Ask the Readers: Is Having Pets Worth the Cost?
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Many people have at least one pet in their home. Whether they are a dog or a cat lover, most people like having a furry companion around. Some people swear that the expenses associated with having a pet are worth it. However, the cost of having pets can sometimes be high enough to deter people from adding an animal to their family.
Is having pets worth the cost? Why or why not? If you have pets, how do you cut back on the expenses associated with them.
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Of course they are! Money can't replace the good times that my dog and I have together.
I think pets are worth the cost if you have the money, but not everyone has it. I don't have money for a pet right now, so I pet sit instead! I get the happiness of a cat in my bed or a dog to walk, and I get paid for the pleasure!
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No way! Food, vet bills (my friend just paid 4K because their dog ate rocks), nasty hair and slobber, picking up poo, cleaning up poo and puke off the carpet, can't leave the house for any extended period of time w/o troubling friends neighbors or $$$ for boarding.
They can be cute and fuzzy, give you "love," but I'd rather invest my time and money in fellow humans.
Yes! My pets have helped keep me sane during my three years of unemployment/underemployment.
Is having kids worth the cost? Of course it is!
i hope so! my wife and i just got a puppy. she grew up with dogs and has always been gung-ho about getting one, whereas, i on the other hand, have not dealt with any type of pet in my life (sans fish).
I definitely think it's worth the cost. My dog shows me unconditional love and acceptance no matter what else is going on in my life.
i absolutely think pets are worth the cost (and i know since we spent goodness-knows how much money on chemotherapy for my cat's lymphoma - it worked!). our pets have brought so much joy to our lives and to the life of my child. my cats are often the only ones who can bring my 2 year-old down from a temper tantrum, and that, to me, is worth A LOT! :)
we save money on our cat's healthcare costs by spending a lot on their food - consider it preventive care. we buy them the good stuff. we used to get the cheap stuff and it was causing problems (impacted anal glands - gross!).
We love our dog. I think she is good for our kids. Plus, a great burglar deterrent!
Pets are definitely worth it! I cut costs by staying away from expensive toys and bedding. Usually you can make your own easily and they don't know the difference.
Definitely, cost is not the only factor to consider. We love our kitty and the entertainment he provides us is worth the little bit of expenses for food, toys, etc. Once you have a pet, this is no longer a question.
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Pets are certainly worth the cost to me. While trying to get out of debt I was still budgeting way too much a month to pay for insulin, needles, and specialty food for my two geriatric diabetic dogs. We lost them both last year, and the new dogs are much healthier and cheaper, but I don't regret seeing my older dogs healthy and thriving on the insulin for those last four years.
definitely yes! they make us laugh, they are always happy to see you, and they are great company. To keep costs down, feed your pets a quality food, exercise them, and remember to have checkups yearly for preventative care.
I can see why people might want the pets for companionship but right now in my life with two small children and a house to maintain on a limited budget, our dog's expenses are really stretching us. The vet bills, the food, the treats, the grooming...it's all too much when you're on a limited budget. So right now in my life, I'd say my answer is no. The answer will probably change at another point in my life. =)
I have a dog, but only because I have kids. I love animals, but not in my house. The cost of food, vets and pet-hair removal can be overwhelming on your budget.
Absolutely worth it! For the cost of some food and shelter and regular vet visits I get a personal trainer, psychiatrist, napping buddy, a security system that is more effective than ADT, a cheerleader that is always thrilled to see me when get home, someone to ride along with me when I run errands and a buddy who is always ready for anything. I am a very frugal person, but the benefits outweigh the costs of having my dog.
Having a pet is def. worth the cost. I know that the unconditional love and lowering of my blood pressure is a good side effect. It has made our family complete to add Herbie to our family.
Absolutely. But there can be some exceptional costs involved. Tens of thousands of dollars for veterinary care.
And then their is the grieving that happens when a loved pet dies.
But the joy they bring is incredible.
My husband and I have a dog, and we cannot imagine not having him as part of our family. There are vet bills and food costs, etc., but what we get back from our dog is so much more. He loves us unconditionally - you CANNOT put a price on that! Now, there are things to think about BEFORE getting a pet. You need to make sure you can afford all the expenses that go along with pet ownership, as well as consider the responsibility. Can you make the approximately 15 to 18 year commitment to love and care for a pet and have its best health interests in mind? Do you have the financial means to care for it? If you answered yes to these questions, then you may be ready to add a new member to your family.
Absolutely. My cat makes my apartment feel more homey. We're encouraged to stay home more because it's such a happy place. We vacuum more to keep the cat hair down. She destresses us. She makes my husband happy. She is worth every penny.
No. I like animals, but I don't want one. My aunt just had a third surgery for her dog for an obstruction from eating fowl stuff in the yard! 6,000 dollars so far just in surgery. No thank you. I'd rather go on vacation.
For my family, its definitely worth the cost. We do what we can to reduce expenses, coupons for supplies, sales on food, even asking the vet for discounts on care. But if people are unable to properly provide for their animals I think that should avoid being a pet owner.
I have 3 goldens and the dynamic between them is quite unique,we keep them fit and w/regular check-ups the benefits outweigh the liabilities.
I have a golden as well! They are such great dogs!
Asking true animal lovers if having pets is worth the cost is like asking someone who wants kids if having children is worth the cost. The true questions is, can you afford having a pet (or a child for that matter)? The answer to your question will always be 'Yes, they're worth it'.
Yes, having a pet is totally worth the cost WHEN you can afford it. I currently cannot afford a pet b/c I still have debt, I am paying down my debt hard and fast, so in 2 years, I will be able to ADOPT two dogs from abusive/neglectful situations. Since I know how amazing it is to be loved by a furry canine, I still access the love by helping my younger brother care for his dog, I help with his vet expenses, walk him, and other "aunty" type things. I believe most Americans who bring in an income can afford the things in life that really matter when we live below our means, budget for our needs and wants, and plan for everything first (including emergencies), and not try to make do after the fact. It is incredible what one can afford when one budgets as a lifestyle. (see my facebook post as well)
Unfortunately, there is no room in my budget for a pet right now. I would love to be able to afford a nice dog, but I can barely feed myself let alone a furry friend!
It's worth it. My long-haired cat Sophie leaves hair everywhere, runs away from everyone else and has already caused the death of one vaccum in the year I've owned her. If anyone had asked me whether I'd ever want a long-haired cat, I'd have said NO. But she was the one who picked me at the shelter, and she is so happy to be around me that it just makes my day better. Who can grumble about a vaccum cleaner when a cute ball of fur is lying on your chest purring at the top of her lungs because she's so happy to be around you?
Having a pet is priceless! How do you put a value on the loyalty, friendship & love they give. That's something money CAN'T buy! One huge cost cutter is to do your own grooming. There are also recipes on the internet for making your own treats for them.
Absolutely worth it. My dog keeps my blood pressure low and makes even the bad times tolerable. Unconditional love can't be beat.
To cut costs, I shop around and price compare food, medicine and whatever else he needs. He is a member of the family and is treated like it. Home would not be the same without him.
Yes, yes, yes! I'm a cat owner. The only time it gets expensive is when you have to go to the vet. My cat is part of our family, so it's money well spent!
I share my home with three cats. Yes, it can be a little bit expensive but it worth the cost!
Absolutely! I don't think I could live without a dog in my home. They bring happiness and there's always someone to cuddle with!
In my opinion, pets aren't currently worth it. Other people's pets, sure, but nothing compels me to get my own.
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For me, absolutely. I don't think anyone should have animals if they don't think they're worth the cost.
Aw your dog is so cute!!!!!
Taking proper care of a pet IS expensive and time consuming. I never seriously considered having one until I was retired and by chance a friend gave me her middle-aged dog when she moved out of state. This little guy opened up a whole new world for me -- that of the dog people in my neighborhood whom I would not have gotten to know otherwise. Walking him 3 times a day (actually my husband and I share the duty) has been a huge advantage of getting me out of the house no matter what the weather, and provided some regular exercise for all three of us. I cannot place a monetary value on the love and happiness generated by this little being in our household. So, if the timing is right, yes, the experience of having a dog companion is definitely life-enhancing, amusing, amazing, and worthwhile.
If they will be a priority for you, and you're able to take care of them, then of course! Anything that is important enough to you will be worth the cost. For some, it's cable TV, or a hobby, while for others, it's pets.
I have been seriously asking myself this question...as my one salary is stretched thinner and thinner for human health care, transportation, and food costs- I am worried that it will not cover our pets' vet bills should one of them become ill. Having a pet means committing yourself to their care for a lifetime, and seeing to it that they are fed and properly housed and cared for on a small income is worrisome. Our cat and dog are in good health right now, but if we had a major pet health emergency, I would be forced to make the difficult decision of how much is too much to put toward pet care, while weighing the importance of caring for myself and my son's health. It's overwhelming. In more optimistic economic times, this was not an issue, but now it worries me just like my dwindling retirement fund and escalating debt do.
Absolutely. My cat, who I had for 8 years, just died of cancer in December. During the last year of his life the costs were astronomical, and he was an expensive cat to begin with because of food allergies and other health problems. But for the amount of joy and peace he brought to my life, it was totally, totally worth it. I'm glad we were able to afford to do all we could for him and I just hope we made his life a little better too.
My dog and cats are worth every penny to me, but as much as I'd love another dog right now, that decision is on hold I can afford one.
I LOVE that picture of (what I am assuming is) your dog! Too cute!
My husband and I think that a pet (in our case a dog) is totally worth the money... but we don't have a dog yet becuase we have yet to save up for the initial "investment." Even rescuing a dog (is there really any other choice?) can get expensive if you have to buy the collar, bed, pet food, etc. for the first time.
Additionally, our work schedules recently got a little more hectic, so we're trying to determine if it would be fair to bring a pet into our lives at this moment.
Have pets worth the cost? Absolutely!
Yes! That being said, a pet owner has a moral responsibility to provide proper basic care for the animal(s); however, the animals are not human and I don't believe in going to extreme financial measures (and debt) on their behalf.
not unless your pet stays healthy, you have plenty of spare money, or you spend plenty of quality time with it
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I love having pets and think they are worth the money. I wish I could have pets where I live now but as soon as I can afford a house, I will be getting a dog.
My dogs are worth every penny and the pennies have been many. Lots of lessons learned too. The preventive care is a real money saver in the long run.
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If you can spare the money they are more than worth it. I had a yellow Labrador growing up and it just died with failed kidneys, but that dog meant so much to me. Whenever I come home, some part of me expects him to be there to greet me.
People that don't have pets don't realize how much they can mean to you. While they aren't people, it's great to have another body around the house.
So yes!
We have resisted getting a pet so far, and I am glad to be free of the expenses, responsibilities, costs, and allergies. Not worth it to me.
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Yes. It's worth the cost. My cats keep me sane.
How to keep costs down? Well, cats love cheap bird feeders, cheap litter, tin foil and ping pong balls, and their vet costs are generally pretty low anyway. :)
I am cheap but pets are worth it. Definitely can save money in the long run by getting preventative care, taking care of problems early before they become complicated and expensive. Also, most dogs and cats will do well to feed less than what the food bags recommend - avoid a lot of health problems keeping them at a lean weight (remember that the food companies are trying to make money selling food so of course they will tell you to feed more rather than less!).
Pets are absolutely worth the cost! I couldn't imagine life without them. As for lowering costs for them, I don't. I'll cut back on other things before allowing my pets to suffer.
For me having pets is worth the cost. I love my dog and I can't really put a price on the happiness she brings to my life.
Used to love having pets, but these days resources are thin, so I'm using all my spare $$ to help support my friend's daughter. Sometimes you just have to choose.
Personally, my pet is completely worth the cost. I try to keep costs down by keeping her as healthy as possible. Sure, the food and stuff might cost a little more up front, and brushing cats teeth isn't the most pleasant thing to do, but it beats vet bills!
My Akita is absolutely worth it! Who else would love me like no one else, protect me and keep my feet warm. Certainly not my husband. :)
Of course they are if you contain them. We way 'over vet', and don't give our pets hospice instead of all kinds of medical tricks. I have had 6 cats that all lived to 14-19, very happy lives.
It really depends on the family! I personally don't like having pets (we've had fish, but that's it) because really it's like having another child, one that you can leave home alone for a while. But we enjoy being able to travel and leave home for the day without worrying about being home in time to feed or let the pet out. After our 3rd fish (Bob3, can you guess the names of the other two?) died and was duly buried underneath a flowering tree, we had planned to be busy so much that getting another was just not a good option for us. We're happy to be petless.
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Absolutely not!! Vet bills, shots, medicine, cost of food, toys, bones, cleaning up poop, slobber, hair everywhere, smell, can't leave for more than 1/2 a day, boarding is insanely expensive. They chew up your stuff and whine.
Sure, people see them as "cute" but, I'd much rather go on vacation, invest my money, pay off a car, see shows, etc. that pay to have something that smells, poops, drains your money and doesn't allow you to leave for more than 1/2 a day.
It's EXTREMELY important to understand what you're getting into with pet ownership. It's an expensive, time-consuming, long-ranging (15-20 years) endeavor. Having said that, owning a pet can be one the most fulfilling experiences you'll ever have. It's hard to find a human who can and will give you unconditional love like a dog or cat will, even when they are neglected or not treated the way they would like. Faithful and fun. And the joy they can give can literally extend your life!
Absolutely yes. I'm retired but my younger spouse still works so my pet is my companion, my friend and my confidant ... my support when I'm down. This more than balances what it costs to house, to feed, to keep her healthy and to cloth her (she's a greyhound and needs a warm coat in the sub-zero weather).
I have 2 cats, and I definitely think they're worth the cost. They don't cost that much to maintain, and they bring lots of smiles and warmth when I'm not feeling well. They really add something to my life, and I know I'll miss them when they're gone.
Make sure your family is financially stable before venturing into getting a pet. A pet is a huge financial responsibility and shouldn't be taken lightly. Take care of your retirement and college for your kids before you get a pet.
YES! Having pets is definitely worth the cost. My pets calm me and are a source of joy and entertainment. We love them so much that we rescue dogs that get dumped in our community. We use the pet food pantry to help us offset some costs. My son works at a vet so we get his employee discount along with the rescue discount they so graciously allow us. Pets are proven to lower your blood pressure and add enjoyment to your life. I have had pets all of my 45 years and will until the day I die.
Pets are well worth their cost! Pets provide comfort for people who are depressed, provide companionship and love for people who are lonely, give people who may not feel like getting out of bed a reason to get up and outside, give people who are scared to be alone a measure of security, help prevent crimes by alerting the humans to activity outside and save lives by alerting them to smoke inside, pets provide people who are deaf with a set of ears, and people who are blind with a guide, people who have seizures with a warning to lay down, provide sick people in hospitals with a visitor that is happy to give them a kiss and let them be hugged. Pets love their owners even when they treat them badly, love their owners even when they gain weight or don't look as beautiful or handsome as they once did, don't mind hearing the same stupid story again and again, and are as happy to see you after a 10 minute absence as after a ten hour absence. Pets don't look at someone and cringe when they see a handicap, or a birth defect, or a big beak of a nose; everyone is eligible to receive their love if they are just willing to give them love. They don't ever want to move out of their human parent's house unlike their human children, or their husband, or their wife. They find that horrible fart you just did to be the most alluring perfume ever, and they are more than happy to gobble up that failed recipe that makes the humans want to hurl. What human do you know, really, that is all of this to you? No human can be as good a friend as a dog (or cat) can be.
For us, our two dogs are worth the cost. They are great companions and lots of fun! We cut back on kennel costs by having family or neighbors watch the dogs while we are on vacation. We repay the favor when they are out of town.
To me, yes. Although I feel I can only afford the one cat I have right now and probably won't adopt another pet anytime soon.
who else would love me unconditionally all the time in every situation except " Happy Jack" my Rottweiler/Beagle mix? I mean come on now!
I wanna know: is having children worth the cost? They are way more expensive than pets!
I don't know, the cost seems to add up in a hurry with food, shots, pet sitters, carpet cleaner...and then you get attached to them and they get old and need diabetes, or cholesterol of some other meds...I think it would be good to be friends with the neighbors dog!
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Let's see. I have: a cat, a dog, two rats, a lobster in its own aquarium, and a 55-gallon aquarium full of assorted fish. I definitely think they're worth the time and cost! The fish and lobster provide beautiful and calming scenery in my home, the rats are so intelligent that they're fun to watch, and my cat and dog provide me with unconditional love and company. I don't cut back on their costs; I buy organic food for them and try to make sure they have the best of everything.
Yes it is but we are currently on animal hiatus since our dog passed away a few years ago. The kids are now out of college and we are cutting back wherever we can.
Yes! You should pick the right animal though. Hubby and I were broken up when we had to put our 13 yr old golden retriever down. After a few months we found a rescued, papered golden online for $150! We were his 4th owner and it took a few months to settle him down. Since I retired I've found ways to take care of him $-wise, and it's worked out. And money aside, there's nothing like coming home or waking up to a pet that's always happy to see you. You both take care of each other.
Absolutely! Pet ownership has many rewards!
Safety- When home alone or at night, a pet’s superior hearing and protective instinct can be reassuring, and even be a deterrent to break-ins regardless of size or breed either sounding the alarm or by being physically imposing. Safety and physical well being have no price.
Mental Well being- During tough times, sometimes having a set of big brown doe eyes to look at you with silent understanding can help you get through, and lower your stress levels. Pets are a great ego boost; few human beings treat you like a rock star when you walk through the door.
Personal trainer- Pets can help you get back in touch with your love of being active and the joy of play. Premium cable has nothing on an intense game of squeak toys or tug of war.
Pet ownership is a commitment, but there are definitely some ways to cut costs. Take advantage of local non-profit spay/neuter clinics that offer their services at a lower cost. Adopt! I have a family member who purchased a purebred dog for nearly $900! There are many amazing dogs of all ages and breeds at local shelters that can be adopted for significantly less. My shelter dog Roxie was already housebroken and gets along great with my cat. More importantly than cost, by adopting you are saving a life and not supporting puppy mills! Prevention can cut costs as well, never take vaccinations lightly. There are relatively inexpensive and well worth the heartbreak of purchasing a pet and losing them to a preventable disease.
It's true that pets can be expensive, but any number of studies have shown that being a responsible pet owner leads to measurable health benefits. There's the obvious benefit of exercise when someone walks their dog, but pets have also been shown to reduce things like blood pressure, or circulating levels of cortisol, because of their loving, non judgmental presence. So it can be argued that you can deduct pet owning expenses from future health care costs. Sounds like a bargain to me!
My cat is definitely worth the, oh, $20/month I spend on her. Lucky for me, she's incredibly low-maintenance.
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Absolutely! My pets bring me so much happiness, love, and fulfill my need to nuture. The best thing though is the fitness requirements! I have lost 50 pounds after adopting my two high energy pound puppies!
I think having a pet is worth it (usually, LOL). My cat has diabetes and, trust me, he's one expensive kitty. He has to eat an expensive low-carb food, his insulin is over $100 a bottle, plus we have to buy syringes on top of that. The only way I've really found to save money is to get the syringes online. I've shopped around for his special food and his insulin, but savings have only been a few dollars. What I really mind is having to get a pet sitter when we go out of town. It used to be I could get a friend to watch him, but now that he has diabetes, he has to have someone watch him who knows how to give injections and how to look for signs that he may need veterinary care. But, one look at his little face when he greets me at the door, or snuggling up with him on the sofa or the bed, and I remember why I pay a quadrillion dollars a year to keep him healthy!
Are they worth the cost? Yes. Is it possible for everyone to pay that cost? Perhaps not. Being a responsible caregiver and companion to an animal is something that requires financial preparation and time out of your day. But what I get back in return for the 2-a.m. litter changes, the grain-free pet food, separate feeding areas, and monthly pet insurance bill (and all of this is when they're HEALTHY), is limitless unconditional love and the blessing of having cared for another creature. No, they are not human, but our companion animals are something similar: living beings that should be nurtured and attended and who deserve love.
I think it's a personal decision but it's worth the cost for me.
If you raise your cat correctly, YES.
What constitutes raising a cat correctly? Do you mean like raising it not to use the furniture as a scratching post?
pets are worth the cost if you have the money. but if you can barely keep your head above the water, then of course you shouldn't have pets.
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It's not worth it to me right now. That could change in the future.