Episode 4: Where is it More Expensive? Dog Edition
We just took our new puppy (@Tinsley_the_cav if you want to follow her on Instagram) to get fixed, and it’s made me realize how the cost of dog ownership is different in New Zealand.
Here’s how it adds up:
Dog Food - In the US, we fed our pups a decent brand of food, Fromm’s. A 30 lb bag typically cost around US$60. With tax, about US$64 (about NZ$101). In New Zealand, we’re buying BlackHawk dog food, which we can get a 10kg bag for NZ$96. 30 pounds is 13.6kgs, so in the US, it breaks down to about $7.42/kg. In New Zealand, it is $9.62/kg. However, if you sign up for a store loyalty program, you can get 15% off that price, so NZ$8.18/kg.
Since these dog food brands may not be the same, I decided to check on Science Diet, which is readily available in both countries. In New Zealand, a 6.8 kg bag of Science Diet Perfect Weight dog food goes for NZ$97.99, but with the 15% discount it is $83.29, or NZ$12.25/kg. In the United States, a 28.5 lb bag of the same food goes for US$57.99, or $62.75 with tax (about NZ$98.05). By kilogram, that’s NZ$7.58. In other observations, why does Science Diet have such weird weights to their dog food bags? Since 5 of the 7 Science Diet plants are in the US and none are near New Zealand, it makes sense that the dog food would be more expensive in New Zealand. I’d recommend sticking to Kiwi or Aussie brands of dog food - of which there are plenty of exceptional options - if you can!
Advantage: United States
Grooming - One of the downsides of Cavalier King Charles spaniels is that they need grooming. Regular brushing, a good bath, and periodic hair cuts are important to keep this breed looking their best. Back in Austin, we used a small, local groomers (shoutout to Midtown Groomers) to keep Bijou looking her best. The cost for a bath and trim ran us US$65 + tip, or about NZ$125. In New Zealand, we use another small, local groomer, Kohi Dog Grooming, and for a complete grooming, it costs us NZ$69.
Advantage: New Zealand
Boarding - Finding someone to take care of pets can be difficult and stressful. When friends and neighbors aren’t available, I have, on occasion, turned to kennels and boarding facilities. In New Zealand, I’ve used QPS, which offers domestic boarding for medium sized dogs for NZ$30 (US$19.20) per day. Our dog’s breeder also offers boarding for NZ$20 (US$12.80) per day. For very pampered experience, dogs can visit Pets in the City for around NZ$50 (US$32) per day. There’s an airport option that is NZ$42 (US$26.88) per night at Airport Doggie Daycare & Kennels.
In the US, we used Midtown Board and Groomers at US$45 per night. Another option out of the city was Austin Pet Ranch for US$27 per night. The airport option, Bark & Zoom, is US$45 per night.
Advantage: New Zealand
Flea & Heartworm Medication - In the US, monthly flea and heartworm medication was a must. We used Trifexis, and all-in-one pill. Like all heartworm medication, it required a prescription from (and therefore a visit to) a vet and cost around US$225 per year.
In New Zealand, it is a little bit different. There aren’t heartworms, so that medication isn’t necessary. Periodic flea medication and worming is recommended - either monthly or every three months based on the medication you choose. And all of this medication is located behind the counter at the pet store. Our vet recommended using Milbemax every three months for worms (NZ$70.98 or US$45.42 for a year’s supply) and Bravecta every three months for fleas, which costs about NZ$196 or US$125.44 for a 12 month supply. I’m a big fan of the three month requirement for these pills because who wants to wrestle a dog monthly?
Advantage: New Zealand
There’s clearly one big piece of dog ownership that isn’t included in this post: vet bills. Honestly, I haven’t needed a vet enough in New Zealand to make a qualified comparison of the two countries’ costs. Our biggest expense so far as been getting Tinsley spayed, which cost NZ$345 (US$220) to do it all at our vets. My general, unsubstantiated opinion is that prices are perhaps a little bit less for most things, like regular vaccinations, but can get very pricy if there is something serious going on and you are in need of a specialist. It is also important to shop around for a vet that doesn’t have exorbitant prices!
