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

Small animals (Life expectancy: hamsters and gerbils, two to four years; guinea pigs, five to eight years; rabbits, up to 10 years)
Bottom line: from $250 to $450 per year
Yearly costs vary from a low of about $225 a year for hamsters and gerbils to about $450 each year for a rabbit.

• One-time costs: Much depends on the setup you choose for your small pets, but you'll need some type of a hutch or cage, dishes and a water bottle, a brush and, for rabbits, you may also decide to get a collar and harness and litter box. Spaying or neutering is recommended for rabbits.

• Ongoing costs: Both pellet food and fresh fruit and vegetables are needed -- amounts and costs vary. You'll also need to buy some type of bedding, typically timothy hay or shavings. Annual vet checkups are recommended but should cost less than for cats or dogs.

• Ways to save: Check out the starter kits offered at many pet stores or consider getting equipment secondhand.

Birds and fish
Birds and fish are generally quite affordable -- they cost less to feed than larger animals simply because they eat less. However, with proper care, both can live for many years so they are still a long-term commitment.

While setup costs vary depending on the type of cage or aquarium and accessories you choose, expect to pay between $100 and $150 for a reasonable starter kit. Ongoing costs also vary depending on the type of bird or fish you choose; however, for birds count on buying seed, gravel or grit, a mineral block and cuttlebone, as well as various other supplements and vitamins. For fish, factor in food, supplements, nets and cleaning supplies.

Extra costs
The biggest extra expense you're likely to face with any pet will come from unexpected vet bills due to illness or injury. Many companies now offer pet insurance to help with those costs, but don't forget to factor the cost of premiums into your budget.

While calculating the total cost of owning a pet is a large step towards responsible pet-ownership, Jackson says there are many other factors to take into consideration before bringing an animal home. "We caution people to really, carefully and critically evaluate their lifestyles before considering adding an animal to their family," she says.

For help deciding which pet is best for you, Jackson recommends visiting your local shelter or talking to a veterinarian. The Ottawa Humane Society offers a set of Companion Animal Tips online. Plus, check out the following related articles:

• 10 tips on adding a cat or dog to the family
• Top 5 family-friendly dogs
• 10 tips for being a responsible pet owner
• Are you ready to own a dog?
• Is a bird the right pet for you?

Page 2 of 2