We already trust you not to purchase a $3,000 Chow Chow (much as you might love him) from a specialty breeder when you don't have $3,000 in your bank account and
can pay a reasonable adoption fee at your local shelter.
But adopting a pet still requires long-term consideration, since different animals come with different expenses. For instance, a large dog eats at least $235 worth of food a year, and if it requires grooming, that adds another $400 annually, while the budget for a small dog is much smaller.
This chart breaks down the average you'll spend, up front and annually, on everything from fish to cats.
