Owning a pet is a pastime in many countries, including the U.S. Anywhere from about one-third to one-half of all households in the country have a dog, and people own another 76.4 million cats. Whether you get yourself a puppy or a kitten or you decide to go with an older animal, you will be in for a commitment of a lot of time and a lot of money. Here are some of the things you can count on spending your time and money on when you decide to become a pet owner.
One of the first expenses you will have as a pet owner is all the basic things you need for your dog or cat. This includes, at a minimum, water and food bowls, a collar. a leash if you have a dog and a litter box if you have a cat. It’s also a good idea to get a bed, a pet carrier and some toys. You also will have to buy food, which is an ongoing expense, and it’s also a good idea to get treats to use as a reward.
Another expense you will have as a pet owner is veterinary care. If you get a puppy or kitten they will need a series of shots and will need to be spayed or neutered. Then you will have ongoing expenses of annual vet visits, which are necessary to protect your animals health. Pet care can be expensive, especially if your dog or cat gets injured or becomes sick. Overall, pet owners spend about $34 billion a year just on food and vet care.
Beyond the expense of owning a pet, there is the time commitment. If you own a dog, walking your dog is something you are likely going to have to do at least once a day if not more often, especially if you have an active breed. Dogs also need to be let outside for bathroom breaks several times a day, which can take up a lot of your time. And whether you have a cat or a dog, you need to spend time bonding with it and learning how to socialize with it.
Owning a pet can be a very rewarding experience, but you have to be sure you are prepared for the financial and time commitment that comes along with being a dog or cat owner.