James Bias’ 4-year-old son has a best friend. They’ve grown up together. They’ve been potty-trained, disciplined and loved together. They play and sleep together. They pretty much view each other as siblings. Does it matter that one is a boy and one is a Labrador Retriever? Not in the Bias family.
Bias is father to 11 children – as well as six cats, five goats, four dogs and a horse. As a dad, he knows well the task of fielding requests for new furry friends. And as president of the SPCA of Texas, he can attest to the critical role parents play in the pet-purchasing process. “Kids are going to influence what kind of pet they want to have in the home, but ultimately parents have to make the 10–15 year commitment,” he says – a commitment of finances, effort and time.
The ASPCA has calculated the first-year costs of a variety of pets as a point of reference for families looking to buy an animal. Fish and small birds cost less than the rest, clocking in at under $300. But dogs, cats and rabbits rack up more than $1,000 in first-year expenses, with large dogs leading the pack at $1,800. Though these numbers are estimates and will vary by region, the ASPCA warns, “You shouldn’t expect to pay less than this, and you should definitely be prepared to pay more.” But take heart – you can stretch your doggie dollar.
Julie Goff works at Operation Kindness, the oldest and largest no-kill shelter in the area. She heartily recommends buying a pet from a shelter rather than a breeder or a pet store if you want to spend less upfront. For example, the adoptable cats and dogs at Operation Kindness cost $110–$185, while you can expect to pay at least $350 to get an animal from a breeder.
Periodically, shelters reduce adoption fees – sometimes drastically – so it can be worth the wait to pounce on one of these specials. The price of an animal may also decrease if that animal has been at the shelter for a long time. At the SPCA, dogs and cats that have been available for adoption for more than 30 days cost just $50.
Shelter pets also come fully vetted and spayed/neutered, and the adoption fee often covers microchipping and a month of health insurance. “And shelters have any breed,” Goff says. “Full breed, mixed breed, young animals, older animals, puppies and kittens … you can find whatever you’re looking for.”
While you can take home a pedigreed pooch from a shelter, adopting a mixed breed could save you money in the long run. “Each animal is different, but by and large, a lot of full-breed dogs have congenital problems,” Goff explains. “Mixed breeds tend to be healthier,” which means fewer vet bills.
You can also save on health costs by shopping around for inexpensive vaccinations. Pet Supplies Plus (multiple area locations) provides a low-cost vaccination clinic once a month; other pet stores, veterinarians and mobile vets offer similar specials.
Despite these penny-pinching options, purchasing and caring for a pet will still take a toll on your wallet. But according to Bias, choosing the wrong pet can chip away at your sanity. So before you stuff any puppies into stockings, make sure you’ve selected the right animal for your family.
Shelters help in this process by evaluating the behavioral characteristics of their animals and making recommendations to potential owners. You can also take your kids to shelters or pet stores to see which animals naturally mesh with your family. But be aware, says Bias, that pet shopping with your family “is like taking kids to a candy store.” Be prepared to say no – to the kids and to yourself. “People are moved by their hearts rather than their brains,” Bias warns. When a puppy gives you those famous puppy-dog eyes, focus on whether that puppy is a good fit, not on your thoroughly tugged heartstrings.
Families can also fall prey to the latest pet trends fueled by celebrity fancies or Disney movies. But Bias advises parents to do thorough research before buying even one Dalmatian. “Try not to let the public or Hollywood decide which pet is best for your family,” he says. Otherwise, you might end up with a pet that’s cute on screen but a poor fit for your lifestyle.
Operation Kindness and the SPCA have resources galore on their websites, as does the ASPCA. In addition to behavioral traits, look at the logistics for each potential pet: Does it shed? Will it need a lot of outdoor space? Will it require regular grooming? These and similar considerations could lead to unexpected costs, frustration for you and the animal and ultimately a return to the shelter.
If your family isn’t ready for a larger pet, Bias recommends a fish tank. “Younger kids appreciate it,” he says, “but it does not require extreme care.” Pocket pets – gerbils, hamsters and other small rodents – are also good options, but since they’re less prominent in the household than a dog or cat, parents need to ensure that kids don’t abandon their buddies once the novelty wears off.
“The kids need more training than the pets,” Bias says, and that process starts with parental guidance. Some parents buy a pet with the condition that the child is solely responsible for its wellbeing, but this approach can be dangerous. “You’re putting a living creature in the care of a child who doesn’t really know what he’s doing,” Bias says. Instead, he explains, adults need to model responsible caretaking: “It’s a lifestyle.”
