When I was growing up, I insisted on having cats. I pouted until I had not just one, but two cats in my mom's house (and another for when I went to visit my dad). My dad's house quickly grew into a menagerie. 
He currently has five cats and a huge Doberman pincher, Stella, or as he likes to call her "Sister" (as in MY sister). Now having all these pets can be fun if you like animals, but I know that it is not cheap.
Sister has a dog kennel, dog food and a dog bed to name a few things. And yes, she even has designer collars and a few outfits (even though dressing up animals goes against everything I stand for). But I am not in charge of what sister wears. She has quickly escalated her status to people status, so why shouldn't she have insurance and trendy clothing too?
As I have gotten older, I am less interested in pets than I used to be. I don't know if it is just because I am not as into animals or because I know about the costs and care required for them. I guess you have to weigh the benefits of having a pet with the costs and decide if your love for them is really worth it ... Yes, my dad still has Sister, I just did not realize how expensive she was ;)
What else do you buy for your pet? Try searching for pet supplies on AOL Search. You can also check out AOL's Animal Hubbub for more pet info.
Top Searched Things People Spend on Pets:
1. Pet Meds
2. Pet Supplies
3. Dog Training
4. Pet Insurance
5. Dog Health
6. Pet Friendly Hotels
7. Dog Food
8. Dog Beds
9. Dog Clothes
10. Dog Kennels
See Sponsored Links For: pet supplies, pet insurance, pet medications
You forgot Animal Chaplains. Animal Chaplains provide grief and loss resources to bereaved companions of animals, scriptural support for their caretakers, blessings for new finned, furry and feathered members of the family, and much more. Check out the Interfaith Association of Animal Chaplains at www.AnimalChaplains.com. You can also become an Animal Chaplain there too. Just click on "become an Animal Chaplain".
By Nancy Cronk on Aug 18th 2007 at 8:15AM
OOOps - forgot the link to the above post. If you are interested in Animal Chaplain's services, or in becoming an Animal Chaplain, go to http://www.AnimalChaplains.com. Thanks.
By Nancy Cronk on Aug 18th 2007 at 8:17AM
Check out Puppy Love Paw Pads.If your dog slips on bare floors,this is the help they need. They work great. www.puppylovepawpads.com
By Marlene on Aug 18th 2007 at 8:32AM
Don't forget the latest upcoming in pet trends! Pet Sitters! I forbid to leave my dogs in a kennel where there locked in a cage 24/7 when they're used to runnning free on a couple of acres. I started using a pet sitter to come to the house 3-4 times a day to care my angels when I travel. When she left the area, I decided to start up a pet sitting business myself! It's been a great success!!
By Kelli on Aug 18th 2007 at 8:35AM
Check out www.mypetsculpture.com
Lots of love goes into these creations and they are a wonderful way to honor a current pet, or to remember one from the past.
By kathryn on Aug 18th 2007 at 8:50AM
Woe is us for us cat lovers....unless these kids get an attitude adjustment, they would NEVER make it in a pet hotel. I ONLY leave mine at home under the care of a pet nanny.
By jamey ross on Aug 18th 2007 at 9:02AM
Calling all animal lovers....you can help your pet naturally. Have confidence and read as much about it as you can. There are so many natural remedies available for your pets and you can do it yourself. Animal Chaplains are a lovely idea. If you need help go to www.chamisaridge.com
By M Kail on Aug 18th 2007 at 9:05AM
The first thing I think about is the price of pets.As a kid I remember getting dogs for $50.dollars, a mixed dog might be free. In May of 07,I paid $500 dollars for a schnoodle(small mixed)and it was 1/2 off. In addition I hav 3 little girls who keep her (dog) dressed. We have tee-shirts, dresses,bows for her head and plus she goes to the beauty shop to get her hair and nails done. She also has many toys and pillows plus two kennels.
These are just things you do when you love and pamper your pets!!!
By tunya on Aug 18th 2007 at 9:10AM
Don't forget that natural products are the best. Try denysem.shopshurepets.com.
By Denyse on Aug 18th 2007 at 9:17AM
If you are a mutt lover and want to help promote the adoption of shelter dogs check out these products for mutts and mutt lovers http://www.puremuttinc.com
By April stickel on Aug 18th 2007 at 9:23AM
I would think after meds pet food for dogs and cats would be most important. With all that scary stuff that went on with pets dying I found a very healthy pet food if you are interested to check it out and to compare what you are feeding yourpet now go to www.healthypetnet.com/rainbowsales07 and see for yourself what you are feeding your pets.
By Peter on Aug 18th 2007 at 9:23AM
yes pets can be expensive. but you must remember especially for us seniors pets fill a void and are well worth the expense. the kids are gone we dont go to work any more. we stay at home more. and there we have the love and companionship of our pets. four cats and two dogs in this household. they love unconditionally. as i sit typing my siamese cat is curled up on my lap. her purring is soothing and a reminder that i am not alone and i am loved. my husbands yellow lab has gotten him his morning newspaper and his slippers and all he asks in return is to lay by my husbands feet while he reads the paper. oh he did get his dog biscuit when he brought in the paper. yes there are expenses involved, the annual vet care bill is a monster for 6 pets. annual meds heart worm pills for the dogs and monthly flea prevention for all. cat food, dog food and cat litter. daily care too takes time, but ive got time. labor of love i call it. yes when i go shopping i cant help but pick up somehting for all my babies at home. new cat toys. new holiday bandanas for the dogs. every christmas each pet has their own gift under the tree. but what they give is return is far more important than money.
By akcmh on Aug 18th 2007 at 9:32AM
Don't forget Pet supplements. For a Longer,healthier life. Pet supplements are important so it's never to early. quality of life equals Longlife.
Longlifepetsupplements.com
By Longlifepet on Aug 18th 2007 at 9:35AM
I have found the most expensive item for me is dog litter. I have 2 pugs and I have them both litter box trained. It is very convenient, especially if you work long hours and they are home alone a lot. Although pricy, it is a very good product. It is Second Nature Dog Litter and they sell litter pans too.
By Kristin on Aug 18th 2007 at 9:38AM
An ounce of prevention...a dog does not have to be a great expense with some planning! I have owned dogs over the span of 40 plus years and with a single exception of a tragicslly ill dog who had to be put down after all else failed, our average vet bill is $100. per year. That isn't terribly expensive. Stick with a TOP quality food; we supplement with enzymes to further balance the nutrients from dog food ( go to www.NZYMES.COM), provide reasonable exercise, and our dogs are fine! Having just lost a Lab, this time we went with a shelter pup and she is wonderful- at only a $100. adoption fee.
Pets are more than worth their "expense"; they are a part of our lives. If I could I'd have a dozen and live on a farm...but I'm happy where I am with my 13 year old Golden and my year old Boston mix.
By kathryn on Aug 18th 2007 at 9:53AM
I found this wonderful website that sells all natural dog "paw print" cookies. My dog goes crazy over them. They are www.mydoggy.com
By Michele Gabriele on Aug 18th 2007 at 9:56AM
Woe is us for us cat lovers though....mine (2 cats) would need a real attiude adjustment before going to a pet hotel. I always leave them at home in the care of a pet nanny.
By jamey ross on Aug 18th 2007 at 9:58AM
I have the world's most spoiled chihuahua and I found the cheapest clothes, but well made for my little Lola from pet edge.com She has dresses, jean jackets,formal, informal clothes and new to her wardrobe is her first bikini! She is piddle pad trained and that's where I found the best buy on them....worth a check..
By kitty on Aug 18th 2007 at 10:00AM
Has anyone tried the dog food, Eagle-Pack? I discovered it on line with a dog nutrition expert. She also recommends enzyme supplements, which boosts the quality and benefits of the food even more. We use both products are are very pleased. One site is www.NZYMES.COM
By samuel on Aug 18th 2007 at 10:01AM
I found agreat site with lots of stuff to pamper my pet with. Check it out at http://pamperedpetgiftbaskets.com
By Ruth Cox on Aug 18th 2007 at 10:03AM