Thinking about getting a family pet? Pets are awesome companions and enrich people’s lives. Check out this previous post about some reasons why it can be best to adopt a pet from a shelter or rescue organization!
And although you can’t translate a living being into monetary terms, if you are thinking of buying a pet, you can certainly save yourself some money by adopting! Let’s take a look…
For example, a rough estimate of the cost of buying a puppy from a pet shop is on average about $1,200! The cost to adopt my dog Reeses from the county animal control center was $65, and that included her being spayed and having recent vaccinations! That’s a savings of $1,135 right there!
And I’m sure the fees at county shelters likely don’t vary too widely around the country, so what a better way to make finding a great pet affordable and rewarding!
Don’t forget about the cost of spaying or neutering a small puppy or kitten too. Although some pet shops may already do this, if you do end up having to do so on your own, the cost can be high, but absolutely necessary to prevent an unplanned litter.
You can see how much less money you will spend by not buying from a pet shop. But before you go out and look for a pet, you must consider many things…
Are you in a position to financially afford a pet over the long-term? They are not something you should just go out and get on a whim, and they’re not temporary until the novelty wears off. You must be prepared to make a lifelong commitment, so they will require a steady portion of your budget.
When considering a pet, stop by a local pet supply store and check out some literature about the type of dog or cat you are looking for. Browse the food aisle and check out how much the food costs. Read the daily feeding recommendations to see how much food a pet of the size you are seeking requires, and make computations to see how much you will spend on it monthly.
Consider the potential costs for veterinarian visits. Dogs and cats require annual vaccinations. Consider what the cost of these may be. Also, you have to be prepared for unexpected vet bills if they get injured or sick.
Don’t forget their toys! Dogs and cats need to be entertained, and sometimes this requires purchasing chew toys, scratching posts, etc. But don’t go overboard – you can find toys they like and that will last, without spending too much money.
Pets require patience and time. Do you have it?
Owning a pet is very rewarding and fun! And they really aren’t too expensive either – you just have to be prepared for the new and regular expense. But it’s so worth it. The enjoyment of their companionship is more than money can buy!
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