04/09/2024
Working on another book. This is chapter 8 in my 16-chapter book. I have yet to find the name, but it's about pets. I know most of you will tell me to f**k off with this book. But the truth hurts. I don't write books to make money; I do it because I don't argue with people anymore. Read one of my books if you want to talk about that topic. Chapter 8: The Economic Burden of Pet Ownership
Owning a pet brings financial responsibilities that accumulate over time. The initial purchase or adoption fees are small compared to the long-term costs that stretch for years. Pet ownership involves daily, monthly, and yearly expenses necessary to maintain the pet's health and well-being. Over a lifetime, these costs can amount to a significant financial burden for pet owners.
The annual costs of owning a dog or cat can vary, but food is a primary expense for both. Depending on the size and diet of the dog, dog food costs between $250 and $700. Cat food, requiring less food, ranges from $150 to $500 annually. Pet food alone can cost thousands of dollars over a pet's lifetime, but that's only part of the equation.
Regular grooming is another essential expense, with dog grooming ranging from $30 to $90 per visit. Cats groom themselves but may need professional help, costing around $50. Accessories like beds, toys, leashes, and litter boxes can add up to $100 to $200 annually.
Medical care is one of the most expensive aspects of pet ownership. Depending on the pet's location, routine annual check-ups and vaccinations cost between $200 and $500. Medications are common in pets as they age. Medications for allergies, arthritis, or chronic pain can cost between $20 and $100 monthly. Daily medication for conditions like heartworm, diabetes, or thyroid issues can increase over a pet's life. Depending on the complexity, if a dog requires surgery, such as removing a tumor or fixing a broken bone, costs can reach between $1,500 and $5,000.
As a pet owner, the time investment is as significant as the financial one. A dog owner spends time walking the dog, feeding it, and playing with it. Walking alone can take up to 30 minutes to an hour a day, up to over 365 hours a year. Feeding a pet takes less time but is a daily routine, taking up at least 10 minutes daily for feeding and cleaning up. Depending on the pet's age, veterinary visits add hours monthly or yearly. If one lives to 80, thousands of hours are spent on pet care, feeding, and companionship over a lifetime of pet ownership.
Beyond the financial and time costs, there are significant opportunity costs to consider in pet ownership. The money spent on pet food, grooming, and medical care could be used for other important causes. For instance, the money could go toward helping the homeless or caring for elderly family members, reducing their need to enter nursing homes. Volunteering at nonprofits focusing on environmental or humanitarian causes becomes a missed opportunity. Owning a pet may limit the time to write books, pursue a garden, or engage in other personal pursuits that contribute to personal growth or societal good.
Pet ownership often limits personal freedom. If you have a dog at home, you must plan around its needs. This can restrict travel plans or spontaneous outings, forcing you to rush home to walk or feed the dog. Staying out late, attending events, or spending nights at friends' becomes more complicated when your pet depends on you. You may even drive home to care for the pet, risking traffic tickets and stress. Without a pet, enjoying extended vacations or more time with friends and family becomes easier without being tied to a routine.
Pet ownership brings joy and companionship but comes at the cost of time, money, and personal freedom. As rewarding as it can be, it is necessary to recognize the substantial commitment and opportunity costs involved. Pet owners invest thousands of dollars in a pet's life and dedicate hours to caring for their furry companions. For some, the joy of having a pet outweighs these costs, but for others, the trade-offs may be too significant.
