What price pets? The true cost of dogs, cats, rabbits, birds and other critters

My neighbour and I have a great deal going. He lends us his dog, Max, for half an hour every day and my kids walk Max. We get the benefits of having a dog without the cost and my neighbour gets his dog walked for 50 cents a day -- a quarter to each boy. Unfortunately not everybody has such obliging neighbours and not all the prices associated with pet ownership are so reasonable.

With the help of Tara Jackson of the Ottawa Humane Society we've done a roundup of what you can expect to pay to keep various pets.

Dogs (Life expectancy 10 to 18 years)
Bottom line: $1,071 per year.
Rewarding? Definitely, but dogs also consume a fair amount of your time and money. The following prices are based on estimates done by the British Columbia SPCA:

• One-time costs: Purchasing basic equipment including a crate, collar and leash, food and water dishes and toys will likely cost between $125 and $200. Prices for necessary services such as spaying or neutering, microchipping or tattooing and licensing fees vary more widely; however, Jackson points out that spaying and neutering and microchip/tattoo costs are included in the cost of adoption at most shelters. (Visit Adopt an Animal's website for a Canadian shelter near you.)

• Ongoing costs: Food and treats for a medium-size dog cost about $650 per year, but that's just the beginning. You also need to factor in vet checkups, nail clipping, grooming and vacation pet-sitting or boarding. In total the BCSPCA puts annual costs at $1,071.

• Ways to save
Choose your breed carefully. A smaller dog will eat less, saving on food costs. If you work long hours and don't want to pay for doggie day care, choose a quieter breed. Get a short-haired animal to avoid paying for professional grooming.

Cats (Life expectancy up to 20 years)
Bottom line: $835 a year.
Many people think of cats as a low-maintenance alternative to dogs, but the BCSPCA estimates it will still cost you $835 to keep a cat for one year.

• One-time costs: Basics like food and water dishes, a collar, brush and comb, litter box and scoop, scratching post, cat carrier and a few toys add up to over $100. Just as with a dog, you'll also need to pay for spaying or neutering, microchipping or tattooing and licensing fees.

• Ongoing costs: Cat food and treats come to about $350 per year and other costs, including vet checkups, nail clipping, grooming, litter, antifurball medication and vacation pet-sitting or boarding, make up the rest of the $835 total.

• Ways to save: Brush your cat regularly to save on grooming costs. Consider adopting from your local shelter so that shots, spaying or neutering and microchip services are included in the adoption cost.

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