Budgeting for your pet

By Jermaine Koh

If you’ve only got a minute:

• Major life shifts like job changes, moves, or having children affect your pet too – plan for how these transitions impact their care.
• Go beyond budgeting and insurance and prepare for caregiving contingencies, cost spikes and even long-term rehoming or farewell plans.

You’ve nailed your budgeting apps, and are growing your emergency fund, maybe even investing. But what about the furry creature curled up next to you right now – your pet?

If you’re in your 20s to 30s, chances are you got your pet sometime in early adulthood – when time felt abundant and responsibilities were lighter. But as life ramps up, so do the costs and commitments, and many pet owners find themselves juggling caregiving with unexpected financial curveballs.

Let’s take a step back. Here’s how to future-proof your pet’s life financially and emotionally at every stage.

Early 20s

This phase is where first-time pawrents start: young, optimistic and often unaware of the full scope of financial responsibility.

You may be tempted to skip insurance to “save now”, but one unexpected vet bill can undo a year’s worth of savings.

Key moves:

• Build a monthly budget for food, grooming, check-ups (S$100 to S$300/month depending on pet)
• Create a mini pet emergency fund (aim for S$1,000 to S$2,000 to start)
• Lock in pet insurance early, before any conditions develop (pre-existing illnesses usually aren’t covered)
• Save emergency vet contacts in your phone and locate the nearest 24-hour clinics (trust me, this will come in handy when the unexpected hits)

Find out more: Pawsome Protect

Late 20s to early 30s

New job? Relocation? New flat? Relationship milestones? These changes don’t just affect you – they impact your pet too and each may chalk up expenses.

Key moves:

• Update pet and insurance information when you move – especially if your vet changes.
• Reassess your emergency buffer. If you’re freelancing or between jobs, your pet fund may need to stretch further. Consider setting aside 3-6x your monthly pet expenses, or 12x if your income is unstable.
• Set aside a dedicated pet contingency fund (e.g. S$1,000 – S$3,000 per pet), especially if your pet is ageing and has known medical needs.
• Plan for relocation expenses – including transport, pet deposits and housing restrictions (especially if switching between homes or moving abroad).
• Factor in daycare or pet-sitting if your work hours shift.
• Plan for holiday care – pet hotels and sitters often charge more during festive periods, so budget ahead and book early.

While there’s no fixed rule for pet-specific emergency funds, I found that setting aside 1-2 months of my salary specifically for pet-related emergencies worked best when I was still building my general savings.

Now that I have a more stable emergency fund, I treat my pet’s buffer as a line item within that, but when life feels uncertain, I keep it separate for a peace of mind.

Mid 30s

Whether you’re moving in with a partner, starting a family, or simply settling into a new rhythm, your pet’s place in the household shifts too.

Key moves:

• Have upfront conversations with your partner about shared pet responsibilities and expenses from food to vet bills.
• Consider informal agreements (even written) for “custody” or financial responsibility in case of separation especially if you both contribute significantly.
• Account for increased vet visits and chronic care as your pet ages so do update your budget accordingly.
• Introduce your pet early to baby routines or child-proofing plans (for eg. budgeting for child safety and training plans with professionals) to minimise stress on both sides.
• Include your pet in child safety and training plans as unexpected behavioural issues often arise when babies enter the home.

Pets are family, but they’re also dependents. Anticipating household changes affect their routine and expenses helps keep their care consistent and your finances steady.

When life throws a curveball

Whether it’s a layoff, injury or mental health break, having backup plans makes a difference not just for you, but for your pet’s safety and comfort.

Financial setbacks or health challenges can derail even the best pet plans, unless you are prepared for them.

Key moves:

• If unemployed, pause non-essential spending, but avoid cancelling pet insurance as this is when you’re most vulnerable to unexpected costs.
• Appoint 1 or 2 temporary guardians for your pet in case of hospitalisation or burnout.
• Keep digital copies of your pet’s medical records and routines to make handovers easier.
• Prepare a short-term care plan (with food preferences, meds, vet contacts) and share if with trusted friends or family.

According to SPCA’s 2023 report, a surprising number of pets are surrendered not out of neglect, but during moments of crisis such as inflation, rising vet costs, caregiving pressures and shifting family dynamics. A pre-arranged caregiving plan could be the lifeline that keeps your pet safe and out of the shelter system.

Later years

Senior pets cost more and need more care. With the right planning, you can focus on giving them comfort, not scrambling over costs.

Key moves:

• Budget for long-term medication, blood work, mobility aids and dietary adjustments.
• Explore palliative care options – some vets offer home visits for check-ups or end-of-life care (usually at an additional cost).
• Decide in advance if you want to pursue aggressive treatment or focus on quality of life? This helps avoid emotionally charged decisions under stress.
• Start saving for farewell arrangements (cremation, memorial options, etc.) as they typically cost S$300 to S$1,000 or more, depending on your wishes.

When the time came for my own pet, being able to say goodbye surrounded by friends and loved ones, with a proper ceremony, gave me time to grieve and emotional closure I didn’t know I needed.

A quiet send-off, familiar toys and shared memories made all the difference. It wasn’t overly extravagant, but it was intentional, and that mattered.

Final word

No one likes to think about vet emergencies, unexpected goodbyes or the long road of ageing. But your pet trusts you completely, so future-proofing its life is one of the most meaningful acts of love and responsibility you can offer.

And like all good planning, it doesn’t have to be perfect – just intentional, flexible and grounded in the reality of your evolving life.