Table 6.
A comparative analysis of the cost of dog and cat care (Figures are based on average costs in Ontario. Numbers are rounded.)*
| Cats
| ||
|---|---|---|
| Service (annual cost) | BUAS | OVMA |
| Veterinary care | $294a | $287b |
| Kitty litter | $100c | $91 |
| Food | $372 | $306 |
| Collars, leashes, toys, and miscellaneous supplies | $53 | $36 |
| Pet insurance | $360 | $270 |
| Total annual cost of cat cared | $1179 | $990 |
|
Dogs | ||
| Service (annual cost) | BUAS | OVMA |
| Veterinary care | $451a | $360b |
| Food | $514 | $510 |
| Collars, leashes, toys, and miscellaneous supplies | $53 | $36 |
| Pet insurance | $408 | $455 |
| Licensing | $39 | $25 |
| Total annual cost of dog care | $1519 | $1386 |
BUAS: Based on the 50% of owners who took cats (of all ages) to a vet in the past 12 months.
OVMA: Based on a 4.5 kg adult cat, includes annual vaccinations, fecal exam, wellness profile and flea treatment. The average $471.45 cost of professional dentistry estimate by the OVMA was excluded from this comparison.
Estimated and not from the Ipsos Reid or OVMA.
Considering less than 10% of Canadian cats are licensed, cost of licensing is excluded.
BUAS: Based on the 78% of owners who took dogs (of all ages) to a vet in the past 12 months.
OVMA: Based on a 18 kg adult dog, includes annual vaccinations, fecal exam, wellness profile and flea/heartworm treatment and testing. The average $471.45 cost of professional dentistry estimate by the OVMA was excluded from this comparison.
Osborne D. Focus magazine. Ontario Veterinary Medical Association, 2008.