For many South Africans, bringing home a new puppy or kitten is a joyful milestone, but the extent of the financial commitment often surfaces only after the new family addition is safe at home. Essentials like dry dog food can start at R300 for a 20kg bag. Items like cat litter can also become recurring items in the grocery basket. Premium meals and treats can quickly increase the cost of loving your little puppy.

Healthcare costs in the first year can be an equally rude awakening. Routine items also mount up over time, vaccinations at about R500 per round, flea and tick control at roughly R500, and sterilisation commonly running into the thousands depending on species, sex, and size. Major procedures can be far higher, with a broken leg repair from roughly R15 000 and cataract surgery around R20 000 or more. Without pet insurance, a single accident or emergency can wipe out months of savings.

It does not end there. Professional grooming for certain breeds, behavioural training, kennel stays, or pet-sitting when travelling, and extra costs in pet-friendly rentals such as deposits or cleaning fees all feature on the list of often-overlooked expenses.

A realistic monthly budget, an emergency fund, and well-chosen insurance can help South Africans avoid surprises and ensure that pets remain a happy and healthy part of the household.