Ask the experts

A small pet can seem like a great option if you want all the love of a new furry member of the family, without the costs of a larger pet. On the other hand, our PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report 2016 showed that 98% of pet owners thought their pet would have a smaller lifetime cost than it did. Veterinary Campaigns Advisor Katy Orton explains.

Does a smaller pet mean a cheaper pet?

While the initial cost of buying a smaller pet is usually less than a larger one (and of course smaller pets will eat less), there are still plenty of things to think about when it comes to money, from unexpected vet bills to new toys, fresh bedding, fresh hay and greens every day.

What should I think about before getting a small pet?

Make sure you do your research thoroughly. New pets need somewhere to live, a run, food and drink bowls or feeders, neutering or spaying, microchipping and vaccinations. Then there’s pet insurance, parasite treatments, food and bedding – not to mention replacements for things that have been chewed or nibbled up!

How does the age of my pet affect the cost?

If you get your pet when they’re young, they will likely need neutering, treating for parasites and microchipping. However, after these initial costs (and depending on how healthy your pet is) the cost of keeping your pet should stay roughly the same while they’re young. As an animal gets older they’re more likely to encounter health problems, which can mean extra costs for veterinary care and treatment.

What’s the average lifetime cost of a small pet?

The amount will vary, but a rabbit will generally cost £10-15,000 over the course of its life. That’s £7-9,000 less than a cat and £11-18,000 less than a dog. Again, don’t forget that you will need two neutered rabbits, as rabbits love company, so this will increase the cost.

Is there anything I can do to reduce the cost of keeping my pet?

Making sure you have a healthy pet to start with is very important. That means getting them from a reputable place. Rehoming is a great (and cheaper) option, so your first port of call should be a rehoming charity such as Dogs Trust or Cats Protection. Before buying, be aware of the five welfare needs of pets: Behaviour, Companionship, Diet, Health and Environment. The healthier and happier your pet is, the less likely it is that you’ll need to see a vet.

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Ask the experts

A small pet can seem like a great option if you want all the love of a new furry member of the family, without the costs of a larger pet. On the other hand, our PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report 2016 showed that 98% of pet owners thought their pet would have a smaller lifetime cost than it did. Veterinary Campaigns Advisor Katy Orton explains.

Does a smaller pet mean a cheaper pet?

While the initial cost of buying a smaller pet is usually less than a larger one (and of course smaller pets will eat less), there are still plenty of things to think about when it comes to money, from unexpected vet bills to new toys, fresh bedding, fresh hay and greens every day.

What should I think about before getting a small pet?

Make sure you do your research thoroughly. New pets need somewhere to live, a run, food and drink bowls or feeders, neutering or spaying, microchipping and vaccinations. Then there’s pet insurance, parasite treatments, food and bedding – not to mention replacements for things that have been chewed or nibbled up!

How does the age of my pet affect the cost?

If you get your pet when they’re young, they will likely need neutering, treating for parasites and microchipping. However, after these initial costs (and depending on how healthy your pet is) the cost of keeping your pet should stay roughly the same while they’re young. As an animal gets older they’re more likely to encounter health problems, which can mean extra costs for veterinary care and treatment.

What’s the average lifetime cost of a small pet?

The amount will vary, but a rabbit will generally cost £10-15,000 over the course of its life. That’s £7-9,000 less than a cat and £11-18,000 less than a dog. Again, don’t forget that you will need two neutered rabbits, as rabbits love company, so this will increase the cost.

Is there anything I can do to reduce the cost of keeping my pet?

Making sure you have a healthy pet to start with is very important. That means getting them from a reputable place. Rehoming is a great (and cheaper) option, so your first port of call should be a rehoming charity such as Dogs Trust or Cats Protection. Before buying, be aware of the five welfare needs of pets: Behaviour, Companionship, Diet, Health and Environment. The healthier and happier your pet is, the less likely it is that you’ll need to see a vet.