 |
 |
|
|
9009 West Loop South, Seventh Floor, Houston Texas
1-866-889-9347 |
CCCS of San Diego
A Division of Money Management International |
|
Regional Headquarters - 2650 Camino del Rio North, Suite 209, San Diego California |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Pampering Your Pets Can Empty Your Pockets |
|
 |
|
| |
|
We are a nation of pet lovers; in fact, over half of US households own one or more companion animals -- dogs, cats, birds, fish, reptiles, pigs, hamsters and the like. Celebrities sport designer doggie carriers and the Animal Planet has seen skyrocketing ratings with shows like Emergency Vets and The Pet Psychic. We just can’t seem to get enough of our furry little friends.
When you first fell in love with that floppy-eared pooch in the window, you probably hadn’t calculated the true cost of bringing your four-legged friend home. First there is the cost of the animal, anywhere from $75 at your local animal shelter to $1,000 for a rare pure-bred animal. Then there is the initial cost of spaying and neutering, $50 - $100 and first shots at $75 - $150. Yearly you can expect to pay around $100 - $200 for shots, pest medications and tags.
But even before you get the new pet home, there is a stop for food, toys, a bed, a collar, leash, etc. Food only runs about $4 a week for a puppy, but an adult can cost up to $10 a week for a small dog, and $15 a week for a larger dog. Cats, regardless of age, can be fed for about $4 a week, but don’t forget the added cost of litter and litter boxes.
In the last few years, the popularity of pet insurance has been on the rise. The average pet insurance policy will run about $250 a year, which may sound high until you realize that one overnight stay at an emergency vet clinic could easily equate to $500. In fact, Americans spend about $11.1 billion on veterinary medicine each year, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.
For those families looking for a pet, but prefer to stay within their budget, consider:
- Finding a pet at a local humane shelter or waiting for a litter from a neighbor or friend.
- Using things found around the house for toys, such as an old shoe for a tug-o-war with your puppy and aluminum foil balls for your kitten.
- Building a dog house versus buying a new one.
So why do we spend so much on our pets? It’s simple. Two-thirds of Americans consider their pets as family members. They are our trusted confidants, therapists and companions; and at the end of the day, you can’t put a price on unconditional love.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | Home |
Privacy Statement |
About CCCS |
Contact CCCS |
Site Map | |
|
CCCS, A Division of Money Management International
Regional Headquarters - 2650 Camino del Rio North, Suite 209, San Diego California
Corporate Address - 9009 West Loop South, Seventh Floor, Houston, TX 77096
|
|
|
|
