New Furry Bestie under the Christmas Tree? 6 Vital Preparations to have in place as a new fur parent

Christmas is the season of joy, family, and new beginnings – often making it the perfect time to welcome a new furry friend into your home.

• For more information, you can click here to browse Oneplan’s Pet Insurance Plans, or get an instant, obligation-free online quote.

Before you make the commitment, it’s important to fully understand the financial responsibilities of pet ownership.

Here are some key expenses preparations you should consider when adding your new four-legged companion to your family this festive season.

1. Initial Costs of Adopting or Buying a Pet

The first expense you’ll encounter is the cost of adopting or acquiring your pet. Adoption fees from shelters generally range between R500 and R1 500 depending on the animal’s age and what services (like vaccinations or sterilisation) are included.

Getting a puppy can be even more expensive and range up to R20 000.

2. Vaccinations and Routine Health Checkups

Younger pets need a series of vaccinations during their first year, with each visit costing between R500 and R1,000. It’s also essential to budget for deworming, microchipping, tick and flea and routine health checkups throughout your pet’s life.

Tip: Oneplan Pet Insurance covers 4 vet visits per year, up to R1 400 per visit and routine care up to R800 pa, on a Pet Classic Plan from R280pm. View pet plans.

3. Food and Nutrition

Premium Pet food is also not cheap. Depending on your pet’s size and dietary needs, you can expect to spend anywhere from R500 to R1,500 a month on premium food brands like Hills, Eukanuba, Montego, Royal Canin, Iams, Acana and more.

It is also important to note Puppies and kittens may require specialised food during their growth stages.

Tip: Oneplan Pet Insurance parents get access to the Onepet Online Store and exclusive discounts up to 25% storewide** on pet food and supplies for the lifetime of their policy. Oneplan Pet parents have saved up to R3.5 million in the last year, making their premium more affordable with Oneplan. Find out more.

4. Pet Accessories and Supplies

Then the start-up essentials like a cosy bed, matching leash and collar set (because your bestie needs to be the coolest pup on the block), food and water bowls, and lots of toys. (so that they don’t end up eating all the furniture and plants).

Combined between R1 000 to R2 000.

5. Sterilisation Costs

Sterilising your pet is one of the best things you can do for their long-term health* this procedure generally range between R1,500 and R3,500 depending on the vet practise.

6. Emergency and admission to the Vet

Routine vet visits are essential for your pet’s wellbeing, but emergencies are often where vet bills are unexpected and expensive.

Whether your pet needs treatment for an illness or surgery for an accident, these bills range from R5 000 up to R35 000 and as a pet parent you would want to know you are prepared and have a pet insurer who will help cover these costs when you need it the most.

Tip: Oneplan Pet Insurance covers pre-authorised admissions to the vet up to R43 000 on the Pet Classic plan from only R280pm. Plus includes post operative care up to R2 150 pa to help ensure they get the post op care they need after a major surgery. Get a quick online quote.

Managing these costs and how having pet insurance with Oneplan is the smart choice

One of the easiest ways to manage the unpredictable cost of a trip to the vet is with pet insurance and Oneplan’s benefits are comprehensive with no hidden sub limits and easy to understand cover.

The Oneplan Pet Insurance family have been innovators in upfront insurance for over a decade. Oneplan clients can load vet visits and routine care in 1 minute before they see the vet with their unique Oneplan Claims Card and App, ensuring their client’s benefits are accessible for when they need it the most.

And even more exciting offer is that Oneplan pet parents get up to 25% discount** for the lifetime of their policy in the Onepet Online Store.

Enjoying massive savings on premium pet food and supplies, making their pet insurance even more affordable with Oneplan. Visit the Onepet Store.

Don’t miss out on Oneplan Pet Insurance’s Black November Saving

Simply get an online pet insurance quote, email or WhatsApp it to yourself, and you will receive a R350 Onepet Store voucher* to spoil your pet in the Onepet Online store.

Plus if you sign up online and join the Oneplan Pet Family you will receive 30% OFF your first two months’ premiums (excl Pet Accident Plan)

For more information, you can click here to browse Oneplan’s Pet Insurance Plans, or get an instant, obligation-free online quote.

Oneplan is sold by Oneplan Brokers (Pty) Ltd and administered by Oneplan Underwriting Managers (Pty) Ltd, authorised financial services provider FSP43627 and FSP43628.

Oneplan is not a benefit option regulated by the Medical Schemes Act, but a short-term insurance product underwritten by Bryte Insurance Company Limited a licensed insurer and an authorised FSP (17703).

T&Cs apply. *Applies to online quotes successfully sent to a WhatsApp or email only. Limited to one voucher per person and contact only. Excl Accident Plan. **Discounts tiered & plan dependent.