Cost of pets
What’s the usual cost of getting a cat?
Adoption fee: Typically $50–$300 depending on the shelter, store -- and whether the cat is already spayed/neutered and vaccinated. Also, a purebred cat may cost more.
How can pets keep you physically healthy?
Going on walks with your pet helps increase both your stamina and theirs. Playing fetch or other games is great exercise, too!
Name a daily task of caring for a pet.
Feeding, grooming, or exercise/play.
Your cat is shredding the sofa; do you [a] remove them from the sofa, [b] provide new scratching posts, or [c] trim their nails or [d] all of the above?
D -- all of the above
Would you rather speak dog for a day or cat for a day?
(Answers will vary)
What is the usual cost of an aquarium fish?
Common beginner fish:
Goldfish, guppies, mollies, tetras: $2–$10 each
Slightly more specialized fish:
Betta fish: $5–$25
Fancy varieties of tetras, gouramis, or barbs: $5–$20
Rare or exotic species:
Can range from $20 to several hundred dollars, depending on rarity and care needs.
How can pets help your brain stay healthy?
Pets can help keep your brain healthy by reducing stress, boosting your mood, and providing mental stimulation. Caring for them—feeding, training, playing—keeps your mind active and engaged, and the companionship they offer can improve focus, memory, and overall emotional well-being.
What skills do pets teach you?
Answers can vary: build confidence in caring for living things or time management.
Would you rather have a dog that thinks it’s a cat or a cat that thinks it’s a dog?
(Answers will vary.)
True or False: Dogs sweat through their paws.
True
The usual cost of adopting a dog:
Adoption fee:
Shelters/rescues: typically $100–$400, often including spay/neuter, vaccines, and microchip.
Breeders: $500–$2,000+ depending on breed and breeder reputation.
What can pets teach us about nonverbal communication?
Pets can teach us about nonverbal communication by helping us learn to read body language, facial expressions, and behavior cues. Since pets don’t use words, we pay attention to their ears, tail, posture, and sounds to understand how they feel. This builds our ability to observe, interpret emotions, and respond with kindness and awareness.
In what ways does a healthy pet inspire or motivate their owner?
They teach responsibly to the owners - (answers may vary.)
Your family is very active and no one is allergic. What kind of pet might you get?
(Answers will vary -- dog breeds may vary.)
Which sense is strongest in dogs?
Smell.
The cost of getting a lizard:
Most beginner-friendly lizards cost:
Anoles: $5–$15
Leopard geckos: $20–$60
Bearded dragons: $40–$100
Crested geckos: $30–$80
Exotic or rare species can cost $100–$500+.
How can pets improve your social connections?
They can improve your social connections by talking with and hanging out with other pet owners
How can pets help children?
Pets help children by providing companionship and reducing anxiety.
For a fish aquarium, which decorations are safer?
Plastic plants, etc. Nothing sharp.
Which sense is strongest in cats?
Hearing.
The lifetime cost of owning a cat or dog can cost between...
$20,000 to $40,000 dollars!
How can pets offer a healthy sense of purpose
Pets can offer a healthy sense of purpose by giving you someone who depends on you every day. Feeding, exercising, grooming, and caring for them creates meaningful routines and makes you feel needed and valued. This daily responsibility can boost motivation, improve mood, and help you feel more grounded and connected.
What protective role can pets have?
Pets can play a protective role by alerting their owners to danger, guarding the home, and using their senses—like hearing and smell—to notice things humans might miss. They can also provide emotional protection by helping people feel safe, calm, and less alone.
What is one important rule about feeding your aquarium fish?
No overfeeding -- be sure to read the directions on the fish food container.
True or False: Cats can see well in the dark.
True!