For many people, there is no relationship quite like the one that pet owners have with their pets.
Many pet owners treat their dogs and cats as if they were their own children, and, sometimes they are owner's children. Having a dog or cat is a huge responsibility, like parenting, because you are responsible for their lives and their overall wellbeing.
Whether it's a cat or a dog, having a pet can be very expensive.
Sure, the love you have between you is always unconditional and amazing, but the cost that is associated with it is definitely higher than many pet owners anticipate when they first adopt or buy their pets.
The new survey was conducted by OnePoll in partnership with MetLife and as reported by People Magazine.
The survey asked 2,000 pet owners what they think about the cost of raising pets vs. raising kids.
The survey looked into the spending habits of pet owners and parents and the information gained is rather shocking.
According to the data, the average pet owner spends more than $4,500 on their pet every year—and that's just basic needs.
When you decide to get a pet, it'll cost you money. Whether you adopt, or you shop, both come with fees to get your dog or your cat.
Then, you have to pay for the vet appointments for vaccines and boosters. On top of this, many owners spay or neuter their pets, too.
Depending on how big your pet is, food can be costly. It sometimes costs as much as feeding ourselves for an entire month.
Then, we all want our dogs and cats to be happy, so getting them things such as toys and other items is vital to us.
Training and classes can be very expensive.
And, while we don't send our pets to college the same way we send our kids, some pet owners send their pets to daycare if they are working full-time out of the house.
From their basic, everyday needs such as food, somewhere to sleep (a dog/cat bed), treats, and toys—these things add up.
On top of this, pets need shots regularly and also check-up appointments, which add up as well.
The data also reported that three in five pet parents specifically allocated around $200 from each paycheck just for their pet’s needs. And, the highest cost turns out to be preventative treatments like flea, tick, and heartworm medications.
When a pet gets sick, the vet bills add up before you know it. Some owners opt to get pet insurance, which can be helpful in terms of vet fees, however, the insurance is also a monthly fee to pay out of your check.
While our kids may need more things like shoes and clothing, the cost of having a pet can add up—and run parallel to how much we spend on our kids. From food to vet bills to toys—the industries both rip us off beyond repair.
While the price may be high, there is nothing quite like coming home from a long, stressful day and having your pet nuzzle up with you on the couch and love you. That's something that money cannot buy! Worth it!
