Welcoming a dog or cat changes the daily life, but also the household’s budget. Between the administrative procedures, the first appointments with the veterinarian and the organization to put in place, it is easy to forget an important point. This New owner checklist Takes back, in order, everything that needs to be anticipated in terms of health and budget from the first weeks, to start this new life with two (or three) serenely, if you already have another animal at home).
the essential administrative and health procedures from the arrival
Before even thinking about the budget, some obligations and good practices must be settled quickly.
Identification and vaccination: the first steps
In France, IDENTIFICATION (electronic chip or tattoo) is mandatory for dogs and cats, usually already made by the elevator, association or refuge before the transfer. Check that the certificate has been given to you and that the contact details are up to date in the National File (I-CAD).
Side vaccination, a puppy or a kitten follows a protocol in several injections (primo-vaccination then reminders), with a first passage to the veterinarian in the days following adoption if you have not already done so. It is also the occasion for a complete first complete health check.
The choice of the treating veterinarian
Take the time to choose a trusted veterinary clinic, close to your home: it is your contact for routine follow-up as for emergencies. Some firms offer annual follow-up packages that can be interesting in the first year.
Dog or cat: different health needs from the first weeks
The basic checklist looks alike, but a few points deserve to be adapted according to the species.
In the puppy
The primary vaccination protocol is a little longer (parvovirus, square disease, hepatitis, leptospirosis depending on the way of life), with reminders spaced a few weeks apart. This is also the period when we think of the socialization (Encounters with other dogs, everyday noises) and, for large breeds, to monitor joint growth: a suitable and not excessive diet in calories limits the risk of orthopedic disorders later.
In the kitten
The kitten also follows a vaccine protocol (Typhus, Coryza, and Leucosis according to the planned way of life), but the question that comes up the fastest is that of the sterilization, often scheduled from 5 to 6 months, before the first heat. Also remember to secure the accommodation if the kitten should have access to a balcony or a high window: Falls are one of the frequent causes of emergency consultation in the young indoor cat.
The basic equipment to be expected, beyond health
Once the veterinary appointments have been planned, a few basic purchases complete the checklist: bowls, basket or sleeping suitable for the planned adult size, carrier for trips, harness or necklace with medal, scratching post for a cat, occupation toys to limit Lennui for the first few weeks. This is not the most expensive position, but it still weighs in the budget for the first few months, in addition to the health costs mentioned below.
Food, hygiene and daily preventive follow-up
Once the initial steps have been settled, the organization of the daily comes into play:
- Adapted feeding at age, size and species (puppy/kitten then adult kibble, recommended portions).
- deworming and antiparasitic Regular (fleas, ticks), essential all year round, not just in summer.
- Sterilization, to consider with the veterinarian according to the animal’s age and lifestyle.
- Preventive descaling, often overlooked so that he avoids expensive dental complications later.
Each of these items has a recurring cost that it is better to integrate into the monthly budget than to discover over the bills.
The health budget for the first year: what to really need to plan
This is often the most underestimated point by new owners: the first year generally costs more than the following, because of the costs of start-up (vaccines, sterilization, identification if not done).
An example of a typical monthly distribution
As an order of magnitude, a smooth monthly budget over the first year (food, pest control, provision for vaccines and sterilization) is commonly between 40 and 70 € per month for a dog, and a little less for a cat, excluding the unexpected. This figure remains indicative: it varies greatly depending on the size of the animal, the quality of the diet chosen and your region. The most useful is to list your own expense items and ask your veterinarian for a quote for scheduled acts (vaccines, sterilization).
Current costs (vaccines, dewormers, sterilization)
As an indication, a First full year (Vaccines, dewormers, sterilization) commonly represents several hundred euros for a dog as for a cat, in addition to food and accessories. These amounts remain orders of magnitude: they vary according to the region, the clinic and the size of the animal, so do not hesitate to ask for a quote before each act.
Unforeseen events: accidents and illnesses
Beyond routine maintenance, a young animal remains exposed to domestic accidents (ingestion of an object, fall, injury on a walk) and to diseases that do not prevent. Surgical intervention or hospitalization can represent several hundred or even several thousand euros depending on the severity. It is precisely this type of unexpectedness that it is difficult to anticipate without a safety net.
Should we take out animal health insurance right from the start?
This is the question most new owners are asking once the administrative checklist is complete. A Animal health insurance (also called animal mutual insurance) reimburses all or part of the veterinary costs, according to a Refund rate, within the limit of a Annual ceiling, after a possible franchise (the sum that remains at your expense). it is almost always accompanied by a waiting period : a period after subscription during which certain costs are not yet covered, generally of the order of a few tens of days for an illness and shorter for an accident.
one of the great advantages of subscribing young, from the adoption, it is precisely to prevent that any health problems are then classified as pre-existing pathologies, excluded from the contract. It is for this reason that many new owners compare offers from the first weeks rather than expecting a first health glitch. To explore the different formulas available for a dog or cat and compare the levels of guarantees, you can consult the Animal insurance comparator, which lists the main offers on the market with their refund rates and exclusions.
However, keep in mind that the prices and guarantees presented remain hints and depend on your animal’s profile (species, race, age): the general conditions of each contract are authentic, and it is recommended to read them carefully before signing.
FAQ
Should you ensure a puppy or a kitten as soon as it is adopted?
This is not mandatory (only civil liability is required for Category 1 and 2 dogs), but subscribing generally helps to avoid exclusions related to health problems that would appear later.
What budget should I plan for the first year of a dog or cat?
It varies by species, race and region, but it is necessary to count vaccines, sterilization, diet and a margin for the unexpected. A quote with your veterinarian remains the best way to have a precise number for your situation.
Does animal health insurance reimburse immediately after subscription?
No: A waiting period applies, generally shorter for accidents than for illnesses. It is therefore preferable to subscribe before a health problem occurs.
How to choose between several animal insurance offers?
Compare the reimbursement rate, the annual ceiling, the deductible and especially the list of exclusions, rather than the only amount of the monthly contribution.
Is the health budget very different between a dog and a cat?
A cat generally costs a little less year-round than a dog of medium or large size, especially on food, but the main positions (vaccines, sterilization, unforeseen) remain similar in their nature.
Conclusion
Welcoming an animal is not limited to the favorite of the first day: identification, vaccination, basic equipment, food, preventive follow-up and anticipation of the health budget form a set to be prepared from the first weeks. By structuring these approaches with a clear checklist and thinking early about the issue of health insurance, you are starting on a good basis to calmly accompany your companion for many years.
FAQ
Faut-il assurer un chiot ou un chaton dès son adoption ?
This is not mandatory by law (except specific civil liability for category 1 and 2 dogs). However, subscribing to it from an early age is strongly recommended to avoid exclusions from guarantees on diseases that would be declared later.
Quel est le budget réel à prévoir pour la première année d’un animal ?
The cost varies by species, race and region. Between vaccines, sterilization, basic equipment (baskets, bowls, litter) and food, this represents several hundred euros. Requesting a quote from your veterinarian remains the best way to accurately quantify the cost of the starting medical procedures.
L’assurance santé rembourse-t-elle les frais immédiatement après la souscription ?
No, a “waiting time” almost always applies. It is a period of a few days (for an accident) to a few weeks (for an illness) during which the costs are not yet covered. This is why it is better to insure the animal before the problems appear.
Comment bien choisir sa mutuelle pour animaux ?
Don’t just look at the monthly fee price! Compare the reimbursement rate carefully (ex: 70% or 100%), the maximum annual ceiling, the annual deductible and especially contract exclusions.
Est-ce qu’un chien coûte plus cher qu’un chat en frais de santé ?
In general, a cat costs a little less year-round, especially in terms of food portions. However, for current health costs (vaccinations, sterilization, pest control treatments) or in the event of a heavy accident, the nature of the expenses remains very similar.