The Badge Archive

Price is Right – Pet Care

Fulfills Step 1 of GSUSA Brownie Pets badge requirements.

Items Needed

  • Animal care items (collars, treats, food, toys, bowls, beds, etc.) OR printed pictures of these items.
  • A list of real prices for each item.
  • Paper and pencils to keep score.

Instructions

  1. Guess the Prices
    • Scouts look at each pet care item and guess how much it costs.
    • Each scout writes down their guess.
  2. Reveal the Actual Prices
    • Share the real cost of each item.
    • The scout who guessed closest to the correct price earns a point.
  3. Total Cost of Owning a Pet
    • Add up the costs of vet visits, grooming, food, toys, and comfort items.
    • Show the total yearly cost of owning a pet.
  4. Reflect on Pet Care Expenses
    • Discuss which items cost the most and why.
    • Scouts think about what pets need beyond just food and toys.

Dog Care Essentials

  • Purina Pro Plan Adult Dog Food (30 lbs) – $67.99
  • Blue Buffalo Wilderness Wet Dog Food (12-pack cans) – $34.99
  • Milk-Bone Dog Treats (Large, 40 oz) – $12.49
  • KONG Classic Dog Toy (Medium) – $15.99
  • Frisco Nylon Dog Collar (Medium) – $9.99
  • Top Paw Leash (6 ft, Nylon) – $19.99
  • Serta Orthopedic Dog Bed (Large) – $89.99
  • Adams Flea & Tick Prevention (3-month supply) – $54.99
  • Vet Check-Up (Basic Exam & Vaccines) – $129.99

These prices are based on current PetSmart listings as of May 1, 2025 and may vary by location or promotions.

The estimated yearly cost of owning a dog depends on factors like breed, size, health, and lifestyle. Here’s a general breakdown based on current prices:

Estimated Yearly Cost for a Dog

  • Food: $500–$1,500 (dry kibble, wet food, treats)
  • Vet Visits: $500–$1,500 (vaccinations, check-ups, flea prevention)
  • Grooming: $50–$600 (depends on coat type and grooming needs)
  • Toys & Supplies: $100–$500 (beds, collars, leashes, bowls, interactive toys)
  • Flea & Tick Prevention: $200–$600 (monthly treatments)
  • Other Comfort Items: $100–$500 (training tools, specialty items)

Total Estimated Cost Per Year:

  • Basic Care: $1,450–$5,200 per year

Cat Care Essentials

  • Purina ONE Indoor Advantage Cat Food (16 lbs) – $42.99
  • Fancy Feast Classic Wet Cat Food (24-pack cans) – $21.99
  • Temptations Cat Treats (16 oz) – $8.99
  • Frisco Breakaway Cat Collar – $7.99
  • Top Paw Cat Leash & Harness Set – $19.99
  • Frisco Plush Cat Bed (Medium) – $34.99
  • SmartyKat Catnip Toys (3-pack) – $9.99
  • PetSmart Cat Scratching Post (Standard Size) – $29.99
  • Flea & Tick Prevention (Monthly Supply) – $49.99
  • Annual Vet Visit (Basic Exam & Vaccines) – $109.99

These prices are based on current PetSmart listings as of May 1, 2025 and may vary by location or promotions.

Here’s a general breakdown of the estimated yearly cost of owning a domestic indoor cat, based on current prices:

Estimated Yearly Cost for a Domestic Indoor Cat

  • Food: $300–$1,200 (dry kibble, wet food, treats)
  • Vet Visits: $300–$1,000 (vaccinations, check-ups, flea prevention)
  • Grooming: $30–$100 (depends on coat type and grooming needs)
  • Toys & Supplies: $50–$300 (beds, scratching posts, bowls, interactive toys)
  • Flea & Tick Prevention: $100–$400 (monthly treatments)
  • Other Comfort Items: $100–$500 (litter box, cat tree, specialty items)

Total Estimated Cost Per Year:

  • Basic Care: $880–$3,500 per year

Fish Care Essentials

  • Tetra Whisper Internal Filter (Up to 10 Gal) – $24.99
  • Aqueon LED MiniBow Aquarium Kit (5 Gal) – $59.99
  • Top Fin Goldfish Gravel (5 lbs) – $9.99
  • Fluval Water Conditioner (16 oz) – $12.99
  • API Freshwater Master Test Kit – $34.99
  • TetraMin Tropical Flakes (2.2 oz) – $7.99
  • Hikari Betta Bio-Gold Pellets (1 oz) – $5.99
  • Marina Floating Thermometer – $4.99
  • Top Fin Artificial Aquarium Plants (3-pack) – $14.99

These prices are based on current PetSmart listings as of May 1, 2025 and may vary by location or promotions.

Here’s a general breakdown of the estimated yearly cost of owning fish, based on current prices:

Estimated Yearly Cost for Fish

  • Tank Setup: $50–$500 (tank, filter, heater, decorations)
  • Food: $50–$200 per year (flakes, pellets, live food)
  • Water Treatments: $50–$300 per year (conditioners, cleaning supplies)
  • Vet Care: Rare, but specialized fish care can cost $100+ if needed
  • Other Supplies: $50–$200 (nets, thermometers, lighting, substrate)

Total Estimated Cost Per Year:

  • Basic Care: $100–$500 per year

These costs vary based on tank size, fish species, and maintenance needs.

References:

Tia Kennard