How Much Does It Cost To Own That Doggy In The Window?

Since we had to take our 14 year old cat to the vet it got me thinking about the varying costs of owning different pets. We would not want any other animal right now as he has been hanging out with me since college and he is kind of like a dog in that he fetches, he asks for his food, he sits when told…and on top of that he likes olive oil, mangos, red peppers and various other strange foods for a cat. But anyways…it got me thinking and I decided to go look up some numbers on pet ownership. If you are thinking of getting a new pet, be sure that you know ahead of time what it will cost you annually!

DOGS
The annual cost of a small dog—including food, veterinary care, toys and license—is $420. Make that $620 for a medium dog and $780 for a large pooch. This figure doesn’t include capital expenses for spay/neuter surgery, collar and leash, carrier and crate. (ASPCA)

CATS
About $25 for a litter box, $10 for a collar, and $30 for a carrier. Food runs about $170 a year, plus $50 annually for toys and treats, $175 annually for litter and an average of $150 for veterinary care every year.(ASPCA)

RABBIT
About $90 for a cage, $30 for a carrier and $25 for a litter box. Food runs about $125 a year, plus $25 annually for toys and treats, $125 for veterinary care and $400 annually for litter and bedding material. (ASPCA)

HAMSTER
$35 for a cage, food runs about $50 a year, plus $20 annually for toys and treats, and $220 each year for litter and bedding material.(ASPCA)

FISH
To get set up, a 20-gallon tank, filters and air pump, stand, light & cover, gravel, plants, fish and food will cost you about $200 to $250. Feeding costs are very low—about $15-$20 annually—but there will be some electricity used to run the light and filtration system. (ASPCA)

GUINEA PIG
When you first get your pet, you’ll need to spend about $35 for a cage. Food runs about $75 a year, plus $25 annually for toys and treats, $50 for an annual veterinary check-up and $400 per year for litter and bedding material. (ASPCA)

BIRDS
About $75 for a cage. Food runs about $75 a year, plus $30 annually for toys and treats. (ASPCA)

HORSE
A lot. A real lot. (Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society)

And before you decide to bring home that new friend, be sure in it for the long haul. There is nothing more heartbreaking than seeing an animal that is neglected or given away because the owner could not afford to take care of it! I think that pet costs are worth the price of admission for what they bring to your life and would recommend that anyone who can afford one, have one.

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