I like animals, but until my daughter came along seven years ago, I had only owned a pair of birds, and later two cats. My daughter, on the other hand, is truly nuts about animals. So in the past seven years we have had a dog, four guinea pigs, two gerbils, and assorted fish (though not all at once). We also foster kittens for the Humane Society, so in the past year or so we’ve had 20+ cats and kittens (again, not all at once). And I am being constantly hounded about getting her a horse.
Clearly, I am a pushover when it comes to my daughter’s pleadings for pets. What I had not realized is how expensive pets – even those little gerbils and guinea pigs – can be. Here is a list of annual cost estimates for caring for different types of pets, from the British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Note that these figures don’t include the cost of buying or adopting the pet and getting supplies (collars, leashes, cages, etc.):
Dog: $1071
Cats: $835
Rabbits: $449
Guinea Pigs: $420
Hamster/Rat/Gerbil: $225
(The annual cost of keeping a horse is not listed.)
As much as my daughter likes animals, she also likes saving money. So next time she asks for a pet, I can show her that website and ask how much of her allowance she would like to contribute to her next critter.
Pet lovers on a tight budget may want to contact their local animal shelter and ask whether there are programs that allow you to foster pets who cannot stay at the shelter while they are awaiting adoption. These animals may need special care while they recover from illness, injury or abuse; or space may be tight at the shelter, in which case you can literally be a lifesaver. The organization may provide food and supplies, and cover veterinary bills, while you give the animals loving care. So far, we have fostered six foster cats and 21 kittens through our local Humane Society’s program. The only downside has been giving them back to the shelter so they can go to permanent homes.
Of course, I can’t talk about the costs of owning pets without talking about the rewards. The love and loyalty they offer you and your family are priceless. Which is why my daughter is saving her money for a horse, and I am saving to buy a house with a barn.
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Gerri Detweiler Credit.com's Personal Finance Expert, Gerri focuses on financial legislation, budgeting, debt recovery and consumer savings information. She is also the co-author of Debt Collection Answers: How to Use Debt Collection Laws to Protect Your Rights, and Reduce Stress: Real-Life Solutions for Solving Your Credit Crisis as well as host of TalkCreditRadio.comTalk Credit Radio. Reach Gerri at creditexperts@credit.com.
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Great post! I only have goldfish as pets. They are very spoiled but still probably only cost $100 a year!
I know gerbils dont cost $225 what is a price for one and not the cage and junk just it
The gerbils themselves are just a few dollars. But as a pet parent to several of them, I can attest the gerbil cost is only the beginning. Ours were donated by a relative in a glass aquarium with a screened top — important because they have chewed through every plastic and wood item put in their cage including exercise wheels and PVC pipe. Add the food, bedding, water bottle and even the occaisional vet bill and it really does add up quickly!