Depending on the circumstances, you may very well want to set aside an amount of caretaking funds necessary to cover expenses for your pet.  In estimating the total amount needed, you should consider the amounts you already expend food, medications, veterinary care, toys, recreation, entertainment, grooming, supplies, cages, boarding, pet-sitting, compensation for the caretaker (beyond reimbursement) and the amount necessary to respectfully dispose of the pet upon its death.  In making a budget, you should also consider the life expectancy of the pet.

For a Microsoft Excel 2000 spreadsheet that computes the estimated amount of caretaking funds, please right-click here to download.