We all love having someone welcoming us once we get home, someone to play with, to go out and run, someone to pet, cuddle, squeeze and snuggle... you know I'm talking about a pet, right?
The most loving creatures in this world can be your pets if you give yourself the chance to spend time with them and have fun with them.
But wait! Owning a pet comes with added expenses and responsibilities. And while pets bring joy and the companionship pet owners crave, it is important to know how a pet fits the budget before getting one.
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), around 7.6 million companion animals enter animal shelters every year, about 3.9 million dogs and 3.4 million cats.
Practicing responsible pet ownership is outstanding, but ensuring you can find affordable pet care that fits your budget is essential.
Can You Have A Pet?
The answer is simple: it depends. Owning a pet is a lot of responsibility. New pet owners often find themselves in over their heads when they forget adding a pet involves feeding, providing attention, a safe home, and pet activities.
Not all of us are in financial positions where we can afford to have whichever breed of pet we want. Take into consideration:
- Your budget – Can you afford food, vet bills, toys, boarding, and other pet expenses?
- Your type of home – Does the species require lots of open fields and space? Do you have community restrictions against noise? or pets!?
- Your time – Are you required to travel a lot for work or spend late nights in the office?
These factors restrict the kind of pet you can get, if not prevent you from acquiring one completely.
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What To Know Before You Get One
Getting a pet will be one of the most memorable moments in your life. A pet is not just a creature living with you and showering you with attention.
They are animals that need love and affection, vet visits, toys, food and treats, and more.
Consider Factors that Can Impact You and Your Pet
When adopting a pet, it is important to consider other factors that can have adverse consequences in the future. You want to research these factors before contacting a breeder or visiting your local shelter:
- Do you—or anyone living with you—have any allergies?
- Are there any rules in your community that affect your ability to legally own your pet?
- Is the pet you want an aggressive breed, or come from trauma?
- Is your home already pet-proof?
Deciding Over the Species and Breed Of Your Pet
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Knowing whether to adopt or buy a pet can be challenging. Financial restrictions can impede you from doing one over the other.
Before you buy a pet you should first decide over a species, knowing your situation will help you decide if you can keep a furry pet to play with in the park or if there’s some other species more suitable for you.
If you rather have fish for instance, you have to decide over a salty or fresh water tank (the fresh water tank requires way less maintenance). Most people prefer calm species when they have babies in the house like mice or birds you can keep in a cage.
Contrary to popular belief, there is more than just cats and dogs in the animal shelters, according to The Humane Society of the United States, you can also find rabbits, guinea pigs, companion birds and even horses at local shelters.
If you decide on a cat or dog, you should consider what species is the correct one for your situation.
But when pet owners do not research or budget, they end up sending their pets to local shelters when they realize they cannot provide the pet care they need.
Pet Adoption From A Shelter
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Adopting from a shelter is a process that is more budget-friendly than buying.
If you have a specific dog breed in mind, don’t hesitate to first check the shelter. The National Animal Interest Alliance (NAIA) Shelter Project announced that 25% of dogs in shelters are purebred.
Remember that adopting a pet from a shelter can save a furry friend from a potentially nasty fate, but it is also a commitment that lasts decades.
And when done locally it reduces travel costs and helps you meet requirements placed by the shelter.
Although it’s impossible to know how many stray dogs and cats live, the ASPCA calculates around 70 million cats alone in the United States.
Depending on your county, they may require fostering, property inspections, background checks, and more before they let you take one of their residents home.
Buying A Pet
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If you’re looking to buy a pet, you can find plenty of options that will work within your budget through pet stores, shelters, and by contacting breeders.
Small pets like parakeets and hamsters can be found at affordable price points at local and large pet stores as well as rescues, while dogs and cats can be found in local shelters and adoption events hosted by stores and humane societies.
Comparing Prices
Not all pets cost the same. In fact, depending on the breed and its rarity, you can spend thousands of dollars just on adoption.
If you are considering adding a pet to your family, research all the costs associated with owning this breed of pet (like, vet assessments, upfront costs, vaccines, toys, foods, and insurance) and see if it fits your budget.
While there is no such thing as a "budget pet," some species are more affordable than others.
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The difference in costs between breeds can be a lot of money. To set an example, while adult dogs from toy breeds (like Pomeranians or Chihuahuas) eat around 5 lbs monthly, large breeds (like some Shepherds or Rottweilers) can eat more than 50 lbs every month. That’s 10 times as much food!
Tips to save some bucks on pet expenses
You can incorporate the following practices to save costs:
- Adopting from a shelter.
- Completing bi-annual vet visits and vaccinations.
- Grooming your own pet.
- Constructing your own pet toys and treats.
- Comparing prices on all categories and making adjustments as needed.
- Adding pet insurance deductible to your emergency fund.
Is pet insurance worthwhile?
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Pet insurance pays certain unforeseen veterinary costs that otherwise would be financially burdensome for the average person.
While this comes in handy, pet owners should research policies because they may not cover bills if your pet has pre-existing conditions.
Additionally, pet insurance is not offered to all species of pets, so do your research.
Enjoy Your Pet And Save Some Money
Adopting a new family member is memorable and mutually beneficial between the animal and the owner.
Knowing that you are making the right choice on their behalf is the first step in practicing responsible pet ownership.
