There’s no doubt that owning a pet is a very rewarding, comforting, and loving activity for millions of people. I grew up as a kid in Philadelphia with a dog named King and he was a great friend and loyal companion for over 15 years. So I know how much a part of family life a pet can really claim.
In fact here in the USA, two thirds of American households currently own a pet. That’s the good news. The bad news is that owning a pet is pretty expensive and the cost of pets is growing every year. As a result, it has become an ever increasingly bigger part of the family budget. This is especially true since the 2008 recession hit and jobs and incomes have declined. So what’s happened?
You may have noticed or probably know that there is an ever increasing population of abandoned animals around, perhaps even in your own town or your own backyard. Abandoned cats, for example, are a serious growing population in small towns and big cities, and occurs most likely because the pet owners can no longer afford to feed and care for the animal. It is further complicated when these animals reproduce and the cycle continues. The main reason for abandoning a pet today is the cost of caring and feeding for them…a situation that has become epidemic!
Cost of Pets
Which is why when you are considering a new pet, it is important to understand upfront all the costs involved. The cost of pet ownership, initially and ongoing, is very surprising. Let’s take a look at what I have discovered about the two most popular family sidekicks in America, dogs and cats.
| Estimated First Year Cost of Pets | ||
|---|---|---|
| Item | Dogs | Cats |
| Adoption* | $150 | $150 |
| Spay/Neuter | $125 | $75 |
| Medical Exams/Vaccines | $200 | $150 |
| Collar/Leash | $30 | $10 |
| Litter Box/Litter | N/A | $100 |
| Training | $200 | N/A |
| Scratching Post/Furniture | N/A | $60 |
| Pet Carrier/Crate | $90 | $40 |
| Food/Treats | $250 | $200 |
| License | $15 | N/A |
| Miscellaneous | $50 | $50 |
| Total First Year Costs | $1,110 | $835 |
| Years 2-15 on Average | $725 | $680 |
*If you obtain your pet from a breeder, it will cost significantly more. If you obtain your pet from a shelter, it may cost less.
Besides the basic cost of pets, there are some indirect and optional costs to consider. Think about things like toys, a dog walker, dog sitter or kennel, travel costs for your pet, minor medical costs, grooming, potential damage to your home and furniture, potential for increased rent cost or insurance premium, a fenced-in yard, etc.
Other Financial Considerations
In addition to all these costs, there are some very serious matters to plan and discuss before you run out to find your new best friend.
First, how will pet ownership affect your budget? If you’re having difficulty now, there is no easy way you can handle this extra burden. You may have to wait until your finances are more stable.
Secondly, you should reserve a chunk of your emergency funds for pet emergencies such as serious illness or injury. There will probably be at least one time you will experience an unexpected and unplanned event with your pet and you don't want that to affect your financial security.
A third consideration is perhaps the most dramatic and difficult decision you will ever have to make for your family pet. What will you do if faced with a real medical crisis that may cost a fortune and require burdensome costs to save the life of your pet? Are you prepared to put you family in serious debt to save the life of a pet who may not fully recover no matter what you do to try and save them? This decision obviously goes beyond cost and can be so traumatic to everyone involved, yet has to be thought about before you commit to having a pet.
Exotic pets are also more popular than ever before. In the south, many tropical snakes, lizards and birds are booming the populated areas in and around Florida and are now causing serious problems as many have been released by their owners because of expenses and also because they grow in some cases to a size which is unmanageable and dangerous. The novelty of owning a snake or even a baby crocodile can wear off very quickly when they become adults.
A final consideration, and an expense that I didn’t include in my list, is pet insurance. Having pet insurance can be the answer to catostrophic pet incidents and surgical costs. This is something to look into even before you get a pet to be sure you understand both how much it costs and what is covered.
Shopping for Pet Food & Supplies
Not surprisingly, as the pet population is exploding, pet supercenters arose in the 90’s and today challenges supermarkets in many areas as the industry leaders for pet food and supplies. PetSmart and Petco are 2 huge national chains with everything from grooming products to the top healthy food choices for your pet no matter which brand(s) you seek. Here in the Northeast, Pet Valu, a newer Canadian company has dug in to the market for the long haul. So far, it’s tough to pick the most reliable store to shop at since they all have a large selection, competitive prices, loyalty cards, and accept manufacturers' coupons. Unlike the traditional supermarkets, the selection and knowledgeable staff makes the process smooth and easy! The key here is the same as when grocery shopping for you family. Read the ads, use your discounts, and get the best price.
Do you own a pet? Are you thinking of getting something friendly and furry to keep you company? Just remember, if you are, you’re not alone in the desire, but keep in mind the responsibilities that come along with it!
Image courtesy of Unsplash at pixabay.com (with changes)