Factoring The Full price of Holiday Pets
Thinking about giving a pet for Christmas? Don’t forget to factor in the potential high cost of “pet maintenance.” Time magazine polled readers and found that 50 percent said they spend less than $50 a month on their pets, but 22 percent admitted to spending more than $120 a month.
On average, Time readers say it cost them $269 a year to feed their dogs, while cat owners pay an average of $246 a year to feed their pets. Also, dog toys ran people $47 a year, and cat toys about $28 per year.
How about pet insurance? New York pet people pay $43 a month in premiums, while those in Kansas, Mississippi, and Nebraska have the cheapest monthly pet insurance premiums, with $29 to $30 in cost.
Vet visits over the whole year can add up to $375. (Time)