Pet Ownership

Should we get married? Should we have children? Can we afford to invest in a house? Should we get a pet? Yes, that is the kind of weight this question should carry. It should be in the company of all the big, life changing questions. Why? because you are suddenly accepting responsibility , not only for the life of an animal, but its well being, health, personality and even its happiness. This is a long term, expensive and life changing decision that should be gravely considered right up there with some of the most important moves you will ever make.

Some people get a puppy or a kitten because it is cute and it is a very charming idea. The neighbors have a dog so we should have one as well. Others will buy a puppy to impress or win over a girl or boyfriend. Some folks get their kids or spouse a pet for Christmas or a birthday for lack of a good gift idea. But have these people considered that a commitment of at least ten years has just been made or forced upon someone? That they have changed their very lifestyle without even considering the ramifications of what they have done?

Okay, let's do a little math. Pets, just like children, have to have regular medical checkups. Immunization shots are a must. The result of not taking this step could result in the animal's death. Animals develop sicknesses and diseases just like people and the earlier the detection, the better for all involved. Hence, regular bi-yearly physicals are in order. The average is two hundred dollars, times twice a year, if they are healthy.

Animals, like children, are always getting hurt. Usually doing our bidding (fetching a stick 800 times a day would kill me) or just by being mischievous. The Vet I spoke with told me a visit with x-ray and blood work or stitches could cost as much as $700.00 easy.
Food is no big bargain either. A 20 lb bag of dog chow, one with all the right nutritional ingredients for a medium size dog, twice a month, at twenty dollars a pop would be $480.00 per year. My dogs go through $10.00 of Frisbees and tennis balls a month. There is another $120.00. I will not even go into damages to house and home for an improperly trained animal simply because I am ashamed to admit what it cost me the first time. Carpet and furniture is expensive.

There is one more thing to consider. (More than one but this is a big one.) Do you have time to spend with your pet? Being alone all the time can do more harm to an animal’s mental health than it can to a human, which is a lot of harm. Many people think the solution is to buy their pet a companion. Now you have just doubled your cost and your time.

Are you willing and able to spend quality time with your pet? Can you treat it like the child it will be for its entire life? I have a neighbor who bought a puppy. Cutest thing you have every seen. They were inseparable. They were inseparable for all of two weeks. The dog has been chained to a tree for five years. Its spirit is broken, as are most of its teeth from the first few years of chewing on the chain. The only time I have ever witnessed any interaction with the loyal pet and the master is when he screams at it to shut up and stop barking.

My point is this. Please, do not get a pet if you do not really want to commit to the happiness and well-being of the animal. Don't get a dog if it is just to impress another person. Don't buy a kitten if you love playful kittens but you don't care that much for cats. And, please, please don't buy a pet if you struggle to feed your kids every week. If you can barely afford to support your family, like a lot of us, you can't afford a pet. Well, maybe a goldfish.