Dogs, Cats, Fish and Birds -- How Much Do They Cost Every Year?
As you know cats can live 15 to 20 years and dogs 10 to 15 years. We love them dearly, but the cost does add up. According to How Much Does Owning A Pet Cost In A Year? | Bankrate.com here are the annual stats:
- Average yearly cost for a dog: $580 to $875.
- Average yearly cost for a cat: $670.
- Average yearly cost for a bird: up to $200.
- Average yearly cost for fish: $35.
So if you want a pet but are all about costs, fish are the best bet. But possibly not the most rewarding. And even though those vet visits are not cheap, preventive medicine is the way to go. Check-ups can catch problems early when they are likely less expensive and good care can ward off many illnesses.
Jeff Blyskal, senior editor of Consumer Reports magazine, says pet owners should think twice before buying health insurance for their pets. "They scare you with the worst-case scenario, and the worst-case scenario is very unlikely," he says.
He says it's better to "self-insure" by socking away money on your own for any medical costs and unexpected emergencies.
And no matter how much pet food companies market fancy ingredients and additives, Blyskal also recommends no-frills pet foods, which still have to meet industry standards. "Those extra things have not been proven to have any benefit," he says.
Also, avoid overfeeding pets or slipping them table scraps. "They'll get diseases like humans," such as diabetes and heart disease, he says.
Oh sure, just look at those big brown eyes. Maybe just a smidgin.