If you are considering getting a chinchilla, you may be wondering how much does it cost to own a chinchilla per year? The price can vary from chinchilla to chinchilla depending on whether they have any underlying health conditions or not. You may be lucky and have a happy, healthy chinchilla for its entire life. However, some health issues do not become apparent until the chinchilla is much older. This article will help you decide if a chinchilla is the right pet for you and if you could afford to fund one for its entire life.

What is the average cost of owning a chinchilla per year?

The average yearly cost of owning a chinchilla is estimated to be between £500 and £1,500. This includes expenses for food, housing, toys, veterinary care, and other supplies.

The cost of owning a chinchilla can vary depending on several factors, such as your location, the type of food and toys you buy, you will also need to factor in the frequency of your veterinary visits. Here is a breakdown of the typical expenses you might associate with owning a chinchilla:

  • Food: £10 to £15 per month
  • Dust: £10 can last for several months
  • Toys: £10 to £20 per month
  • Bedding: £10 to £20 per month
  • Litter: £10 to £15 per month
  • Veterinary care: £200 to £1000 per year
  • Insurance: £20 to £30 per month (more if you have more than one chinchilla)

Please note that these are average estimates, and prices may vary. It’s also important to plan for unexpected costs, like emergency vet care or repairs to the cage. Chinchillas enjoy running and jumping around the cage, putting extra strain on the cage bars and causing them to break. If there is too much open space in the cage and your chinchilla takes a tumble, it may require a trip to the vet. All of the costs listed can be reduced If you buy your chinchilla from a reputable breeder and take good care of it.

Other costs I need to think about

In addition to the ongoing expenses listed above, there are some other things you need to take into consideration when thinking about getting a chinchilla, such as:

Initial costs

When you first get a chinchilla, you may need to purchase additional items, such as food and water bottles, grooming supplies, and a carrier. These costs can add up quickly and can range from £100 to £300 or more.

Air conditioning unit

An air conditioning unit is an essential purchase. Chinchillas have a thick fur coat and can easily overheat, so it is critical that you maintain the correct temperature for them. Air conditioners are not cheap, costing from £300 to £1000 or more.

Diet

Chinchillas require a specific diet, which includes hay, pellets, occasional treats, and lots of sticks to chew on. To keep them healthy and happy, it is important to feed them good-quality food, which can increase your monthly food budget.

Healthcare

Regular veterinary check-ups are important for a chinchilla’s health. In addition to the annual cost, you may need to pay for dental care or other treatments if your pet becomes ill or injured. These costs can add up quickly, so it’s important to budget for them. Pet insurance can reduce the cost significantly, but many policies exclude ongoing health issues after the first claim.

Lifestyle

The cost of owning a chinchilla can also be affected by how you take care of it. For example, if you want to provide a larger cage, then you will need to provide shelves and lots of ledges, toys, and hides, which will increase the monthly budget.

Overall, owning a chinchilla requires a significant investment of time and money. They have a long life span, so it is important that you know the costs of having one and plan your budget around them.