How Much Does Pet Care Really Cost Every Month?
Most owners assume a pet is cheap, but the numbers add up fast. In South Tyneside a typical dog or cat can cost between £80 and £200 each month — and that’s before emergencies hit.
Below you’ll see the biggest line items, where to cut waste, and how to plan a budget that works for you and your furry friend.
Breakdown of Core Monthly Expenses
Food & treats: A quality dry kibble for a medium‑size dog runs about £30‑£45 a month. Premium wet food or specialty diets can push that to £60. Cats usually need less, but wet cans add up quickly – expect £20‑£35.
Grooming: Regular grooming isn’t just vanity. The average dog grooming cost in 2025 sits at £40‑£60 per session, and most owners need a trim every 6‑8 weeks. That translates to roughly £20‑£30 each month. If you add nail clipping or de‑shedding tools at home, you can shave a few pounds.
Walking & daycare: Hiring a walker or using a doggy daycare in South Tyneside costs £10‑£15 per walk or £150‑£250 for a full‑time daycare slot. Split the weekly fee and you’re looking at £40‑£80 a month.
Health & meds: Routine flea, tick and worming meds average £10‑£15 per month. Add a vet check‑up or vaccination once a year and spread that cost across 12 months – roughly £5‑£10 extra each month.
Travel & transport: If you fly with your dog, a plane ticket can be £50‑£120 depending on the airline. Even occasional trips add up, so budgeting £20 a month for travel gear, carrier fees and occasional flights keeps you prepared.
Smart Ways to Trim the Monthly Bill
Start by tracking every pet‑related purchase for a week. You’ll be surprised how many small items (extra toys, impulse treats) inflate the total.
Buy food in bulk from reputable suppliers – you’ll save 10‑15 % and reduce packaging waste. Many local stores in South Tyneside run loyalty schemes that cut costs further.
Consider DIY grooming. A basic brush, nail trimmer and a calming spray cost under £30 and can replace one professional session per month.
Share walking duties with neighbours or join a community pet‑walking group. Splitting a professional walker’s fee often brings the price down to £5‑£8 per walk.
Use multi‑year health plans offered by vets. They lock in rates for vaccinations and routine checks, preventing surprise spikes.
Finally, schedule an annual budget review. Compare your actual spend against the estimates above and adjust where needed. Small tweaks each quarter can shave £20‑£40 off your yearly bill.
Understanding the real monthly cost of pet care helps you give your animal the best life without breaking the bank. Use these figures as a starting point, then tailor them to your pet’s size, breed and lifestyle. With a clear budget, you’ll enjoy more playtime and less money‑worry.
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