People love their pets. If you've ever had a furry friend, or know someone who has, you're probably familiar with how expensive they can be.
You've got your basic expenses, things like food and accessories and toys, and then of course you've got grooming for some animals and vet bills. But when it comes down to it, which critter really costs less to keep?
The ASPCA did a cost comparison of Fluffy and Fido. Here's what they found... For Food, Basic Medical and Toys... Dogs cost owners $580-$875 a year, depending on the size. Cats cost owners an estimated $670 per year for the same things. But add in the training and grooming costs that come with a dog, and they're more expensive to keep. With total annual costs ranging from $1314 to $1843 for small through large dogs, only $1035 for cats.
Though it's hard to put a price on something like unconditional love, there are some things to consider before choosing a pet.
Bottom line? Whether you're a dog person or a cat person, don't forget the lifetime financial and physical responsibility you're taking on. For more info on this hair-raising debate, go to our web site, MoneyTalksNews.com and search for "Pets."
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