Buying a pet can, depending on the type of pet you choose to purchase, be either very affordable or very expensive. Choosing a small pet is one very affordable choice for those on a budget. Small pets, birds, rodents, fish and reptiles can cost as little as a couple of dollars and many can be purchased for under twenty dollars. Larger pets, including dogs and cats, can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand
dollars, depending upon the breed. For instance, when purchasing a mixed breed, it is quite possible to pay under a hundred dollars. If purchasing a purebred animal, however, the cost will more likely be several hundred to thousands of dollars. Purchasing a pet from a breeder or pet store will most often prove to be more costly, while searching classified ads for private sales or pets available for adoption will be more affordable. Regardless of where and how you choose to purchase your pet, always investigate before you buy. If shopping at a breeder or store, ask for references, and the background documentation on your pet - especially their health records.
Along with cost of purchasing the pet itself, one must also consider the cost of its housing, supplies and care. Cages for smaller animal, reptiles and birds can range from twenty dollars to hundreds, depending on the size and style of housing chosen. The supplies necessary to care for the pet must also be considered, as supplies must be purchased continuously throughout the lifespan of your pet. Supplies such as food, bedding, water and food dishes, collars and leashes, heating lamps and other heating elements, depending on the type of pet purchased can pose a significant expense over the course of the pet’s life. While the costs associated with buying a pet and the necessary supplies to maintain the pet may seem overwhelming, there are many discount pet supply retailers who have 
affordable options. A simple search on the internet will reveal many low cost options.
Another aspect any potential pet owner must consider is the cost of veterinary care. While veterinary care is typically not needed for small pets such as rodents, dogs and cats require routine veterinary care. This includes routine wellness visits and immunizations. While routine veterinary care will typically cost less than two hundred dollars per year, should the pet fall ill, the cost can sky rocket. Thankfully, pet insurance, similar to health insurance for human, is available at a minimal cost and can be found through many insurance companies. Although buying a pet can seem quite expensive, your pet will repay you with love and entertainment for years to come.
