[Table 5]

People sometimes don't realize that "fixing" a pet is actual surgery. Just because it's common, does not mean it's not complicated. Neutering is often cheaper because it's less of a procedure, but spaying is much more complicated, thus the hire price. If you don't want to pay a lot, get a male animal.

What people tend not to realize is that vet's have to buy the same type of medical equipment, and use the same type of medicine that hospital and human medical center due, except that they have to do this privately. This stuff is bloody expensive....some of the machines can easily cost $50,000. Going to a human doctor is really expensive too....just not for you, so you don't actually realize the types of costs you're really incurring. Vets have to spend a ton of money to buy the medical equipment to treat your pets without any sort of public funding. They are dealing with life, not retail goods, so don't walk in there thinking you are just going to Walmart to pick up some cheap socks because they are on sale.

My dad's a veterinarian and he highly recommends insurance for most people. It's not cheap, but in the end it really does make sense, as all pets will need some major medical attention at one point or another. At the end of the day, there will come at a time where you are faced with a pretty hefty bill. As he says "if you don't have insurance, be prepared to put your pet down at any time".

Pet's are a big responsibility. Before you get one, make sure you can afford to take care of the sick version of your pet, not just the cute fluffy kitten during ideal conditions. In the end they are amazing companions, and make it worth it, but the experience of owning gives you all the complexities of life.