Two fuzzy blurs of fur speed by as Drew Perry, a senior from Wichita, watches with a smile. Perry’s cats, Mr. Rumples and Kristopherson, energetically wrestle one another before crashing into a table, sending papers flying. They look healthy.

But a moment later, Perry stops the cats and pulls out a long syringe, the “Pill Popper,” sticking it down Mr. Rumples’ throat as the cat resists with more strength than one would expect. The process is not an easy one.

Two months ago, Perry said his cats caught an intestinal virus that he initially thought could be treated. However, seven veterinarian visits, four medications and an $1,100 bill later, he still does not have an answer.

“The scariest part was the uncertainty and not knowing whether I was going to have my cats after this,” he said. “If my parents had not helped me pay for the costs, the cats would have gone back to the shelter, or worse, put to sleep.”

The reality is that many people often underestimate the costs of owning a pet, resulting in animals being returned to shelters, said Dori Villalon, executive director of the Lawrence Humane Society.

Pricey Pets

In addition to the initial cost of adoption, the first year of owning a pet includes many more expenses, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). The extra costs, which consist of food, litter, toys and other accessories, can range from an estimated $1,300 to $1,850 for dogs, depending on the size, and $1,035 for cats.

After that, Villalon said, dogs and cats can cost up to $500 to $600 a year, respectively. Aside from the expense of owning a pet, she said students should also consider other factors, such as one’s living situation.

“We hope that all adopters first consider whether they are at a good time in their life to take on the additional financial responsibility and commitment of a pet,” Villalon said. “It is also especially important for students who tend to move throughout the college years to realize that housing options will be limited.”

Though thinking about these things can prepare one for owning a pet, it’s often difficult to plan for surprise medical expenses such as in Perry’s case.

“I certainly know that there are going to be situations you can’t plan for,” Perry said. “However, I never expected being in one this substantial. I don’t think anyone does.”

Return to Sender

While unanticipated costs cause owners to give up their pets, Villalon said landlord conflicts are the most common reason for returned animals. She added that everyone should check with his or her landlord before adopting, and, that much of the process depends on correctly matching the animals with the right owners.

“Sometimes the animal exhibits a different personality than what we saw in the shelter,” Villalon said, “And sometimes, it simply isn’t a good match and we need to work with the adopter to find another animal.”

Returning an adopted animal may seem like a negative situation at first, but according to the ASPCA, many shelters will, instead, encourage unsatisfied adopters to return animals. Though they will first discuss possible solutions to the problem, the most important goal is to find the right home for each animal.

The Lawrence Humane Society is no exception. Villalon said there’s always something positive to be gained from a returned animal.

“When an animal is adopted and returned, we actually end up getting a lot of valuable information about its behavior that will help us re-home him,” she said.

Truly Ready

While it may be comforting to have solutions for an unsuccessful adoption, the best way for people to avoid a complicated situation is to make sure they’re absolutely ready to own a pet, Perry said. This includes considering many factors beyond basic needs, such as the pet’s well being and providing a stable, peaceful environment.

“Personally, the most critical aspect in deciding to become a pet owner was objectively evaluating whether or not I could always provide for both myself and a pet,” he said. “At the same time, I had to accept that I was going to have a responsibility that I would not like at times.”

Deciding that one is ready to own a pet can be a big decision, but Villalon said there are other ways to incorporate animals into one’s life.

“We get a lot of students who are interested in volunteering,” she said. “That is a great alternative to get your animal ‘fix’ without adopting.”

After all, very few students want to go through Perry’s costly nightmare, as school can be expensive enough. He said, above all else, he wants to stay positive about Mr. Rumples and Kristopherson.

“Despite the temporary material sacrifice, their companionship and joyful presence in the household far outweighs the monetary loss,” Perry said. “Nothing can convince me otherwise.”

— Edited by Sarah Champ