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You could easily spend $20 a week on bedding. Otherwise, not only is dirty bedding not so great for the guinea pig, you may soon have flies laying their eggs in and around and even on your pet. Experts generally suggest to replace it once a week for hamsters and guinea pigs, though some suggest every three days or more often for the latter. That part isn’t so hard, but you may be unprepared to replace the bedding on a regular basis. Caring for one seems like it would be so easy. Take the guinea pig or a hamster, for instance.
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Caring for some pets is far more expensive than you would think. The ongoing expenses of owning a pet can be compared to the ongoing costs of buying a car or a house, so make sure to do your research.
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Obviously, you don’t need to save ahead of time for a pet’s ongoing costs, but you will want to consider what it’s going to cost you to keep your pet. She is also the co-founder of the website. For instance, do you live in an apartment? “If you’re renting a property, some landlords require pet deposits or charge additional rent for pets,” says Sara Ochoa, a veterinarian who works at the Animal Hospital of West Monroe in Louisiana. Usually surprise expenses fall under the banner of “initial supplies,” but there may be pet costs you haven’t considered. Be sure they’re sized appropriately for the pet you choose and are safe.” “You’ll also need feeding and water bowls, a collar and leash and a comb or brush,” she says. You’ll probably want a crate for your dog or a cat carrier, Weaver says. If you’re bringing a cat into your home, you’ll probably also want a scratching post or two, if you don’t want your couch and walls to become claw magnets. That can mean everything from food to a dog bed or a terrarium (if you’re buying a reptile or a small critter like a guinea pig) or an aquarium. Still, even if you’re adopting an animal with a complete bill of health, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to take your pet to the vet for an initial pet physical. In other words, the initial medical care is often part of the adoption fee. You may avoid some veterinary costs by finding your pet in a shelter many shelters may have already spayed and neutered pets and administered any vaccines that they need. Most nonprofit shelters or rescues will charge some nominal fee, to help recoup the costs of caring for the animal in the first place. Unless you wind up finding a stray dog or cat, you’re going to spend some money to purchase your pet, whether from a pet store, breeder or even an animal shelter or rescue. But you’ll want to keep certain types of costs in mind, such as: It’s impossible to tell anyone how much to save for a pet, since there are many pets out there, from dogs to cats to pythons and boa constrictors to turtles and guinea pigs. How much does it cost to buy a bird, rabbit or another small mammal? Read on to learn the how much a pet will cost you. Decide what you want, get everything you need for the new addition, and when the right fit shows up, you’ll be prepared.” “Responsible rescues and breeders don’t keep a stock of animals on shelves, waiting for you to show up. “It’s worth taking time to research the dog or cat breed or mix that is a good fit for you and your family.” “A pet isn’t an impulse purchase,” Weaver says. Whether you think a lot about a pet budget or not, don’t rush into this, urges Sandy Weaver, an American Kennel Club judge and a consultant who works with veterinarians to implement well-being programs and improve their and their staff’s morale. The more prepared you are to financially care for a pet, the better the experience for both you and your future pet. If you have to take a pet back to a shelter or rescue months or years from now, you’re not going to be feeling good about that. You can’t cuddle a pet budget.īut thinking about pet costs before you adopt a pet could help you avoid a lot of heartache and financial troubles later. Dogs, cats, hamsters and gerbils - those are cute and adorable. If you’re thinking about getting a pet, how much it’ll cost to care for your pet might be the last thing on your mind. Business & Finance Click to expand menu.
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