Pet ownership is no trend
Despite buying your cat dozens of toys, they will still prefer to lay around in old boxes.
Owning a pet comes with many real and costly consequences that many don’t think of before bringing a pet into their home. This results in gross and selfish negligence that puts the animal’s welfare at risk (and maybe even your own).
According to a study done by the ASPCA in an article published by The Dodo in 2015, economics plays a major part in why more than one million pet owners have to surrender their companions in a given year (cue “In the Arms of an Angel” by Sarah McLachlan).
Within the study, they found that people with an income below $50,000 were more likely to have to re-home their pets because of costs. Given this information, guess who falls into this category. That’s right–students.
So if you’re thinking about getting a pet just to do it “for the ‘gram” or because it’s “trendy”–don’t.
Bringing a pet into your life means taking care of another being other than yourself and for some, taking care of yourself is enough of a challenge.
In an article from Money Under 30, another study from the ASPCA was mentioned in which they estimated it costs over $1000 for first-year pet expenses. And this doesn’t include the extra $1000 to $2000 you should set aside for an emergency vet bill.
When I decided to adopt a pet, I spent months debating whether or not I would be able to afford it, especially if an emergency came up. In the end, I concluded that a cat was the right pet for me as a student.
Based on my experience, I can second ASPCA’s findings that it cost a good grand in the first year of my cat Pablo’s life to pay for initial vet appointments, surgery, supplies and a safety deposit at my apartment.
Not only this but just a few weeks ago I had to bring Pablo to the emergency clinic because he was stung by a wasp. While this was on the more affordable side of emergency visits, it still costs $250 and the majority of a day.
One emergency clinic visit in a year and a half of life means he’ll be due for another one around his third birthday.
Within the same article from Money Under 30, they break down the expenses for pets. It’s simple resources like these that should be studied in great detail before you decide to adopt (that’s right–adopt, don’t shop).
Not only should you be questioning your expenses and the affordability of a pet, but you should also ask yourself the following questions:
“Do I have access to veterinary care?”
“Will I be able to bring my pet with me when I move?”
“Who will take care of my pet when I’m away from home for an extended period?”
The list is endless.
Bringing a pet into your life means taking care of another being other than yourself and for some, taking care of yourself is enough of a challenge.
Owning a pet means committing to them for their entire life.