Cat Carrier

Can you put a price on the cost of owning a pet? For those who have owned pets previously, the financial impact of adding another pet isn’t anything new.  However, if you’re a first time pet owner, or have only owned low maintenance pets, you may be in for a shock.

Of course, you can’t put a price on the unconditional love and loyalty you receive from having a pet.  Those who have owned pets know this. One look at those longing eyes and you’re hooked.  It doesn’t seem to matter about the cost of cat beds, pet strollers, dog pens, food, medicine or vet visits, you’re all in.

In today’s tough economy, it really is important to know the cost of owning a pet so that you’re sure you can handle it.  Too many pets have been abandoned at shelters because their owners could no longer take care of them.

So what is the financial impact?  The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) gives some guidance on the subject.  These costs are based on expected costs of pet ownership and do not include any unexpected costs, which should also be factored in.  Expected costs include standard items like food, normal medical care, toys, pet beds, collars, leashes, dog crates, dog/cat carriers, and other miscellaneous supplies.  Many of these items, such as dog crates and carriers, are one time expenses typically purchased during the pet’s first year, so the financial impact will be higher in the first year. As your pet gets older costs typically increase, so plan for higher expenses during their senior years.

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An animal advocate, Debbie Foster owns cat beds, cat carriers, large dog beds, pet strollers and more.