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Paying more than $30 million in claims from Jan to Dec 2024, Southern Cross Pet Insurance has deep insight into the aspects of pet ownership New Zealand families need to consider before bringing a new fur baby home.

Southern Cross Pet Insurance Business Development Manager and former Vet Nurse, Kerri Murray, says while the benefits of welcoming a pet into the home may be obvious, it’s vital people understand the responsibilities and commitment required before making the move.

"While our 2024 Southern Cross Healthy Futures research tells us 88% of New Zealanders say owning a pet improves their mental health and wellbeing, it's absolutely essential the responsibilities and commitments involved are clearly considered before adding a furry friend to the family, in much the same way parents prepare their homes and lives before bringing a new baby home.

“By taking the time to research, plan, and prepare, prospective pet owners can provide a loving and stable environment for their new companion. It’s important your new pet is set up for success so you can enjoy the multiple benefits that come from your new family member."

To help potential pet owners make informed decisions, the Southern Cross Pet Insurance team has a whole lot of tips and tricks available here. They recommend focusing on some key things, because they’ve seen the end result of pet accidents, injury and illness throughout the motu, for the standard domestic short hair cat through to Labradors, German Shepherds and hypoallergenic crossovers like Cavoodles and Labradoodles.

Other good sources of advice:

• The New Zealand Veterinary Association offers insights and tips
• You can also tap into more brilliant ideas from Mark Vette – for kittens see here, for pups, see here.

Tips and tricks

Research breeds: Take the time to research different pet breeds to find the best fit for your family, lifestyle, living situation, allergies and preferences. Consider factors such as size, temperament, activity level, grooming needs, and compatibility with children or other pets. A Labrador will obviously grow into their big feet and will be better off with a grassy, fenced garden, while a smaller breed like a Bichon Frise will not need the same sized area. You will also need to make sure there’s room for toileting and that it’s easy to clean and dispose of waste.

The same applies for cats – larger cats will need more room to move, while cats with heavy coats like a Persian or Rag Doll will likely need more grooming than a domestic shorthair.

Evaluate your lifestyle: Assess your daily routine, work schedule, and living arrangements to determine if you have the time, energy, and resources to properly care for a pet. Pets require attention, exercise, training, and companionship, so it is essential to ensure your lifestyle can accommodate these needs. Getting out and about for a decent daily walk, regardless of your pooch’s size is good for you and them. Keeping fit means you’ll both be around together for longer. But if your work or family commitments won’t allow this you may need to re-think your options.

Regulations: Be sure you are aware of Council by-laws in your area. There may be limits on the number of dogs you can have and the area you need for them to be safe. You’ll also need to register your pup and micro-chip them too. Different public spaces have different rules and regulations for how and where you can exercise your dog too. There are generally no limits on cats and the number you may have, although you will want to ensure they have a safe space to play and to toilet. If you can do what you can to prevent them from going after birds, that will make a big difference to protecting our bird population.

Desexing cats and dogs should also be a priority to prevent unwanted pregnancies and, especially with dogs, improved safety while out walking. Female dogs in heat can attract unwanted attention from male dogs.

Financial considerations: You should understand the financial responsibilities associated with pet ownership, including initial adoption or purchase costs, insurance, veterinary care, food, grooming, supplies, training, and potential unexpected medical expenses. Budgeting for these expenses is crucial for providing for your pet's needs throughout their lifetime. We asked a number of vet teams around the motu to share what it costs for common treatment for dogs and cats. Check it out! Pet insurance can provide financial peace of mind and ensure that your pet can receive the necessary medical treatment when needed.

There are ways to save money, but one thing you should never do is share human food which isn’t safe for dogs (or cats). Check out www.pawsoff.co.nz for more information about what NOT to feed your pet. And be sure to check out these helpful hints from our friends at Pet Direct on essentials to get for your puppy and kitten.

Long term commitment: Pets which are well cared for can live for many years. Consider the potential changes in your life circumstances, such as moving, starting a family, or changes in employment, and how they may impact your ability to care for a pet over time.

Training and socialisation: Commit to providing proper training and socialisation for your pet to ensure they develop good behaviour and manners. Puppy training classes or obedience training for dogs, as well as early socialisation with people and other animals, are essential for a well-adjusted pet. SCPI recommends checking out the advice from Mark Vette, one of the New Zealand’s best known animal behaviourists.

Pet-proofing your home and garden: Just like having a human baby, prepare your home for the arrival of a new pet by pet-proofing your living space and removing potential hazards. Secure cabinets, electrical cords, toxic plants, and small objects that could be harmful if ingested. Creating a safe and stimulating environment is essential for your pet's well-being. Did you know lilies can make cats very ill?! See here for some super helpful tips for pet-proofing your garden.

Veterinary care: Schedule regular wellness checks and vaccinations with a veterinarian to maintain your pet's health and prevent common illnesses. Establishing a relationship with a trusted veterinarian is crucial for providing ongoing medical care and addressing any health concerns that may arise. The NZ Veterinary Association has some helpful tips here: https://nzva.org.nz/public/pets/visiting/ and https://nzva.org.nz/public/find-a-vet/

Treatment costs can pile up. Some of the top claims paid for kittens and puppies insured with Southern Cross Pet Insurance in 2024 are below. Both show a high propensity to swallow stuff they shouldn’t, ending up with a trip to the vet.