Pets may give their owners unconditional love but it comes at a price.   According to one animal charity,  dogs can cost more than £30,000 over their lifetime and that is without counting in vets' bills.  

Even that cute tiny puppy that you are considering can cost thousands over their lifetime, especially if they are pedigree and prone to certain health problems.

Mrs Mean looks at the high cost of owning a pet.   With pet food inflation topping that on our groceries any pet owner should work out a budget before they buy.  But it is never too late to save money on food, insurance, care and exercise.