Factor In Care Costs When Picking A Family Pet

Owning a pet isn’t a cheap endeavor, and even smaller pets can sometimes come with bigger price tags than larger ones. Don’t just factor in the actual cost of the pet when you’re considering which type to get for your family. You also want to look at how long of a lifespan that pet has, what kind of stuff they need in order to live a healthy life, and how much it is going to cost them in veterinary bills even as a healthy pet.

Dogs And Cats

Dogs and cats are probably the most common household pets with the highest price tags. Sure, you can adopt a dog or cat from the shelter for under $100, but then you need to factor in food, supplies they need (like a leash and a food bowl), and the cost of veterinary care.

When it comes to vet visits many people think all they need to do is get a pill for their dog or cat to keep them flea and tick free and maybe have them weighed once in awhile. However, you also want to factor in things like dental care (and teeth cleanings on dogs and cats aren’t always cheap). If your pet starts losing teeth it can make it harder for them to eat.

Creepy Crawlies

If you can stand it, sometimes kids want pets that aren’t always furry and fun. Your child may want a snake or even a tarantula. While these pets might not be the type you take in for vaccinations they still need a good deal of care, including the right homes to live in.

You can’t just buy a snake or lizard and put it in a cage and hope for the best. You need the right setup, controlled temperatures, and the right foods. You definitely need to research this type of pet before venturing into getting one.

Little Furry Ones

Small furry pets can be a more cuddly option, but for them to stay cuddly they need love and affection. Rats, ferrets, mice, rabbits and even hamsters are great little furry pets. Do a little research on these pets as well, so you know what you’re getting into.

They each need different types of food and care, and you want to make sure that you keep them in the right sort of habitat. Know about their smells and needs (like ferrets have an odor and rabbits need snacks that help keep their teeth filed).

Fill A Fish Tank

Even fish can come with a bit of a price tag, and they still need care. Fancy fish cost more than goldfish. Fish need food and they need the right place to hide and spawn. If you just want a betta or a goldfish you might be able to get away with just a glass bowl. However, if you are not sure what kind of fish you should purchase, you can browse them here, and then decide whether you need a glass bowl or a fish tank.

Consider how much you want to invest in a fish tank. If you want to try a saltwater tank you’ll need more money and more time for upkeep. If you just want a betta or a goldfish you might be able to get away with just a glass bowl.

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