Pet Ownership: The True Cost of Being an Animal Lover
The true cost of pet ownership can be expensive. But as an animal lover, the presence of pets can also improve people’s lives. If you are thinking about getting a pet start saving now (especially for initial costs). And if you already have a pet, this could be a refresher on how to budget for your pet(s) and make sure you’re putting aside savings for them.
The Cost of Owning Pets
There are a lot of costs to prepare for when owning a pet. According to Money Under 30, you can expect to pay around $1,000 for the first year and then at least $500 a year thereafter per pet. The article also breaks down “one-time pet expenses” to prepare for such as adoption/purchasing cost, supplies, vaccinations, etc. And “annual pet expenses” of pet food, annual medical exams, litter if you have a cat, etc. Make sure you’re ready for these expenses to best take care of your fur babies.
Pet care costs according to ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals):
Budgeting for Pets
Make sure you have a monthly line item for pet expenses in your budget. As mentioned above, this can include pet supplies, veterinary visits, medications, grooming appointments, treats, toys, etc. The specific items you’re budgeting for may change per month, so it would be helpful to know what’s coming up next to best prepare. You may want to also consider having a separate emergency savings fund for your pet(s) in case of unexpected costs like a vet bill for a sudden surgery or boarding your pet when you go on vacation.
ASPCA recommends cutting costs for pet care by grooming your pets at home. Some ways to keep your dogs and cats clean are by paying attention to their eye heath and clean any eye gunk, brush their teeth, bathe and brush them, trim their nails and check on their paws to make sure there are no infections.
Benefits of Owning Pets
There are many benefits to owning pets, which might override how much they cost. But you also need to consider if your lifestyle is beneficial for the pet. If you already own pets you can probably attest to the positivity they bring to your life. According to CDC, owning pets can increase your exercise output, lower blood pressure and “help manage loneliness and depression by giving us companionship.”
According to Reader’s Digest, owning a pet can help with paying better attention to your surroundings and sharpening your memory skills. They also suggest that if your baby is exposed to animals, they have a chance of being less prone to developing allergies and will be more used to routines as they help take care of the pet(s).
Pet Friendly Places in the Acadiana Area
There are many pet friendly parks and places with outdoor patios near Lafayette and the Acadiana area. Here are a few places you could visit with your furry friend/fur child:
Parks
- Brown Memorial Dog Park
- Girard Park
- Beaullieu Park
- Moncus Park
- Beaver Park
- Elysian Fields Park
- Heymann Memorial Park
- Bayou Vermilion Nature Trail
- Acadiana Park
- Picard Park
Restaurants with outdoor patios
If your favorite restaurant has an outdoor patio, call ahead of time to make sure they allow pets.
- Wurst Biergarten
- Another Broken Egg
- Spoonbill Watering Hole & Restaurant
- Hideaway on Lee
- Taco Sisters
- Olde Tyme Grocery
As much as it could be a good idea to own a pet, it is also important to understand the costs when preparing for pet ownership. Take into consideration if owning the pet will ultimately be beneficial to you and the pet. When and if you get a pet, make sure to save and budget for their needs.
Sources:
Is There a Best Time to Get a Puppy?
The Annual Cost of Pet Ownership: Can You Afford A Furry Friend