How much does it cost to take care of a dog in Kenya?

Living in Kenya is not as affordable as many might assume. The reality for most Kenyans is a daily struggle to secure a decent livelihood, compounded by extraordinarily high unemployment rates. When families find it challenging to make ends meet—struggling to provide sufficient food or even send their children to school—there's little room left in their budget for caring for a pet. The concern for basic needs overshadows the ability to properly care for a dog or any other animal. In such an environment, the responsibility of pet ownership becomes a luxury that many cannot afford, reflecting the broader socio-economic challenges faced by many in the country.

In Kenya, the plight of dogs, whether stray or part of a family, can sometimes take a turn for the worse. For instance, Tommy, our farm dog, recently got infected with mango flies, a common issue along the coast. The cost of treatment for Tommy’s infection amounted to KES 10,630, roughly equivalent to EUR 72.