How To Financially Prepare For Your New Pet

Bringing a pet into your life is exciting, but it’s also a financial commitment. From adoption fees to ongoing care, planning ahead can help you avoid surprises and keep your furry friend happy and healthy.

What To Expect:

• Adoption Fees: These can add up quickly, especially if you’re adopting from a shelter or rescue. If you need quick access to funds, convenience checks can offer a low-rate alternative to high-interest cash advances, so you can cover costs without stress and bring your new family member home as soon as possible.
• Veterinary Care: Spaying or neutering, vaccinations, and regular checkups are essential. Unexpected accidents or dental care can also add up. Consider setting aside a monthly amount in a savings account to build a pet emergency fund.
• Everyday Expenses: Food, grooming, toys, and training classes are ongoing costs. Doggy daycare or dog park memberships can also impact your budget. Planning ahead for these ongoing costs helps you stay financially secure while giving your new pet the care and love they deserve.

Tip: Flea and tick prevention, while necessary, can add up quickly. Check with the manufacturer – they often offer rebates!

Plan For The Unexpected

Pet insurance can help offset emergency costs, but if you don’t have coverage, a personal line of credit typically offers a lower rate than most credit cards — giving you peace of mind when you need it most. Listen to the podcast episode about pet insurance from financial well-being provider, Life. Money. You.^®.

Ready to welcome your new best friend? Start planning today with BCU’s flexible financial solutions or schedule a free appointment with a Certified Financial Coach for one-on-one guidance.

Ready to experience the credit union difference? Become a member of BCU!

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About BCU: BCU is a not-for-profit, member-owned credit union that is fiercely dedicated to Empowering People To Discover Financial Freedom. With over $6B in assets, BCU is committed to providing a fast, easy, and secure banking experience along with extraordinary service to more than 360,000 members. The BCU field of membership includes employees and their families from Fortune 100 companies across the US and Puerto Rico. Membership is also open to individuals who live or work in Northern Illinois, Southern Wisconsin, and Puerto Rico, as well as subscribers of BCU’s wholly owned Credit Union Service Organization (CUSO), Life. Money. You.^®. All BCU members enjoy lifetime access to financial services and well-being programs that inspire confidence through the brand promise “Here Today For Your Tomorrow.”

To learn more about how we can help you realize your financial dreams, visit BCU.org. For media inquiries, visit BCU.org/About-Us/Media-Relations.