If you have a pet, that furry little fella is probably a lot of fun for you and your whole family. But pet food doesn't grow on trees, you know! Pets can actually be pretty expensive. If your family buys a puppy from a breeder, you could spend hundreds of dollars. It usually costs less to adopt a pet from an animal rescue organization, but you will still have to make a donation.

If you've got a pet, you've got to take care of it. You need food, vet visits, and things like litter boxes, cages, toys, or tanks to keep your pet happy and healthy. All of these items can add up to big bucks.

If you are thinking about getting a pet, it can be helpful to understand how much it will really cost to take care of your new pal. Check out the SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) website, which shows yearly budgets for different types of pets: www.spca.bc.ca/AnimalCare/petcost.asp. You might be surprised to find out that a dog costs more than $1,000 a year!