If you’re considering adding a pet to your family, you may already be calculating the various costs associated with pet care. Some of the most common costs to consider include: dietary requirements, licensing, adoption costs, pet insurance, grooming and dog walking supplies, and, of course, the expected cost of the first year’s vet bills.
Furthermore, if you live in Texas, you may be curious to know how the costs of general pet care compare in different cities. This post takes a look at the top costs to consider, as well as how they stack up in two pet-loving cities like Austin and Fort Worth.
Pet Insurance
The most significant cost to consider is the estimated price of pet insurance. Having pet insurance will ensure that you can provide your pet with the necessary medical care when they need it. So, how much is pet insurance in Fort Worth and Austin?
It’s essential to point out that the cost of insurance varies between rural and metropolitan areas and also depends on the type of coverage you’re opting for. That said, here’s how they compare:
- Austin: On average, a pet insurance policy can cost you between $30 and $34 per month.
- Fort Worth: Since Fort Worth isn’t a metropolitan city, you can find pet insurance for as little as $10.
- Comparison: Factors such as dog breed, policy coverage, and state requirements may affect the total cost.
Cost of Adoption
All potential pet owners should strive to follow the “adopt, don’t shop” policy when they’re deciding how they’re going to get their next pet. Adoption gives an abandoned homeless or aged pet a home and reduces the strain on animal shelters. Essentially, these are the costs you can expect when you’re planning to adopt a pet in either city:
- Austin: On average, the cost of adoption in Austin is $75. This often includes neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping.
- Fort Worth: The Fort Worth Animal Shelter charges $10 to adopt an animal. Dogs can be adopted for $49 from the City of Fort Worth.
- Comparison: While Fort Worth appears cheaper, it’s essential to check that the costs cover neutering and microchipping.
Pet Licencing
All pets over the age of three months are required by law to have a pet license. This is essential because it serves as a means of identifying and returning lost pets to their owners. Failure to obtain a license can result in the owner being fined. Avoid this by making licensing one of the first things you do with your new pet. Here’s how it compares:
- Austin: By law, anyone selling a dog should pay a $50 registration fee to the Austin Animal Center.
- Fort Worth: Dog licenses in Fort Worth vary from $100 for a three-year license to $200 for un-chipped pets with up-to-date vaccinations.
- Comparison: Adopting in Austin appears to be cheaper, especially if the cost falls to the seller, but this may be dependent on where you adopt from.
Cost of First-Year Vet Bills
When you adopt a puppy or kitten, there may be significant vet bills in the first year. This is largely due to vaccinations, microchipping, as well as neutering and spaying. Here’s what to expect:
- Austin: On average, the first year of vet bills can fall in the $1,500 range. This depends on the treatments, vaccinations, type of pet, and animal clinic you’re opting for.
- Fort Worth: First-year vet bills in Fort Worth can range between $100 and $500.
- Comparison: As with other aspects of your pet’s care, the cost of vet bills is determined by the location, type of pet, and the individual clinic you’re opting to use. Shop around for the most cost-effective option. Be sure to check if these costs are covered by your pet insurance.
Annual Cost of Dog Food
You’ll soon learn two things about your new pet. The first is that they will expect you to find ways to keep them happy and entertained. They will also want to eat whatever you’re eating all the time. All pets require a balanced diet made up of nutrients necessary to maintain their overall health. Typically, this is what an annual cost of dog food can amount to:
- Austin: A basic diet of prescribed dog food can cost at least $400.
- Fort Worth: In Fort Worth, you can expect to pay as little as $300 for lower-quality dog food and as much as $600 per bag for top-quality food. This can easily amount to $2,700 per year.
- Comparison: The total cost of food won’t vary much between the two cities and it will depend on the breed and size of the animal, age, existing health requirements, and the brand of dog food you’re choosing. Speak to your vet for the best recommendation.
In some aspects the costs between Austin and Fort Worth are very similar. In other areas, they differ quite considerably. Overall, factors such as dog breed, location, age, and health will determine your eventual costs.
Looking for ways to keep your pet happy in Austin? Here are some ideas!
Featured photo via Pixabay.
