Counting The Cost Of Pets
September 23rd, 2008 Posted in Reptile PetsA DOG may be your best friend, but it can also be an expensive friend and many people fail to consider this financial responsibility before taking ownership of a pet.
“It is definitely an impulse purchase sometimes,” RSPCA spokeswoman Amy McKay said.
“Given the numbers that pile into our shelters year after year, so many people have no idea just how much a pet costs and, further, how much time and responsibility a pet really is. It means changing your lifestyle, which obviously includes money.”
Ms McKay said the cheapest pet was perhaps a goldfish or a rat. “These are options for people looking for less responsibility and outlay in terms of money,” she said.
“Obviously horses are very expensive, as well as some dogs. “Dogs, in particular. People underestimate how expensive dogs can be.”
Ms McKay said that among the expenses prospective dog owners would face would be dog training, vet costs, microchipping and desexing costs. “The way your dog turns out is up to you and often that means money,” she said. Anyone who had “any doubts at all about their financial situation” should not be buying a dog.
“You may need to look at some alternatives like starting with a smaller pet like a fish or a rat or even a rabbit,” she said.
Ms McKay said anyone who was thinking of purchasing a dog could get a cheap deal at their local RSPCA because the animals came microchipped, desexed and vaccinated.
She said people often rang the RSPCA asking for advice on finding a cheaper vet, but the answer was to simply ring around for the best price.
Tags: animals, chase, dog owners, dogs, goldfish, horses, loc, Pet, pets, rspca, spca, spokeswomanRelated posts
Tags: animals, chase, dog owners, dogs, goldfish, horses, loc, Pet, pets, rspca, spca, spokeswoman
