The True Cost of Raising a Pet

So what is the true price of caring for pets? 

Here's a surprising statistic. Having a pet cat costs more than having a pet dog. Cats cost you about $10,500, while large dogs are close to $8,000 each.

The parenting website Fatherly complied the specific costs for the upkeep and care of owning a range of popular pets as estimated by the ASPCA.

Having a pet cat costs $10,415 for a 15-year lifespan while having a medium dog like a Boston terrier costs $8,210 for an 11-year lifespan.

The cheapest pet is a fish which only costs $270 for a two-year lifespan.

Cost of raising a pet:

• Large dog (for example, a Great Dane): $7,560 for eight-year lifespan
• Medium-size dog (for example, a Boston Terrier): $8,210 for 11-year lifespan
• Small dog (for example, a Pomeranian): $6,850 for 11-year lifespan
• Cat: $10,415 for 15-year lifespan
• Rabbit: $7,625 for 10-year lifespan
• Guinea Pig: $3,245 for five-year lifespan
• Small bird: $1,970 for 9.5-year lifespan
• Fish: $270 for two-year lifespan