pet owner’s routine. Doing so ensures that pets remain healthy and happy and can help prevent any major medical issues in the future. Pet insurance is a great way to ensure that pet owners are covered and can manage any pet-related medical treatments and vet check-ups that might arise over the years.
In our skyrocketing cost-of-living environment, taking care of our furry friends can indeed seem daunting, especially when it comes to unexpected vet bills. However, just as you might take out health insurance for yourself, investing in pet insurance for your lovable companions is worth considering. Keep them healthy, happy, and wagging their tails while ensuring your pocketbook doesn't end up in the doghouse!
Have any tips for reducing pet ownership costs or some excellent pet insurance stories? Share them with our community in the comments section below. We're in this together, and supporting one another is the best way to tackle life's challenges head-on.
According to a new Finder survey of 627 participants, Australians are estimated to spend a whopping $2.9 billion on veterinary check-ups for their pets each year. On average, Aussie pet owners have faced an increase in expenses, now spending about $609 per year on pet care, up from $597 last year.
![1684380940242.png 1684380940242.png](https://seniorsdiscountclub.com.au/data/attachments/20/20091-e3e3051973ae56a2f8285cc63bd2062f.jpg)
If you own a furry companion, you're probably all too familiar with regular check-ups, vaccinations, and the occasional unexpected trip to the vet for various reasons. The survey found that 70% of pet owners visited the vet at least once in the past 12 months. With over half (53%) taking their pets to the vet once or twice, and 17% making three or more visits, it's no wonder the costs add up.
Finder insurance expert Gary Hunter commented on the expenses associated with pet ownership, noting, 'From food, to vet check-ups and grooming, there are plenty of expenses that come with having a furry friend.'
But there is hope. Gary Hunter recommended weighing the pros and cons of pet insurance as a means to safeguard against unexpected expenses. 'It's important to weigh up the pros and cons and decide whether pet insurance is right for you and your pet,' he said.
On average, pet insurance for dogs will set you back $1,524 annually, while cat owners get off a little lighter, averaging around $909 per annum. Pet insurance policies may cover a portion of your vet bills, accidental injuries, and illnesses. With policies varying significantly in price, shopping around for the best deal is essential.
Finder's recent Pet Insurance Awards report revealed a price difference of up to $1,000 between the cheapest and most expensive policies, so it's worth searching for a policy that suits your needs and budget. The Awards evaluated more than 25 policies and 190 features and offered over 700 quotes. In their assessment, Knose Pet Insurance took home the title of Best Pet Insurance - Value, while Petsy Top Cover and PIA Major Medical Cover were highly commended.
For those seeking more comprehensive coverage, Knose Pet Insurance also won the Best Pet Insurance - Comprehensive category, with Petsy Top Cover and RSPCA Ultimate Plus Accident and Illness Cover also receiving high praise.
The Importance of Regular Vet Check-Ups
Now more than ever, it’s important for pet owners to make sure they’re keeping up with regular check-ups and other medical visits to the vet. Regular vet check-ups not only help keep your pet healthy, but they’re also a great way to detect and diagnose potential health issues early on. In the case of canine or feline illnesses, early detection and preventive measures can help avoid even more serious medical problems further down the line.In addition to regular check-ups, veterinarians will also provide up-to-date information about treatments and preventive measures that can be taken to protect your pet. Pet owners should also be aware of the potential for zoonotic diseases, which are diseases that can be transmitted from pets to people.
Overall, regular check-ups with a qualified veterinarian should be part of every pet owner’s routine. Doing so ensures that pets remain healthy and happy and can help prevent any major medical issues in the future. Pet insurance is a great way to ensure that pet owners are covered and can manage any pet-related medical treatments and vet check-ups that might arise over the years.
Key Takeaways
- Aussie pet owners spend $2.9 billion on vet check-ups for their pets each year.
- Australians spend $609 on average per year on their pets, according to a Finder survey.
- Pet insurance for dogs costs $1,524 on average, and pet insurance for cats is $909 per year on average.
- Knose Pet Insurance won the award for Best Pet Insurance in both Value and Comprehensive categories in Finder's Pet Insurance Awards.
In our skyrocketing cost-of-living environment, taking care of our furry friends can indeed seem daunting, especially when it comes to unexpected vet bills. However, just as you might take out health insurance for yourself, investing in pet insurance for your lovable companions is worth considering. Keep them healthy, happy, and wagging their tails while ensuring your pocketbook doesn't end up in the doghouse!
Have any tips for reducing pet ownership costs or some excellent pet insurance stories? Share them with our community in the comments section below. We're in this together, and supporting one another is the best way to tackle life's challenges head-on.