Here is some additional information related to the article Pet paradise.
How much time and money and what to expect when adopting a pet is all relative to what kind of animal you choose.
Who should have a pet:
· people with money
· people with time
· affectionate people
· responsible people
· people who enjoy exercise
Who shouldn't have a pet:
·Students who might have plans to relocate within a year
· Students whose landlords do not allow pets on their property and students who live in the dorms
· People or their roommates who have allergies to pets
· People without the time or money for a pet
· People who are away from home for more than nine hours per day
Where to get a pet:
Soldan's Feeds & Pet Supplies - 5200 S. Martin Luther King Blvd. in Lansing
Petland - 5437 W. Saginaw Highway in Lansing
Pet Supplies 'Plus'- 2650 E. Grand River Ave., 6030 S. Pennsylvania in Lansing
Capital Area Humane Society - 7095 W. Grand River Ave. in Lansing
Meijer - W. Grand River Ave. in Okemos, 1350 W. Lake Lansing Road and other locations in the Lansing area.
Pros and cons of having a pet:
Pros: love, friendship, entertainment, companionship, something fuzzy to cuddle
Cons: expensive, loud, odorous, time and money consuming, added responsibility
The price factor:
Yearly maintenance costs for the average pet
Dog: By far, dogs are the most expensive pets. Many small dogs need constant grooming which adds cost and large dogs should eat more which also adds cost. Including normal vet visits, food, health care and products, you should expect to spend between $730-$1,000 per year on your dog.
Cats: Most cats, if you take care of them properly, should cost you about $300-$400 per year including food, treats, cat litter, medications, etc.
Ferret: Food, bedding, dishes, toys and vet bills for a ferret will cost you between $300-50 per year.
Rodent: Animals such as mice, gerbils, hamsters and guinea pigs will cost you between $150-$200 per year.
Bird: Food, toys, treats and vet bills will cost you about $770-$800 per year depending on the type of bird you choose.
Fish: Cleanliness is key when you purchase a fish. Food, water treatment and cleaning supplies should run you about $200 per year.
Snake: The larger the snake, the more money you will have to spend feeding it. Note the difference between feeding a garter snake insects for a year and feeding a python mice. Expect to spend about $520 per year taking care of your serpent friend including food, lamp bulbs, cage accessories and vet bills.
Lizard: Whether an iguana or a chameleon, lizards require a great deal of care, especially during the cold winter months. Food, lamp bulbs, cage accessories and vet bills will run you at least $745 per year.
Amphibian: Frogs, toads, newts and salamanders are the most popular amphibious companions. Food, vet bills, cage accessories and lamp bulbs will likely run you $145 per year.
Tarantulas or crustaceans: Let's give it up for the least expensive pets, according to www.practical-pet-care.com. A tarantula will cost you about $90 per year to take proper care of. Crustaceans such as a crab or a crayfish will cost you about $40 per year.
Source: The Practical Pet Care Ezine.
