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What could a pet really cost you?

There are many financial considerations when it comes to getting a pet. One can’t assume that a small pet equals a small cost for care.

There are some factors one should take into consideration before purchasing any type of pet, and finances are a very important factor.

Here’s my story of how a pet can be very expensive:

Three years ago, just after Christmas, I adopted a kitten from the Humane Society. I seriously underestimated how much my dear little Linus would ultimately cost. The adoption cost (which included his first set of shots and neutering) was very reasonable. I factored in food, litter and yearly vet bills. No problem.

What I didn’t factor in was the unexpected and the underestimated.

I did not realize how much setting up living quarters for a cat would be. In addition to the litter box, I needed to buy a carrier, toys, and grooming paraphernalia. I also made the mistake of buying things the cat would never use, like a bed.

Two days after bringing Linus home he got sick. That equaled an emergency vet bill and antibiotics.

Two months after I brought him home he ended up with an infected saliva gland. Add in another emergency vet bill and more antibiotics.

In between those two events, Linus was destroying my furniture with his little claws. I took him for claw trimmings … more money. I bought sprays, tapes and all kind of contraptions that were supposed to discourage him from scratching. I invested in a very expensive mat to keep him off of my good table. Nothing deterred my little mischief maker.

Finally, after several discussions with the vet I decided to have his front claws removed. It was not a decision I came to easily, but my things were being destroyed, and the vet could not come up with any more solutions to stop the scratching.

The declawing, plus the extra blood tests I opted to have out of guilt and fear, added a more money to my every growing pet bill.

“That cat is a money pit,” my mother said to me.

She was right. In the first year my furry little companion ended up costing me about $600.

I’m happy to report that Linus recouped quickly from his surgery and since that first year I’ve only had anticipated expenses, but this is a cautionary tale for prospective pet owners.

In addition to the financial responsibilities of pet ownership, here are a few other things to consider when purchasing a pet:

Is the type or breed of pet you are planning to buy suitable for your family? Not all pets work in all situations. Some dogs are not good in families with small children.

Does anyone in your family have allergies?

If you’re buying a dog, how big will it get? The last thing you want is a 120 pound dog in a small apartment.

If you’re buying a cat, how will you combat scratching? Especially consider this if you are opposed to declawing, as many people are.

If you’re buying something like a bird, how long will it live? Some exotic birds can live for up to 80 years. You should make arrangements for a caretaker for the bird should it outlive you.

Those are just a few things to consider. It is very sad to see a situation where someone can’t afford a pet or has to give a pet up because it didn’t work out. Putting some thought, and doing some financial calculations, can save the heartache of having to surrender a pet … or the financial strain of maintaining a pet to the detriment of your bank account.

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