The Cost Of Owning And Keeping A Pet In The Philippines
3 min readGetting an animal companion can set you back anywhere between P10,000 and P1.2 million. But the expenses don’t end there.
“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened,†once said French novelist and poet Anatole France.
It’s something that not only pet lovers can attest to—science also says human-animal interactions have positive effects on one’s cardiovascular well-being.
According to Animal Planet, having a pet boosts mood, improves social skills, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and aids in weight maintenance.
Though it may come at a price, it would be wise to invest in a pet companion as much as you’d invest in an insurance. If you’re looking for something to brighten up your day, here’s some information on common household pets and how much it costs to keep them.
Dogs
| Breed | Pet store price |
|---|---|
| Tibetan Mastiff | P120,000 to P300,000 |
| Akita | P20,000 to P50,000 |
| Samoyed | P100,000 to P150,000 |
| Chow-Chow | P15,000 to P35,000 |
| Old English Sheepdog | P70,000 |
| Newfoundland Dog | P100,000 to P150,000 |
| Alaskan Malamute | P60,000 to P180,000 |
They’re not called man’s best friend for nothing. Research says talking to dogs for even a few minutes will greatly improve your blood pressure.
However, taking care of a dog is no joke. Biologically, these animals are not so adaptive to hot climates and need to be in cold environment.
Because of their thick fur and frequent shedding, they need regular care and grooming. On average, they need around four to six cups of dog food a day to stay healthy and maintain a robust shape. They require exercise too.
Though smart and playful, they can be destructive and aggressive sometimes.
| Procedure/Supply | Cost |
|---|---|
| Vaccine, anti-rabies, de-worming | P250-P700 per dose |
| Dog food | P1,500-P2,000 per 22 kg sack |
| Grooming | P500-P1,000 per session |
Cats
| Breed | Pet store price |
|---|---|
| Persian | P15,000 to P50,000 |
| British Shorthair Blue | P70,000 to P180,000 |
| Sphynx | P200,000 to P350,000 |
| Bengal Cat | P20,000 to P65,000 |
Though they are categorically independent and self-sustaining animals, cats require ample TLC from their owners, too.
Aside from the food, shelter, and trips to the veterinary clinic, felines need paraphernalia such as scratching logs, litter box, and playthings to maintain their physiological, and psychological well-being.
Compared to dogs, petting cats is lighter on owner’s budget as they eat less and require minimum grooming.
| Procedure/Supply | Cost |
|---|---|
| Vaccine, anti-rabies | P250 to P700 |
| Cat food | P1,000 to P2,000 per 22kg sack |
| Grooming | P250 to P450 per session |
(Read: The Cost Of Living An Unhealthy Lifestyle In The Philippines)
Fish, birds, and exotic animals
| Type/Breed | Pet store price |
|---|---|
| VIP Super Red Arowana | P52,000 |
| Violet Fusion Red Arowana | P45,000 |
| Blue Base Gold Arowana | P28,000 |
| Black Diamond Stingray | P12,000 to P45,000 |
| Hyacinth Macaw | P1.2 million |
| Ball Python Super Mojave | P65,000 to 70,000 |
| Sulcata Turtle | P10,000 to P55,000 |
| Black Palm Cockatoo | P90,000 to P115,000 |
| African Grey Parrot | P20,000 |
They may not be the playful, huggable type of pets to keep, but they certainly are a spectacle to behold. Their mesmerizing natural appeal makes them worth your time and money. Amphibians, aquatic animals, and avian creatures, just like any other pets, require careful maintenance, too.
| Equipment/Supply | Cost |
|---|---|
| Fish tank | P2,000 for 75 gallons |
| Aquarium filter | P450 to P1,300 |
| HQ fish feeds/pellets | P300 to P1,200 |
| Bird cage | P500 to P13,000 |
| Hyacinth Macaw | P1.2 million |
| Reptile tank | P3,000 to P10,000 |
| Bird pellets | P550 to P700 per kilo |
| Chicken meat (for snakes) | P125 to P160 per kilo |
| African Grey Parrot | P20,000 |
About the author
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