Sparing No Expense for Our Furry Family Members

BY DONNA MORIARTY

When it comes to caring for our pets, it’s safe to say that many Westchester pet owners spare no expense. Depending on where you live, your lifestyle, and the age, breed and number of pets you own, costs will vary. Factor in food, supplies, medical care, and other recurring costs and you’re looking at an annual expenditure that can climb to several thousand dollars. And that doesn’t include pet pampering: the toys, treats, classes and even doggie day care.

New pet owners should budget at least $1,000 for veterinary care during the first year of a pet’s life, says Dr. Phillip Raclyn, founder and director of Westchester Veterinary Associates in Yorktown, Peekskill and Cortlandt. “But it’s significantly less if they sign up with our wellness plan,” he adds, referring to annual fixed-price plans that help defray routine costs. Pet health insurance (see page 24) is another approach to cost management that can help cover major or unexpected veterinary expenses.

Once you decide to adopt a dog or cat, a lot will depend on where you go to obtain your furry friend. Local shelters offer costeffective options. Breed-specific rescue organizations charge premium prices to acquire and supply purebred animals that aren’t found in shelters. Expect to pay an adoption fee, which may include spay/ neuter surgery, a leash and collar or a litter box, and a few cans of food. Community adoption fairs often waive fees if you take an animal home that day.

Food

Pet food options range from discount canned or dry food to organic products purchased in a specialty store. How much you spend on feeding your dog or cat depends on your priorities and budget. The more you pay for food, the better the quality, say some experts. Look for the words “complete and balanced” on the label. To those who cater to their pets’ finicky tastes or allergies by making their own food, Dr. Patricia Doherty, a veterinarian at Sleepy Hollow Animal Hospital in Tarrytown, offers a word of caution. “Many dogs on homemade diets are overweight or suffer from nutritional deficiencies,” she says. She recommends finding a veterinary teaching hospital that offers online nutrition consults so you can get the right recipe for your pet.

Pet owners on a limited budget should consult the American Kennel Club to find clinics, charities or grant programs that assist with veterinary expenses. Bear in mind, these programs are competitive and may require travel to obtain services. Large corporate practices sometimes charge slightly lower fees due to greater volume, but you won’t always see the same vet.

A mobile vet service can be a boon for pets and people with mobility issues, busy lifestyles, multi-pet households and pets whose condition or temperament impedes travel. Dr. Sonja M. Ghersini of Westchester Mobile Veterinary Service, PLLC, says, “House visits allow me to observe pets and owners where they are most comfortable, and I can provide much-needed education.” Ghersini says her fees are comparable to most brickand-mortar veterinary offices in Westchester, though clients are willing to pay a little more for the convenience.

Some pet owners pay their dogs and cats little attention beyond basic food and shelter. Others shower pets with regular grooming, toys, special foods and even luxury services or experiences. Such optional expenses can be recurring or you might decide on the occasional splurge. See the chart on the next page for a sampling of these services and average costs.

Donna Moriarty writes about education, wellness, and personal development. Her work has appeared in national magazines, newspapers, and blogs. She is currently at work on a memoir. She and her husband live in Ossining, where their dachshund terrorizes the neighborhood dogs.