Lost dog, cat? There's an app for that

A Free smartphone app called Finding Rover uses facial recognition technology to reunite lost dogs (and now cats) with their people, reports Elizabeth Miller for National Public Radio.

Pet owners upload a picture of their lost dogs. Shelters and other Finding Rover users upload pictures of found dogs. The app's software, using facial recognition technology, develops algorithms for pets, identifying their unique facial features.

When a found dog photo is matched with a lost dog photo, the owner is notified. So far, more than 600 dogs and people have been reunited.

How much do you spend on your pet annually?

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals estimates first-year costs ranging from $1,035 (cats) to $1,843 (large dogs).

Expenses you might pony up for include premium pet food; veterinary visits, vaccinations or titers, and heartworm and flea and tick preventive; pet health insurance; training or activity classes; toys and treats; litter for cats; and carriers.

Pocket pets, such as rabbits and guinea pigs, small birds and aquarium fish have annual costs ranging from $235 for fish to $1,055 for bunnies.

Good thing our pets are worth their weight in gold.