Big ol' post about how much we spend here on our pets.


We have in our household two dogs, one cat, five hens and one duck. We also own two horses who have to live in our old hometown because it's waayy too expensive to board them anywhere near us. When we rented we had a place on three acres and we all lived together. I miss riding and taking care of them. Horses are wonderful mental therapy. Well, really all animals are. I don't understand how some people live without any pets. I know, personal preference and all, but I would not want to live without my furry family.

Course, we would save a ton of money... hmmm.. (Just Kidding)

Seriously, along those lines we do want to try to find one of the horses a new home. We took her in in a sort of rescue situation and I think she would make a good friend to someone. The other, my Arabian gelding, I have had since I was 13 so I want to care for him until he passes. He is 22 now and is in great shape so that could easily be another 10 years.

Alright, this post is about spending so...

Each month it's $300 for board on the horses. (Compared to $550 and up in our area.)
This past month was our yearly vet check and vaccines. $120.
Both horses are barefoot and have great feet so only need trims 2-3 times per year (thankfully). Trims next month will be $30 each.

"Sasha", our sheltie, is still doing great even with the cancer diagnosis last October. Yay! We opted for the conservative chemo treatment. Luckily, because of where I work I can get all my animal's medication at cost. Her chemo pills are $223/50ct bottle. She takes one per day. I don't know how much it would be from a pharmacy. She also needs once monthly blood testing. I buy my boss lunch to cover the cost.

"Maxx", our nine-year-old Labrador, is very healthy, (knock on wood!) but I have noticed him slowing down a bit. A few weeks back I started Adequan injections. This is for joint support and rebuilding. $80 for the first month, then about $10 once monthly. I submitted for a $20 rebate and should be getting in in the next week or so. This treatment would normally cost about $150 to $300 in the first month.

"Munchie", our 12 year old kitty is going to get a blood test next week. I will get this for free! (Average cost $150)

The hens and duck cost about $25 every six weeks, or so, to feed and buy pine shavings for their enclosure.

Another perk of my job - Free dog and cat food! That saves a bunch!

Speaking of work, I see what other people spend on pets so that does put my spending in perspective. More like I am very thankful I save so much by working for a veterinarian!