The emotional rewards of owning a pet are undeniable, but the financial reality is often underestimated. Younger consumers, particularly Millennials and Gen Z households embracing DINKWAD (Dual income, no kids, with a dog) lifestyles, are increasingly allocating disposable income towards their pets. However, while spending on premium food, grooming and accessories is rising, risk protection often remains overlooked.
“Bringing home a new pet, or looking after one, takes careful consideration, says Kavisha Parbhoo, Head of Strategy and Product at Miway. “From routine healthcare and nutrition to emergency treatment and specialist care, the cost of responsible pet ownership has increased steadily in recent years.”
The costs can add up
South Africa’s pet care market is estimated to be worth around R8 billion[i], reflecting strong consumer demand despite ongoing economic pressures.
Today 45% of South African adults own a pet, but with only a fraction insured, many households could be financially exposed.Take for instance if your pet is hit by a car and requires an emergency consultation with a vet, x-rays and surgical repair to a fractured leg. This can cost in the region of R12 500, which could be financially challenging for your budget unexpectedly. This is where pet insurance has a strong role to play, as cover can help to provide financial support so that the full expense doesn’t need to come out of your pocket.
Visiting the Vet
The South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) notes that the cost of practising veterinary medicine continues to rise, with expenses inevitably passed on to consumers. As of 2025, standard consultation fees ranged from R350 to R550, while routine checkups with vaccinations typically cost between R660 and R770[ii].
“More complex diagnostics, specialist procedures and hospitalisation can escalate significantly beyond this. Even a ‘simple’ ear infection can cost around R1 200 to treat. It can be surprising to pet owners how many ailments and injuries pets can be exposed to.” Parbhoo adds.
Vaccinations, sterilisation and routine healthcare can add up quickly too, with many owners spending thousands of rands annually. Emergency procedures or unexpected treatments can cost up to R25 000 or more per incident.
When the unplanned becomes unaffordable
“When a pet becomes ill, injured, or needs specialised treatment, most owners want to do everything possible to help. Unfortunately, that level of care often comes with substantial veterinary costs.”
In some cases, this strain leads to what veterinarians refer to as “economic euthanasia”, the heartbreaking reality of putting down a treatable animal because the cost of care is simply unaffordable.
Beyond the devastating outcomes that underestimating the cost of care can bring, there are also ongoing costs to maintain, and insurance should ideally be part of this. From food to specialised diets and preventative care such as fleas, ticks and deworming treatments, to annual veterinary checkups, ongoing budgeting is required, alongside covering insurance premiums.
Keeping costs in check
Grooming, toys, training, behavioural support and accessories can further contribute to the long‑term cost of pet ownership. While these are sometimes nice-to-haves, they shouldn’t really be prioritised over basic care and having a financial safety net in place.
Parbhoo concludes by encouraging prospective and existing pet owners to plan beyond the initial adoption or purchase of their pet, and to realise the long-term commitment involved.
“Pet insurance is not a luxury, it is about peace of mind. If you plan and put protection in place, it can mean that love, not affordability, can guide the care of your pet needs.”