Smaller, less expensive pets more likely this Christmas

You've seen the pictures. Or maybe it was a scene in a Disney movie. The children squeal in delight on Christmas morning as the big-eyed , long-eared puppy leaps out of the gift box. Knowing they scored big points with the kids, mom and dad exchange winks and smiles.

Maybe your children are pushing for a dog this year. And maybe you want to score big points, too. But big points mean big bucks. Dogs aren't cheap.

Unless you adopt from a shelter, the initial purchase price along with vet bills, food, grooming, training and assorted supplies can easily run more than $1,000, according to the Connecticut-based American Pet Products Association. That's a lot of bones especially in these lean economic times.

So, what are the alternatives? Are there other critters or creatures to cuddle that carry a smaller price tag? Common cats can cost around $150 to $200, but maybe you're looking for something less conventional.

"Hedgehogs are darling little things," said Heather Hourigan, the manager at Rainbow Pets in Schaumburg, who thinks the tiny, spiny, mammals are very personable. "They get to know you by your smell," she explained. About the size of a baseball, hedgehogs cost about $150, not counting the cage and bedding.

Hourigan also likes chinchillas. The ultra-soft rodents run about $170. "They are social creatures and fun to watch," she said. "They like to take a bath in the dust. It's really cute."

They are a little mischievous, but you might consider a ferret. "They are like cats, but without the attitude," said Steve Dolloff, manager of Best Pets in Antioch. "They are allergy-free. They're friendly and you can let them run around the house as long as you keep an eye on them." Expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $150 for the animal, not counting the cage and accessories.

Alfred Hitchcock may have forever tarnished their reputation, but birds can be our friends.

"People don't realize the difference between cage birds and tame birds," Dolloff said. "Birds like canaries and finches are great songbirds, but are best left in their cage. But cockatiels, parakeets and parrots can all be held in your hand or sit on your shoulder. They make for great pets you can handle."

The tame birds can cost as little as $50, but as much as $500, Dolloff said.

Another animal with a bad rap sheet, rats, have repulsed people for thousands of years. But Eric Hall of Pets Etc. in Naperville says they can become part of the family.

"They are a lot of fun," Hall said. "For as little as $8 you can get a 'Dumbo rat.' They have these huge ears and are really cute."

And they won't bark when the doorbell rings.

Actually, you won't hear a peep out any members of the reptile family. Bearded dragons, geckos, snakes and skinks might not be as cuddly as a puppy, but Dolloff said they are easy to care for and display a personality on a more subtle level. They range in price from $50 and up. Dolloff said it's important to wash your hands after handling reptiles and amphibians to prevent the spread of the salmonella bacteria.

If snakes and lizards are a little too creepy, it's not likely you'll opt for scorpions or tarantulas. But some people love them, and they can be yours for around $25.

"Tarantulas and scorpions are mostly popular with teenagers and twenty-somethings," Dolloff said.

The hairy, crawly things are misunderstood creatures, he said, and can actually make great pets. "They tend to give parents the willies," Dolloff said. "But they are fascinating creatures. And if that's what the kids are interested in, that's important."

Pets: Don't dismiss rats

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