Passion for pets can turn into an expensive affair

Aisha Kelaif, 44, is the picture of a proud, happy mother. "These are my kids," she declares as she prances around with a handful of furry little critters while four bulldogs and pugs, a German shepherd and two ponies chase around her, just goofing off and having fun in her backyard.

Later, she introduces her seven cuddly cats lazing on a floral bed inside her villa and about half a dozen deer quietly loitering in a sandy-floored stable.

The Emirati mother of three is just one of the residents in Dubai spending a fortune on multiple pets.

But her story topped the charts. Her Al Barsha residence is home to at least 90 animals which also include iguanas, gazelles, alpacas, sugar gliders, ferrets, turtles and guinea pigs, among others.

About 80 per cent of these animals, housed separately in different air-conditioned sheds around Aisha's villa, have been rescued from the streets and various owners.

"I used to have a donkey and six goats which I re-homed. Now I have ... [a little over] ... 90 animals," she says.

She started collecting pets in Dubai about nine years ago, when she bought one dog. But her hobby went beyond merely buying animals, and eventually evolved into a cause of helping homeless creatures.Later, more pets joined the Kelaif household as hopelessly abandoned pets found their way to her doorstep. She would find them whimpering and cowering on the streets or other people would bring them to her.

Expenses

"You can't say no if somebody comes to you with a sad story. People may think I'm crazy, but I love animals and I try to do my best for them. Taking care of them is a lot of hard work, but I wouldn't change it for the world. They bring pleasure to my life," Aisha says blissfully.

It's a passion that comes with very serious bills. Every month, Aisha spends about Dh8,000 just to feed the animals and care for them.

Animals' bedding needs to be changed at least once a week and her seven dogs alone have to be fed fresh chicken every day, apart from the processed dog food.

The monthly maintenance cost doesn't include the regular grooming for cats and dogs that can add up to over Dh3,000 per month, and the occasional accidents or disease that can bring the tab to anywhere between Dh3,000 and Dh35,000 per animal.

Aisha is also paying three people who work full time on her animals.

"It's very expensive indeed. A huge part of the expenses goes to food and veterinary bills. I have a huge electricity bill because the AC is running constantly. Dog food alone is very expensive. One bag costs Dh260 which is good for only one dog for one week," Aisha says.

Aside from mounting bills, owning pets requires a huge responsibility.

"My youngest son, you buy him a Playstation CD and he's fine. With my pets, it's more than that. I have to clean and walk the dogs. All of my time is spent here that's why I never go to the salon or have the time for make-up and get my nails done.

Pleasure

"But I get the pleasure out of it. In times when I'm depressed, they get the sadness out of me," she says as she fondles one cuddly little hamster.

Although Aisha has no problem coping with the expensive bills and the challenges that go with raising 90 animals, which she admits can be addictive, she advises other people to think more than twice before bringing a pet into their home.

Responsibility

"It's okay to have an addiction as long as you're responsible. If you take something, remember that it involves a lifetime commitment. You can't just have it for one year, or one month then you give it away after you get bored," she points out.

"It's not just because the pet looks cute in the shop or you have the money and your kids want a pet that you have to buy it. It needs food, medical care, exercise and your time. It requires a huge responsibility. It's like raising a kid that will never grow," she adds.

Do you own a pet? How much does it cost you to take care of it? What according to you is the ideal pet?