Factoring The Full price of Holiday Pets

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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)