Over 67 percent of people in the United States own a pet as of a 2019-2020 survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association. The number one pet to own is a dog with cats coming in second and fish coming in third.

There is a great deal to consider before deciding if owning a pet is right for your family:

• Can you afford the food, supplies, vet care and unexpected necessities the animal may need?
• Are you willing to give your time to an animals needs?
• Animals take training and you have to think about the surroundings that the pet will live in as to not to disturb neighbors
• Are you emotionally stable to be able to say goodbye when your pet passes away?

Let’s look at the first bullet in regards to the cost of pet ownership.  If you decide to adopt a pet from a rescue or shelter it could be up to $500.00. Most shelters are required to ensure that the pet is up to date on shots and spayed/neutered but if you choose to adopt or purchase from a private owner you will have to pay these fees out of pocket. It is important to keep your pet up to date on shots for the protection of your animal and others that visit in case of bites.

When you add food and toys and any other care that the pet may need, the first year of ownership can be in excess of $1000.00. If the animal is injured or develops a medical condition the cost goes up.

A family needs to discuss every aspect of owning a pet before jumping in to pet ownership. It is best for the pet that is being adopted or purchased to only have to acclimate themselves to one household.

Our next blog will touch on the second piece of pet ownership in more detail – Do you have time for the pet?