WHO PAYS FOR THE PETS AFTER A BREAK-UP?

Big mistakes can be made when relationships end. There is a lot going on so it’s understandable. Discussions about who takes the pet or pets will often revolve around short-term practicalities. Who has the space and time for the pet? But discussions about the costs are important. Our pets give us so much joy, and they don’t ask for much in return. Ensuring their, and your, future stability might mean a tough conversation, but it’s an important one.

UNDERSTAND THE EXPENSES

Understanding the costs of a pet is the first step to making decisions about what to do with it. In the first year of ownership a cat or dog will cost you anywhere between $3000 and $6000. After that you can expect to pay at least $1475 each year for a dog and $1029 for a cat. And that’s providing there are no accidents, injuries or illnesses. If your dog lives to be 12 years old, that’s $23,700. That estimate is without pet insurance, which can be anywhere from $700 to $1050 per year.