Who should pay for the pet?

Question

My friend and I are getting an apartment together this fall. The apartment accepts pets, so she wants a small dog or cat. I'm okay with that as long as it doesn't mess up the apartment.

I was thinking about how the bills should be split. Since it's her pet, should she pay for all of its costs? Or should we split the cost since we will both be enjoying the animal's company?

Answer 1

If she is going to call it her pet and she will be making all the decisions (like vet visits, what brand of food to feed it and if she moves the pet goes with her) then she should pay for everything.  If the pet will be fairly shared then the bills should be split in half.

Answer 2

it depends on whos pet it is. whos idea.

Answer 3

If you are both going to be taking care of it then u both should pay. If only 1 of you is then that person should pay!

Answer 4

Who Owns it??????

There's the answer!

Answer 5

if she wants it she's going to have to buy it and care for it and it will  ber HER pet

but because it's living there you will both enjoy it but the pet will probably bond to her more

you don't really seem like you want to care for the pet

so whoever is caring for it needs to care for it

Answer 6

if she wants a pet.. she needs to take care of it and pay for it

Answer 7

I agree with Sarah.

Answer 8

Eventually you won't be living together. Who will get to keep the pet at that time? That person should be responsible for the costs. The other can chip in if they want and should help with the work. If it's her pet you aren't obligated to pay anything.

Answer 9

I think that you should both pay for it but she pays 10 percent more because its hers. But you're both going to have to pich in for food, toys, or anything else it needs.It would make both the animal and you happy. If it is her that is taking care of it you can pitch in with the extra things sometimes.

Answer 10

Her pet, her responsibility. She is responsible for all finances that come with getting a pet, that includes what the apartment requests.

I live with 2 other people, but I paid the pet deposit myself, because the pet is MINE, and it was my choice to get one.

Answer 11

If you know that the pet is going to hers then I let her pay for it, but help her if you feel the need to.

Answer 12

If she wants it, she should pay for it, but if you feel the need to help out sometimes thats alright too.

Answer 13

That's a good one. Start 50/50 and then adjust as time goes by.

Answer 14

Splitting rent and utilities is one thing, but two friends "sharing" a pet can get into a tricky situation and can lead to some potential problems down the road.

If this is going to be her dog or cat, then she should be responsible for all of the expenses incurred, including vet calls, food, treats, and any fees that your landlord would charge for a pet security deposit.  

Also, if you are splitting the deposit, you should make it very clear from the start that if the dog or cat causes any damage that the landlord may keep the security deposit for (or additional damage costs) will be her responsibility alone.

Puppies chew and need to be housebroken, kittens come with claws... do you want to lose your own money to replace carpeting, blinds or wood trim?

Even though you are friends, you have to look at this situation from the worst possibility.  If you two were to have a falling out, do you want to be stuck with expenses from her pet?  Or if you get attached to the dog or cat, spring for a few vet bills and help pay for his food, how will you feel if she moves out and takes her pet with her?  This can get pretty messy, so I think you should regard the pet as hers (and her responsibility ONLY).  

There's nothing saying you can't give her pet attention, but if you want the expenses and responsibilites, you should get your own pet.