Managing Expenses for German Shepherds and a Multi-Pet Household in Houston, Texas

Budget Breakdown is a content series where we ask real pet parents to showcase how much they spend on their pets every month. Inspired by Refinery29’s Money Diaries.

About My Pets:

Pet names: Wallie & Murphy 
Ages: 3 years & 4 Months 
Weights: 42 lbs & 20 lbs 
Breed: Silken Windhounds
Health concerns: none 

Budget Breakdown:  

*Expenses are subscription payments  

Pet names: Koa & Keanu 
Ages: 13 years & 8 years 
Weights: 65lbs & 95 lbs 
Breed: German Shepherd Dogs
Health concerns: Koa (hypothyroid, hip dysplasia), Keanu (perianal fistula), and both suffer from environmental allergies  

Budget Breakdown:  

*Expenses are subscription payments  

Pet names: Pusha C & END 
Ages: 2 years for both 
Weights: 11lbs for both 
Breeds: British Shorthair & Mainecoon mix 
Health concerns: none 

Budget Breakdown:  

*Expenses are subscription payments  

What financial planning did you consider prior to getting your pet(s)?   

I will state what I feel is imperative to consider as I did not factor this in when adopting all my pets. It is an important investment to make sure your pets have access to some form of fresh, nutrient dense food in their everyday diets. Factoring in preventative care/supplements to support overall wellness will help aid your pet as they age. Pet insurance can be a lifesaver although it is best to enroll at an early age. My Shepherds had too many pre-existing conditions by the time I could afford health insurance, so they were not great candidates for coverage. My Silken Windhounds and cats have had coverage since they were babies. 

Do you believe where you live influences your monthly pet costs?  

My personal experience is the monthly expenses have not changed depending on which city I have lived in. Over the last 5 years I have lived in Austin, Denver, and now Houston. The price of goods has gone up but overall, I do not see a stark difference in where I live impacting monthly cost.  

How did you decide what was the right food option for your pet(s)?  

I became passionate about raw food when I embarked on my journey in the pet industry 18 years ago. Just like my own lifestyle, pets thrive when they have a balance between fresh and processed foods.  

How much food do you go through in a month? 

135 lbs of raw and a 15lb bag of Open Farm  

Which Pet Releaf products do you use and why?

We use the Sentesa capsules for the shepherds. I’ve seen a dramatic increase in energy and mobility. They seem more active on walks and even getting up the stairs.  

Ultra Releaf 300 and Feline Stress Releaf have been a great daily addition for our younger pets. Our cat Pusha C suffers from general stress and at times will start to pee inside the house, specifically on the dog beds. Since we have started using the CBD daily, he has yet to have an incident.  

Which products are you subscribed to and what savings do you receive by being subscribed?  

Hip and Joint Releaf PB Banana Edibites - Family Size

• Discount: 15%
• Frequency: Monthly
• Other Perks:  Free Shipping and we never have to worry about running out 

Sentesa Tri-Active Capsules

• Discount: 15% 
• Frequency: Monthly
• Other Perks:  Free Shipping and we never have to worry about running out 

Liposome Ultra Releaf Hemp Oil 300mg CBD

• Discount: 15%
• Frequency: Monthly
• Other Perks:  Free Shipping and we never have to worry about running out 

What would be your biggest tip to pet parents when it comes to budgeting?  

Set aside money when you can for monthly and emergency expenses. Invest in your healthy pet's longevity for the best outcome as they age. Make sure you find creative ways to provide mental stimulation for your pets. I use lick mats with Greek yogurt in between bones to provide sniff work to keep them engaged.