We spend less than most, but furry friends cost us a packet

OUR region lags behind the rest of Queensland in spending on pets.

OUR region lags behind the rest of Queensland in spending on pets.

New Suncorp cost-of-living figures show the average south-east Queensland pet owner spends $3217 a year - $61 a week, or $8 a day - on their pets, not including food.

This is 17% less than the state average of $3900 and 36% less than the national average of $5000.

Statistics also show we prefer terriers and shih tzus when it comes to dog breeds, followed by labradors and golden retrievers.

Maroochydore Petbarn store manager Susan Thureson said she and her staff had seen an increase in customers looking for pet clothes and costumes to help show off their pets on social media.

Ms Thureson also said they had seen a shift in pet owners wanting to know more about the pet food they bought.

She said Australians had figured out that pets made us better humans, and pets were now considered an integral part of our lives.

"We are constantly looking to give our families the best and with pets now seen as a member of the family, the same treatment goes for them," Ms Thureson said.

You can't put a price on love: How much our pets mean to us

VIEW GALLERY

When it comes to spending on pets, the biggest cost was regular pet medication, including flea collars and worming tablets, taking $811 out of a pet owner's pocket every year, on average.

Pet owners also spend about $245 a year fixing things pets damage, such as gardens and chewed laptops, and another $362 on grooming.

Suncorp Bank south-east Queensland regional manager Damian Hearne admitted he was surprised by how much pets cost a year on average, even if the region spent less compared to other regions.

"Three thousand dollars a year is still a significant amount of money," he said.

"A lot of people when they make the emotional investment to take on a pet probably don't consider the financial investment as well."

Mr Hearne said the south east's smaller spending on pets could be because the region's pet owners had a healthier approach and would exercise with their pooches.

IN AUSTRALIA

• 70% of pet households have a dog
• 47% have a cat
• 26% have fish
• 20% have birds
• 9% of households call chickens pets
• 25% of pet owners do not account for pet costs in their household budget

Originally published as We spend less than most, but furry friends cost us a packet