Managing Expenses for Three French Bulldogs with IVDD and Allergies in San Diego

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 name(s): Harley, Khloe, & Kip 
Age(s): 7, 4, & 2 
Weight(s): 15lbs, 36lbs, & 34lbs 
Breed(s): French Bulldogs 
Health concerns: IVDD & Allergies 

Budget Breakdown:  

*Expenses are subscription payments 

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

Not much, to be honest. I grew up around pets, but I hadn't yet experienced being a pet parent on my own. I knew the basics but didn't fully account for medical conditions specific to certain breeds, like French Bulldogs. I adopted Harley in my early 20s and quickly learned how necessary pet insurance is. 

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

Absolutely. The cost of living in California is no joke—from food prices to rent, everything is significantly more expensive than in most other states. That being said, it does have its perks haha. The pups absolutely love our little beach town — taking walks down the coast, playing in the sand, splashing in the water. San Diego is super pet-friendly, which makes socializing easier (pet-friendly restaurants, breweries, and events). Plus, running errands with them is pretty easy with all the pet-friendly stores around. 

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

I did a lot of research and found Farmina to be the best option in the kibble world. While I'd love to eventually transition to raw feeding when it's more financially feasible, Farmina is a great choice for now. It's an Italian brand that uses whole, high-quality ingredients. We’ve found that limited-ingredient foods have helped with the paw licking and ear scratches that come with allergies. Having dealt with various health issues myself, I choose to prioritize what goes into my body, and I do the same for my pets. I know the quality of food and supplements plays a big role in health and how you feel, so I just try to always give the best for my pets because they deserve the world. 

How much food do you go through in a month?  

We go through about two large bags of food a month, supplemented by home-cooked proteins—roughly 45 pounds a month. I choose to free-feed, which helps the pups avoid tummy issues from fast eating and also reduces food aggression. 

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

Hip & Joint Releaf Edibites 

• Discount: 15% 

• Frequency: Monthly 

• Additional Perks: Free Shipping 

Ultra Releaf 300 

• Discount: 15% 

• Frequency: Monthly 

• Additional Perks: Free Shipping 

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

My biggest tip is to research the breed thoroughly BEFORE taking on the responsibility of having a pet. Some breeds are much more sensitive, prone to medical issues, and require extra care. And definitely look into pet insurance too—it has been an absolute lifesaver for me and my three piggies!