# COSTS OF HAVING AN EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL

- Link: https://www.alquimedez.com/costs-of-having-an-emotional-support-animal
- Published: 2021-09-13T03:58:17+00:00
- Author: alquimedezhemo

Owning an ESA is a huge responsibility whether it is a dog, cat, rabbit or even 
a small bird. It is not just about the money you buy your pet for, there is a whole
heap of expenses of pet parenthood. So, you should know that if you are bringing
an emotional support animal to your house or travels, you are responsible for its
expenses.

The costs of pet ownership depend upon the type of animal you choose as an ESA. 
Apart from the recurring expenses, there are medical expenses too that owners do
not count while adopting a support animal. So, the expenses are a monumental thing
to consider while choosing an ESA.

If you choose to be a pet parent to a dog, then its expenses vary with the size 
of your dog. The average life expectancy is about fourteen years and annually it
would cost around $800 that includes all the food, grooming, veterinary, medical,
maintenance and other expenses. Talking about a medium size dog with an average 
life expectancy of about eleven years. There total life time cost is greater than
small dogs despite the fact that they have about three years less life expectancy
than small dogs, but they eat more and greater portions at once. Hence, their maintenance
and grooming is more expensive. If a small dog’s feeding cost is $150 annually, 
then an average sized dog’s feed would be around $250 a year. Likewise, the annual
expense of an average sized dog is around $1,100. While a big dog is the most expensive
to accommodate, its life expectancy is ten years and it costs about $1,500 annually.

A more feasible option is to own a low maintenance pet like a cat, fish, rabbit,
bird or cockatoo. These animals are obviously less expensive, but no animal can 
be more loving and responsive than a dog. But speaking with reference to costs, 
a cat is very cost efficient, it has a life span of about 15 years and costs you
only $640 approximately in a year. Rabbits are a little bit high maintenance with
annual expenses of around $870. Their average life expectancy is ten years. Expenses
of a guinea pig are $645. They live for about five years on an average. Fish are
very low maintenance, though you do not feel the sense of being connected to them
as much, but they are the most cost efficient among all animals that can be made
an ESA. Its annual expense is around $185 worth life expectancy of 10 years. So,
is the case with birds. They cost about $170 a year with an average life expectancy
of 10 years.

Choosing your ESA according to your finances is monumental because poor finances
would only add to the symptoms of your disorders no matter how much your furry animal
comforts you. Go for an affordable ESA for yourself. Keep in mind that apart from
the initial cost that you are paying for your pet, there is a slew of veterinary
and medical expenses after that too.