Home Economics

Two weeks ago, my fiancé and I found ourselves speeding through late-night Bryanston traffic with our dachshund: limp, miserable, and clearly regretting her life choices. A trip to the emergency vet confirmed our suspicions: a classic case of what they diplomatically call “dietary indiscretion.” If you know dachshunds, you know exactly what that means. Asta had snuck a snack she definitely shouldn’t have.

Thankfully, she’s recovered now. But in the haze of worry, waiting room chairs, and rushes to the vets during visiting hours for the next four days, one thing stood out to me: if we hadn’t had pet insurance, the cost of that single emergency would have been about R10,000. It made me realise just how important it is to be financially prepared for pet ownership.

So here it is: a breakdown of what our sweet (and sometimes reckless) dachshund costs us each month as first-time paw-rents in Joburg, and the savings buckets we’ve learned to build around her.

Monthly Essentials

1. Daycare – R2,000/month
For two busy professionals, daycare isn’t optional, it’s peace of mind. At R250 per day, and two visits per week, it adds up fast. But knowing she’s stimulated, safe, and not chewing through the couch? Priceless.

2. Food – R750/month
We don’t compromise on her food. We’ve opted for a high-quality, vet-recommended kibble that keeps her coat glossy and her tummy (usually) happy. We also throw in the occasional pouch or freeze-dried treat for variety.

3. Toys & Miscellaneous – R200/month (averaged)
From enrichment puzzles to squeaky plushies, toys are a must in our home. Pro tip: see below some pet toys that may seem pricey upfront, but have truly stood the test of time. Asta’s had some of them for about a year (an eternity in dog toy years).

One-Time or Annual Costs

1. Spay Surgery – R2,500
We had Asta spayed when she was about 6 months old. It was a routine procedure and she bounced back quickly. That said, recovery does require some planning. We were lucky to have my sister step in as a dog-sitter while Murray and I were at work, which made the recovery period much less stressful for everyone. If you don’t have a family member or friend nearby to help, it’s worth considering taking a few days off or budgeting for a post-op pet sitter.

2. Puppy Vaccinations – about R1,200 total
Your basic starter pack: three rounds of core vaccinations, deworming, and microchipping. We spaced these out over the first few months.

3. Pet Insurance – R190/month
We currently have the OnePlan Pet Insurance Hospital Plan, and it has easily paid for itself. Our recent emergency vet bill would’ve hit five figures without it. Having coverage turns a potential financial crisis into a manageable inconvenience.

Optional but Worth It

• Training classes: These helped enormously with socialisation and basic commands. We paid R2,000 for an eight-week group class when she was still a pup.
• Grooming: Luckily, dachshunds don’t need frequent grooming. We just do nail trims and the occasional bath at home.

Suggested Toys That Last

If you’re going to splurge, do it here. While we have been through quite the selection of toys over the first year of Asta’s life, we have found that only a handful of toys have lasted us through thick and thin. A few of Asta’s tried-and-tested favourites:

• The Puppy Kong. An excellent enrichment toy, and still intact after a full year of enthusiastic chews.
• The P.L.A.Y. Hamilton Hedgehog. A durable fluffy toy made endlessly entertaining with its squeaker and crinkles.
• The BeOneBreed Spike Ball. The squeaks and spikes result in loads of fetch fun for the humans and fluffy friends alike.

Final Thoughts

We always joke that Asta is our “fur child,” but looking at our budget, she really is! City dogs come with city prices, but the joy, companionship, and endless entertainment they bring make it worthwhile. With some forethought and the right budget buckets, pet ownership doesn’t have to feel financially overwhelming.

If you’re thinking of bringing a pup into your home, just remember: beyond the cute Instagram photos and sunset park walks, you’ll need to make room in your budget (and your heart) for the unpredictable, gastro-prone little creature who will completely change your life (for the better).

With love & logic,

Amy