As you look into the small, dark eyes of a short, brown-haired, five-inch, two-week-old puppy, it’s hard not to think, “I want one of those.”
I know, because I’ve recently thought that.
A close friend of mine had similar thoughts, too. In fact, it was a visit to see her new puppy that had me contemplating the idea the other day.
My friend is a fellow recent-grad, so she’s making a little bit of cash and she has more time to take care of a pet. But I know that many students think about getting a pet while at school, too.
In this post, I’m by no means am I saying it’s impossible to own a pet and be a student, I’m merely saying that the decision should not be a light one.
The True Cost of Owning a Pet
It’s difficult to determine how much money your pet is going to cost you over its lifetime. Really, many characteristics are genetic, so it’s luck of the draw for you. Exercise, food, and healthcare are all up to you—and in those categories, often the best quality will have you reaching deeper into your pockets.
At petwellbeingblog.com, the author says that her sister’s dog costs at least 10% - 15% per paycheque. The blog also gives an estimate for the cost of cats and dogs over their lifetime:
Cats generally live longer than dogs, therefore, although it is cheaper to feed a cat than a dog, in the long term you're looking at a $2,000 difference between raising a cat and a dog. The average cost of raising a dog, based on the average income of both Canadians and Americans is $8,000 over the dog's lifetime and $10,000 for a cat's.
On canadianliving.com, they estimate that a medium-sized dog will put you out about $1,071 per year.
I know that the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is, well, American, but they have a great tool that compares various types and sizes of animals—not just dogs. With the American and Canadian dollar being relatively similar in value, this interactive comparison chart may be very useful.
Money Well Spent?
At dailybrilliance.com, it’s suggested that you look at what you could have safely invested your money in—instead of a pet—over a 14 year term. While some of the numbers suggested are questionable, I think it’s an interesting idea. If your dog lives to be 14 years old and you’re spending the average $1,071 as suggested by Canadian Living, you’re looking at a potential lost investment of $14, 994 that could have grown in something like an RRSP. Of course, a dog is much more than just an “investment”—it can be a lifetime companion—I’m just reinforcing the idea that owning an animal is a big decision.
My friend has decided to get the dog… and she couldn’t be more excited. And I’m happy for her. I think she’ll make a great dog owner—she’s already bought lots of items for what will no doubt be one of the luckiest dogs around. It’s important to remember, though, that any animal needs a lot of attention and, while it may be a good choice for one person, it’s definitely not the right choice for everyone.
Now… what category do I fall under?
Comments (4)
this is a great post. too often people are drawn in by the cuteness of puppies or kittens and forget that a pet is a long term commitment. you have to feed them, train them, take them to the vet, the list goes on and on and it is not for the forgetful or those who start things off all gung-ho and then eventually lose interest. a pet is a great investment (unconditional love...even if you get a cat...companionship etc) but one must be responsible and mindful of their needs and not just focus on how cute that doggie in the window is.
Oh how badly I want a dog.
My friends in Vancouver have a cat, that they co-parent (two dads and one mom) and thats not too bad, because one can go off traveling and there are still one or two people left at home to look after him. Dogs are much more work than cats though.
I would love to get a dog...but I want to travel more and I would not want to have to put it in a kennel or find someone to look after it. It's not fair to the animal.
There are foster puppy programs where you raise a puppy for about a year that will eventually be a seeing-eye or special assistance dog, and after a year you give it back. If you can commit to a year with a dog, its almost the best way to test if you can handle a dog for its whole life. But it also means (and this is my main deterrent) giving up a puppy that you raised for a year. it would tear my heart out.
But its a good option.
So is volunteering hours at the humane society.
OH and dont get me started on people living in apartment building getting dogs. Esp. big dogs.
And what if you have to move and you can't find a place that allows animals... SO SO SO many people get stuck in that situation and have to give the animal away. Its silly.
I must agree I love this post.
Owning a pet is a very rewarding experience in life, but comes with a great deal of responsibility. You as the owner not only have the responsibility of feeding,training,yearly licensing, yearly rabies and medical care your new pet may need. Three years ago our dog broke his leg,cost for a emergency visit to the 24 hour vet for x-ray's and cast was $760.00. This year our dog had a litter of pup's that had to be born by c-section at the cost of $1750.00. I am in no way trying to discourage anyone from being a pet owner. I just wanted to point out at any given time a cost may come up. So before you go falling in love with that tiny furry four legged friend, ask yourself can I afford the hidden costs.
Sherr
After a four week preview of the rest of my life, I realize now that it will be MANY years before I have the time required to be a puppy owner.
Until then I will stick with beta fish...
How depressing.
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