Pets are known to lower stress and teach families lessons in responsibility, but pet ownership demands fiscal responsibility too. The costs of bringing an animal into your home goes far beyond any initial adoption fee, the first year of pet ownership can range from $1,000 to $1,800. The cost also depends on what type of animal you adopt and how large they will become. In that price range includes one-time expenses such as spaying/neutering, training, kennels, collars/leashes, and initial medical fees such as puppy/kitten vaccines. After the first year the average annual cost of owning a pet is around $2,500, and in the pet's lifetime that adds up to $25,000 for one pet. If you travel, track on pet sitting or kennel services, and if you rent an apartment, expect to pay a sometimes non refundable pet deposit or cleaning fee, if your landlord allows pets at all. Also take into effect of any damages your pet may cause in your home for example, going to the bathroom indoors and needing to replace the carpeting or wood floors. There will also be emergencies along the way. If your pet gets sick and you do not have pet insurance, vet bills can quickly escalate into the thousands of dollars. You go to the doctor when you aren't feeling well, so why not your pet? If you don’t have pet insurance then potential pet costs are another reason to have an emergency fund of at least several thousand dollars. Below is a chart to give owners an idea of what a pet would cost. (This is just an example and is not what we charge).