Welcome back to our weekly pet segment. Today, we’re tackling a topic that every prospective and current pet owner needs to hear, but many often avoid: the true cost of owning a pet. We’re joined by our resident vet, Andrew Cornwell, owner of the Cardiff and Cameron Park Veterinary Hospitals, to help us break down the "pet budget." Whether you’re looking at a $50 shelter cat or a $5,000 designer dog, the purchase price is just the tip of the iceberg.

Owning a pet is a 10-to-15-year financial commitment. While cats are generally more budget-friendly, both species come with significant "hidden" costs—from breed-specific grooming to the "wildcard" of emergency surgery. With lifetime costs for some dogs reaching up to $55,000, we're looking at how to budget responsibly so our best friends get the care they deserve.