There are literally hundreds of articles online about the costs of owning a pet. Some even break down the expenses year by year, from puppyhood to adulthood, and eventually to senior years. These articles can give you a rough idea of what owning a dog will cost. However, they often fail to address the additional expenses that can arise if your new pup develops medical conditions or temperament issues requiring more than the basics of responsible pet ownership.
The Real Expense of Owning a Dog
The first year is usually one of the most expensive years in a dog’s life. There’s the initial adoption or purchase price of the pet, which can range from free to thousands of dollars for a rare, purebred breed from proven working or show lines. Then there are expenses for vaccinations, spay/neuter, flea and heartworm control, training, as well as the necessary supplies: leash, collar, food, toys, bed, crate, and a list of puppy paraphernalia as long as an Afghan hound’s tail. Before you know it, you’ll have spent a substantial amount of money within just a few months of bringing your pup home.
But what if your pup isn’t as happy or healthy as you had initially budgeted for? What if unexpected medical conditions arise or an emergency hits that your finances weren’t prepared for? What if your pup has temperament issues that require one-on-one training? Or what if your pup decides to howl and bark incessantly when left alone at home, and the only solution until he matures is to send him to doggy daycare while you’re at work?
On the opposite end of your pet’s life, the senior years can also become more expensive. Veterinary care adds up quickly and can be a shock to the wallet if you haven’t budgeted for even a minor health crisis.
When is Enough, Enough?
Our pets become such an important part of the family, and when they become ill or are diagnosed with a long-term condition, it can strain family finances.
Mary brought home little Dagwood, a Bichon Frisé, as a tiny white ball of fluff, and he quickly became her constant companion. As a senior on a fixed income, the pup was an expense she could afford, even though there were a few hiccups as he matured. Then the scratching started. Before long, he was scratching to the point of bleeding, and the vet visits started piling up. After hundreds of dollars in lab work and allergy testing, Dagwood was diagnosed with severe allergies to almost everything in his environment—including himself.
Over the years, Mary has spent thousands of dollars managing and treating his condition, money she simply can’t afford. Now, she works at her local grocery store, stocking shelves to make ends meet, and her retirement savings is dwindling. However, there’s always the hope that the next test or treatment plan will be “the one,” and that Dagwood will be miraculously cured.
The carrot keeps dangling in front of her, and after investing so much money and emotional energy, how can she give up now?
There is No Line in the Sand
At what point is it “too much”? The answer depends on the individual situation and the quality of life of the pet.
Some people can afford to care for a sickly pet without it negatively impacting their own life. There’s also pet insurance, which, if purchased early in a pet’s life, can more than pay for itself if a medical condition or accident develops. Even emergency pet insurance can help cover the unforeseen incidents that happen in an instant but may take years to recover from.
However, many people cannot afford to care for a sickly pet. Some, like Mary, take on a second job to help cover the costs. In the case of an otherwise happy, healthy, and pain-free pet, the choice is up to the owner as to whether they continue to pay for ongoing medical bills.
In many cases, though, the pet may not have an adequate quality of life and may suffer from pain, constant discomfort from various medical conditions, emotional or behavioral issues, or difficulty with mobility. Measuring and accurately judging your pet’s quality of life is a difficult task, and it’s something that many of us “put off” for too long.
No one can tell you when it’s time to say “enough.” It’s a deeply personal decision, one that often comes with great difficulty. However, as veterinary medicine continues to evolve, there’s a growing sentiment in the veterinary community that just because we can treat a condition, it doesn’t always mean we should.
When choosing a new puppy, be sure to prepare for the unexpected and do your due diligence. Look into pet insurance or set aside money each month in case of an emergency. And if your life is being adversely affected to the point where your own health and well-being are compromised, consider your options. Ask yourself: Who is benefiting from the ongoing discomfort and expense? It’s a tough conversation to have, but it’s one that, in the end, your pet may appreciate.
One Response
I see how some Pet parents are buying into the idea of insuring their pets which is great. On the other hand, most pet parents and lovers in view pet insurance as a strain in their wallets.
Unfortunately it is usually this way until the pet suffers a major health setback, incurring major financial costs.
On this note, I’ll like to stress that PET INSURANCE is not a waste of time and financial resources. It’s worth every penny you put into it.
once again, great job on this article and site at large!