Before you bring that lovable critter home, you should consider the costs behind having a companion animal. Food and collars are only two of many costs that the average pet owner will incur within a year. The ASPCA wants you to be ready to care for that new companion in all the ways he/she needs. We've compiled a list of expected annual costs for your new friend.
Cats
Cats can provide warmth and companionship with considerably fewer demands than their canine counterparts. However, every furball comes with a price tag. Total first year costs for a cat can reach upwards of $640.
| Food | Medical | Litter | Toys | Misc. | Spay/Neuter | Litter Box | Collar | Carrier | Total |
| $120 | $150 | $150 | $50 | $30 | $75 | $25 | $10 | $30 |
Small Dogs
They may be pocket sized and lovable but they're no small cost. While crate costs and spay/neuter fees are lessened, a smaller dog, like a Yorkshire terrier and pugs, can still cost nearly $800 annually.
| Food | Medical | Toys | License | Misc. | Spay/Neuter | Collar | Carrier | Crate | Grooming | Total |
| $150 | $150 | $50 | $15 | $35 | $75 | $25 | $30 | $50 | $200 | $780 |
Medium Dogs
Coming in a close second, medium-sized dogs, like beagles and cocker spaniels, are nearly the most costly pets, fetching up to $1,115 annually.
| Food | Medical | Toys | License | Misc. | Spay/Neuter | Collar | Carrier | Crate | Grooming | Total |
| $250 | $175 | $60 | $15 | $45 | $100 | $30 | $50 | $90 | $300 | $1,115 |
Large Dogs
Big dogs like golden retrievers, Labradors and Dalmatians may have a special place in your heart but get ready to make room for them in your wallet. Obvious expenses like food and crates for large dogs are high and first year total expenses can reach $1,500.
| Food | Medical | Toys | License | Misc. | Spay/Neuter | Collar | Carrier | Crate | Grooming | Total |
| $350 | $200 | $70 | $15 | $65 | $125 | $35 | $80 | $160 | $400 | $1,500 |
Rabbits
Rabbits may require even less attention than felines but costs for a floppy eared friend can exceed $885 for the first year. Where a rabbit may not require walking, litter costs for your pet can more than double that of cats.
| Food | Medical | Litter | Toys | Misc. | Spay/Neuter | Litter Box | Cage | Carrier | Total |
| $110 | $125 | $400 | $25 | $15 | $75 | $25 | $80 | $30 | $885 |
Guinea Pigs
Guinea Pigs don't even need to be spayed, but litter costs for these furballs are as high as for that of a rabbit. Costs for a guinea pig can exceed $645 in the first year.
| Food | Medical | Litter | Toys | Misc. | Cage | Total |
| $75 | $50 | $400 | $25 | $15 | $80 | $645 |
Gerbils and Hamsters
Gerbils and Hamsters qualify as small mammals and incur the least in costs for quadrupeds. Again, spaying is not a problem with small mammals but there are other costs to consider, such as cages and litter, which can bring the tab up to $330 in the first year.
| Food | Litter | Toys | Misc. | Cage | Total |
| $50 | $220 | $10 | $15 | $35 | $330 |
Small Birds
Small birts such as parakeets or the cheapest pets to keep but that doesn't mean free. One must provide toys and treats and a cage for their feathered friends. That can cost up to $170 in the first year.
| Food | Toys | Misc. | Cage | Total |
| $50 | $30 | $15 | $75 | $170 |
Fish
Fish have their own costs and concerns. Tanks, trinkets and playgrounds for your fish can raise costs up to $185.
| Food | Misc. | Aquarium | Total |
| $20 | $15 | $150 | $185 |