Owning a dog could set you back up to R20000 a year. Cat lovers can get away with roughly half of this - but pet lovers agree it's a small price to pay. TV personality Ashley Hayden, who once owned four dogs and three cats, said her pets had cost her about R250000 over a 10-year period.Although her pet complement has been reduced to a "chunky Labrador" and a few cats, she continues to feed them scientifically formulated food."Would I rather have the money in the bank and no pets? Not a chance," she said.Actress Kajal Bagwandeen's two boxers, Zillah and Zeus, live a pampered life and get scientifically formulated food. "They're our kids, so it's a no-brainer for us. It's worth every penny," she said.Animal Behaviour Consultants of South Africa says pet owners spend money on food, medical aid, supplements, grooming, training,de-worming, parasite control, pet "hotels" and toys."If one is caring for their animals 100% correctly, then it's going to cost a lot of money," said Louise Thompson, head of Animal Behaviour Consultants.Euromonitor International, which researched the pet care market, found that despite economic instability, the industry was growing."One of the key drivers within the South African pet care market is the rising trend of pet humanisation. This entails pet owners choosing to spend on the highest level of care for their pets, in effect treating them as a treasured family member in supplying premium food products, healthcare, as well as spending on extra products to pamper their pets, such as seasonal clothing, toys, unique blankets and bedding."A report also found that urbanisation and a rise in the middle-income black population "have been primary factors backing household spending in the South African pet care market."Dr Paul van Dam, head of the SA Veterinary Association, said pet costs differed in affluent and poor residential areas."The fact that vets can't charge fixed fees anymore - the Competition Commission ruled against standard fees - also influences prices when it comes to treatments."Also, costs depend on the quality of the food you [are] feeding your pet. It differs from the food you buy at the local corner cafe to the scientifically formulated food available at vets that can cost anything from R500 to R600 for a month's supply," he said...