A survey finds that we grossly underestimate the tens of thousands of dollars our pets cost us.
According to a survey of pet owners (by Britain’s People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals), 12% of respondents thought the lifetime cost of their pet would be $644, while a majority put the cap at $6,445.
The real numbers for your beloved pooch? Anywhere between $27,074 and $42,545, depending on the breed. That includes buying your dog, food, toys, grooming, and basic but not catastrophic vet care.
As for a cat? Things only get slightly better: Factoring in the addition of kitty litter, you’re talking $21,917 to $30,942.
Want to downsize to a rabbit? That’ll be $12,893.
If you’re left feeling like you want to spend more, well, consider getting pet insurance. At around $25 a month, that can mean thousands more.
The silver lining, of course, isn’t financial: 93% of us say our pets make us happier.