The 5 Biggest Pet Expenses

We know that pets aren't cheap -- what with vet bills, food, toys, medications, pets can quickly end up costing you a pretty penny. Beyond the obvious, however, there are a number of underlying ways your new furry pal could end up shrinking your wallet. Here are 6 of the most common, yet unexpected, pet-related expenses.

1. Emergency Vet Visits

Beyond your pet’s annual, which (all things considered) should not leave such a hefty dent in your bank account, should your pet fall ill, or end up injured, you are going to have to take them to the vet; and this time it might end up seriously costing you. Depending on the cause of the emergency trip, a last minute vet bill can quickly range into the thousands of dollars.

2. Bye-Bye Security Deposit

If you are renting, chances are you laid down a considerable amount of money at signing time, fully expecting to get that money back. Well, should your new pet decide to claw at any corners, or make the living room carpet their wee-wee pad, you can kiss a considerable chunk of that security deposit goodbye.

3. Pet-Proofing Your Home

It may not look it, but your house probably has a few aspects that, in your pet’s mischievous paws, could end up being dangerous. Things like making sure that every trash can has a lid, hanging up all your potted plants, or fencing in the yard -- while only one time expenses - can certainly start to add up.

 4. Replacing Destroyed Possessions

Most pets are unaware of the fine line between “theirs” and “yours,” which can quickly become a problem when they get bored with their chew toy and decide to gnaw on your iPad. Not only can this be dangerous to their health, but constantly having to replace things like shoes, belts, phones, pocketbooks, stuffed animals, or anything else they can get their paws on, can quickly add up.

Not to mention if they are not housebroken...

5. Vacation Expenses

Next time you get home from a vacation, take a look at how much you spent. Then tack on an extra $40 a day and see what that number looks like, because that is what it will probably run you to have your pet put up in a boarding facility.

6. Bump Up That Insurance!

Pet related incidents make up for almost a third of all homeowners insurance claims, and insurers are no dummies. They know exactly how much risk they are assuming by insuring you, and are going to adjust your premium accordingly. So, if you have a dog (not to mention a breed that is considered dangerous), insurance companies can quickly start to jack up the price on you.

View more from Sam Bourne

Some of the extra costs associated with having a pet are unavoidable, but over-paying on pet medication is not one of them. If your pet is taking any medicine, prescription or not, consider ordering them the savvy way, and learn more about PetPlus.