At the Capital Area Animal Medical Center in Susquehanna Township, four furry fellows get lots of love and affection. Louie, Petey, Bugsy are dogs. Leo is a cat.

"I love it. We enjoy playing with them out in the yard, and just enjoy having them here," said owner Dr. Deborah Keim. "They're just a pleasure."

Of course, Louie, Petey, Bugsy and Leo get plenty of health care. Lately, though, staff have noticed that they are seeing less outside friends. Some pet owners are putting off electives, like dental procedures, vaccinations and some medications.

"I think they're being very careful in how they're spending their money overall," Keim said. "I think they're being very frugal about it."

Taking care of pets is expensive. According to the ASPCA, the estimated yearly cost for owning and caring for a dog or cat is between $700 and $875. That includes food, supplies, medicine and training. Veterinarians understand pet care can be costly. But they say not providing routine care can be even costlier.

"Especially with dental care, because periodontal disease in the long run can affect the heart," Dr. Keim warned. "And what can happen in that case? You can end up with cardiac disease, which in the long run can affect the dog's general health."

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