The Cost of Caring for a Senior Pet: Budgeting Tips

As our furry family members age, their needs often change along with them. Whether it’s more regular visits to the vet and new medications or specialised food and mobility aids, the changing needs of our beloved older pets can often mean extra costs for us as owners and caregivers. 

Seeing your pet care costs getting higher, alongside your other household expenses, can be very stressful. You always want to be able to provide what’s best for your pet, and make sure that they’re getting all the support they need, however, when costs rise - sometimes overnight - it can feel overwhelming. 

Here are some tips to stay on top of costs you may have for your senior pet: 

Plan ahead 

While you don't have a crystal ball for what your senior pet may need, having a clear understanding on your current pet care costs, and even starting to plan ahead for future costs, can help you feel more prepared. Keeping up to date with your vet checks can be useful with this too. Remember: You can always chat with a professional on what to expect over the next 6-12 months for your senior pet and plan ahead for costs that may come along with this. 

Regular vet checks can also help spot and treat health issues perhaps before they become bigger for your pet, and more expensive for you. 

Our best tip? Planning ahead doesn't need to mean that you are putting aside large amounts of money. You could try to save a small extra sum monthly, that works for you and your budget, and let this ‘kitty’ grow over time. While it may not cover all costs when a larger expense comes, it can ease some of the initial financial blow. 

Shop smart 

A change-up in what your senior pet needs may mean it is worthwhile changing up where you shop. You may be surprised by the different deals and options out there, particularly if you're buying a particular item for the first time! 

When shopping around, you can think about: 

• Any retailers with loyalty programs where you can receive members discounts and other rewards, like Petbarn Friends for Life program or RSPCA World for Pets Loyalty Club. 
• Comparing costs between grocery stores and pet retailers (especially online ones who have lower overheads), or considering vet-approved home brand alternatives for items such as food. 
• Keeping an eye out for specials and sales of your most common items and stocking up when you can at the lower price. 
• Senior pets are often prescribed greater supplements as they age, to make sure their nutrition is up to scratch. However, these supplements can come with an unwelcome price tag. Ask your vet if you can have a prescription which you can then use to shop around and buy cheaper online from pet pharmacies such as the Pet Circle Pharmacy. 

Buy second hand (where you can)

This tip may not be relevant for all of your senior pet’s supplies, but it could be a god send for items for your home that make it more comfortable and accessible for your pet as they get older. 

Look out on places like Facebook Marketplace, local Facebook groups, Gumtree or even eBay for things like  mobility aids for ramps and stairs, supportive bedding and non-slip flooring options. 

Doing your research and making sure all items are in good and clean condition is, of course, important. However, buying second hand can be a great way to cut down a cost and get your hands on an item that is already pet approved. You never know - you may also connect with someone with similar experience with a senior pet who can share their tips and advice too! 

Ask for advice 

We can all be guilty of a Google search that bombards us with lots of different advice. And when this happens, it can be easy to fall into the trap of blowing your budget by buying too many supplies for your senior pet. You may only need a handful of key items to provide the best care. 

Look to your vet for tailored and professional advice on what your pet may need. You could also tap into the insights of respected local experts such as RSPCA and Pet Circle’s Vet Squad. 

If you're debating a few options and want some real-life insight from pet owners, you could also consider posting in an online forum or social media group such as Cat Lovers Advice - Australia. Keep your question as specific as possible, to avoid ending up with too many options again when people answer!  

Seeing a strain on your wallet as your senior pet needs more care and attention can be a stressful juggle. Doing your research and planning, and leaning on your community and experts wherever you can, can help ease some of this stress and make a difficult situation more manageable.