Free Money Finance

Pets Feeling Impact of Economy

Here's what I've been trying to avoid with all my posts on the costs of pets:

Over the past eight months, shelters around the county have seen more animals turned in because their owners have lost their homes or jobs. The shelters are also straining to meet a sharp increase in requests from people who are struggling just to provide food for their pets, says Stephanie Shain, director of outreach for the Humane Society of the United States.

A spokesman for the Humane Society of Douglas County in Georgia said the abandonment rate is tenfold what it was two years ago, before waves of foreclosures started hitting neighborhoods around the county. With more animals coming in and fewer people with the resources to pay for a pet, nearly all shelters there are overrun.

This is why I talk often about the expense of pets. Most people don't think an animal costs that much, but they do. And they're a living, breathing creature -- you can't (or at least shouldn't) simply abandon them. That's why I want people to THINK about the cost of a pet before they get one. Be sure that any potential pet fits into both your budget and lifestyle. And if they don't, then refrain from getting one. Otherwise, you may end up having to make a tough choice that no one wants to make.

One last thing, the piece shares a money saving tip as follows:

Also, pet owners don't have to choose between taking care of their pets and taking care of themselves. Most local shelters offer vaccinations, spaying or neutering at a fraction of the cost of a private veterinarian's office.

Just thought I'd share this in case it could save anyone some money and/or heartache.

Give Me a Break

In Yahoo's list of six unusual high-paying careers they include this one:

Pet Psychologist -- Don't be so shocked. Even Sparky sometimes needs help to keep from gnawing through the neighbor's bed of prized roses. Once the local vet has ruled out physical ailments that can contribute to rude pet behavior, people who love their animals may need to call in a trained, certified behaviorist or pet psychologist. As with human patients, pets can be analyzed and taught to act contrary to destructive impulses. There are even certified applied animal behaviorists. To get into the field, you'll need a master's or doctorate degree in psychology, preferably with additional work in zoology and animal behavior. Salaries vary greatly by locale, but can be upwards of $90,000 a year.

Ok, I don't know which surprises me more -- that this position actually exists or that someone holding this job can earn $90k a year.

Just another expense to add to the cost of a pet. Sheesh.

Anyone out there use a pet psychologist?

An Example of Why I Say What I Do about Pets

Here's a comment left on my post titled Six Ways to Save on Pet Costs:

Don't buy a pet. I made the mistake of buying a dog in 2000. It turned out that this dog is allergic to just about everything known to dog including cats (its highest allergy - reaction off the scale), 17 different types of grasses, and a dozen or so animal proteins. The first 5 years of her life cost me about $2500 - $3000 per year in vet costs. We are down to about $1000-$1500 per year in vet bills now. No amount of DIY could have saved what I have BLOWN on this dog. The dog doesn't even like me on top of that and it urinates wherever it feels like IN THE HOUSE!!! Now my wife and son won't let me get rid of the d--n thing. Bitter? No, I'm not bitter!!!

It was a "cute" comment and I had a chuckle over it, but the thoughts do illustrate the key principle I emphasize over and over again -- think about the costs of a pet before you get one. Sure, this is an extreme example of what a pet could cost, but even in normal situations, pets aren't inexpensive. And, if you end up with a "lemon" like the guy above, you're stuck (it's not like you can simply discard a pet -- it's a living creature, after all.)

So if you're in the market for a pet, just be sure you understand all the costs associated with getting one and are financially able to meet those commitments. Believe me, it will make for a much more pleasurable experience for you, your family, your pet, and your wallet. ;-)

Six Ways to Save on Pet Costs

The following post is from Dr. Scott Line, associate editor of the The Merck/Merial Manual for Pet Health. Note: The following tips do not replace consultation with a licensed veterinary practitioner.

With economic pressures on the rise, consumers are looking for ways to tighten their belts while maintaining the best level of care they can for their pets. In the midst of the downturn, veterinarians around the country have observed a decline in visits and spending for recommended procedures.

Pet health and quality of life don't have to become economic casualties. Through a not-for-profit pet health resource - The Merck/Merial Manual for Pet Health - Merck and Merial, leading global pharmaceutical and animal health companies, are teaming up to educate pet owners about the power of preventive measures as the cornerstone of a sound financial strategy for pet care. The book is an easy-to-read version of the manual veterinarians have been using for years, and it might be one of the most thoughtful and practical gifts you can give to the pet lover in your life this holiday season.

"We have known for a long time that early detection of ailments and proactive health maintenance can extend a pet's life by years, but it can also help your pocketbook as well," said Scott Line, DVM, associate editor, The Merck/Merial Manual for Pet Health. "In the long run, it is dramatically cheaper to prevent health problems than it is to treat them, and consumers need to keep this in mind when seeking ways to reduce costs in their pet care budget."

1. Be a Grooming DIYer: Grooming is an important part of maintaining your pet's health and condition, but it is a skill anyone can perform with practice. An added incentive for taking an active role in your pet's grooming is that you can identify problems early (e.g., bumps, lumps, changes in coat quality, etc.) that a groomer may not think to tell you about. Doing the grooming yourself can save as much as $400 to $1,000 per year, but to avoid a costly mistake be sure to use products, such as shampoos, that are designed for pets and not people.

2. Bulk Up: Resist the urge to buy pet food, heartworm and other preventatives in smaller quantities to cut immediate costs at the cash register. The reality is, as long as you're mindful of expiration dates, buying in bulk is generally cheaper.

3. Don't Wait to Vaccinate or Medicate: Making sure your pet is current on all recommended vaccinations will save you a bundle in the long run because you'll help ward off preventable diseases. Vaccinations such as one that prevents rabies, for example, are particularly critical and may save your animal's life. Similarly, routine medications such as heartworm preventives should be given every month. Skipping doses can be expensive, as treating heartworm costs as much as $800 - $1,000. In addition, treating the disease is risky and can be painful for your pet.

4. Spay and Save: For the average pet owner, spaying or neutering is a must. If you have a limited income, you may be able to save by taking advantage of low-cost clinics for these services. Keep in mind that spaying or neutering your pet can prevent the immediate expense of new pets in your family and the societal expense of unwanted pets being turned in to shelters. It also reduces the occurrence of some common diseases, such as breast cancer in pets.

5. An Ounce of Prevention: Prevent an unplanned, emergency vet visit this holiday by doing your part around the house. Many items that are a routine part of holiday celebrations could be toxic or harmful to your pet. Examples include:

• Mistletoe and even poinsettia, while beautiful, are highly toxic to dogs and cats

• Chocolate and macadamia nuts are toxic as well, and yeast-based bread dough can actually be fatal to your pet as it causes intestinal bloat

• Tinsel, if swallowed by a curious kitten or puppy, might cause intestinal blockage. Consult The Merck/Merial Manual for Pet Health for more in-depth guidance.

6. Brush Up: Proper dental care is an often-neglected component of the pet health regimen. Regular use of an inexpensive toothbrush and toothpaste designed for pets can delay or avoid a professional cleaning costing several hundred dollars. You also can purchase pet food designed to help eliminate tartar.

$10 Million Dollar Cat

Ok, forget everything I've said about how expensive pets are. This one's worth a fortune! ;-)

Seven Ways to Save on Pet Costs

Check out this comment on my post titled Your Dog Could Bankrupt You:

It's not just the liability. Vet bills. Fences. Food. Over the last 9 years, I've spent over 40K on those things for my two (now one) dogs. $15K just this year in vet bills. Dogs/cats are not a financially wise choice.

Yikes! Maybe I wasn't so wrong with my over-the-top estimate! (And before someone blows a gasket reading that link, I do have a more-realistic estimate on the costs for owning a pet.)

Anyway, given the above comment, I thought it was worth it to post a recent Parade magazine piece listing seven ways to save on pet costs. Their list:

• Keep pets fit and trim. Most dogs and cats in America today are overweight, and those extra pounds increase the likelihood of serious health problems such as arthritis, diabetes, and cancer.
• Learn to do things yourself. Most people can learn to handle basic pet grooming at home, from bathing to nail trims.
• Minimize risk from accidents. Saving the life of a pet after it has been hit by a car or poisoned by hazardous foods, plants, or medications can cost thousands of dollars.
• Work with your vet to cut costs. Ask if your vet offers discounts for senior citizens, multiple pets, and promotions such as Dental Health Month.
• Buy smart. Shopping for pets can be great fun, but your furry friend probably doesn’t need that new designer collar.
• Trade goods and services. Other pet-lovers are likely also feeling the squeeze, so look into bartering to get what you need.
• Be prepared for the worst. Health insurance for pets is a rapidly growing industry for a good reason.

We're still debating on whether or not to get a pet if/when we move, but the main issue isn't cost. We want to make sure we have enough time and commitment to give to a pet. We're a pretty busy family and don't want to get an animal and then just leave it home alone and/or with little attention. Furthermore, we want to be sure that all the pet care tasks don't fall to just me and my wife. Not sure how we're going to get past that issue. And so the discussion continues...

Your Dog Could Bankrupt You

Add this to the list of money responsibilities associated with having a dog:

The Santa Rosa, Calif., case was horrifying: A 90-pound American bulldog attacked a woman walking her own dog to a school bus stop to meet her children, biting off her nose.

The owner was sentenced to four months in jail and 100 hours of community service.

The victim, who endured several surgeries to rebuild her face, was later awarded $900,000 in a civil settlement. Her husband and children were awarded $33,000 each, for a total settlement of $1 million -- the upper limit of the dog owner's insurance policy.

Think this is one simple case and that it can't happen to you? Here are some interesting facts:

Dog bites make up one-third of all homeowner insurance liability claims, according to the Insurance Information Institute, and cost insurers $356 million in 2007.

The average cost of a dog-bite claim was $24,511 in 2007, the institute found. That's 11.5% more than the year before and 28% more than in 2003.

More than 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs annually, according to the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nearly a million of them need medical attention. Some die. Last year, 32 people in the U.S. were killed by dogs, according to Los Angeles attorney Kenneth Phillips, who specializes in dog-bite cases.

And here's what they say you can do to limit your liability:

• Research breeds before you buy.
• Be honest with your insurer. Not telling your insurer you own a dog is a big risk.
• Spay or neuter. Dramatically reduces the chances that a dog will bite.
• Invest in some training. A dog needs to understand its role in your family "pack." All kinds of behavioral problems can result if it doesn't.
• Take sensible precautions.
• Don't forget leashes and fences.
• Get adequate coverage. Most homeowners insurance policies come with liability coverage that tops out at $300,000. You'll probably want more [such as] a $1 million "umbrella".

Most of this was new news to me. For instance, I didn't know it was advisable to report a new dog in the family to your insurance agent. And I didn't know that dog bites happened so frequently.

I'm sure that most people don't increase their level of insurance when they get a dog (even those who get a breed more likely to attack/bite.) Anyone out there do this when you got a new dog?

Our Potential Dog (And Thoughts on Costs)

Ok, before all the "you hate pets" people jump on me, let me say that I DO NOT HATE PETS. In fact, we're one new house away from having a dog ourselves (our current home isn't suited for the lifestyle we'd like for our dog -- not a lot of room to run and be outside). Yes, I do post frequently on the cost of pets because I believe most people don't consider the (often substantial) costs associated with pet ownership when they decide to get one (by the way, the same holds true for having kids, except the costs are even greater). So I'm trying to educate people on the true costs of pet ownership so they can make informed decisions.

Now that I have that out in the open, here's a piece from the Wall Street Journal where the author laments the costs of his three dogs. An overview:

Dogs are deceptively expensive. The two most obvious costs -- what you pay for the dog and the cost of dog food -- aren't close to the biggest ones. Instead, dogs bleed us through veterinarian costs, boarding costs, and the damage they do to our homes and yards.

He then tells the story of one of his dogs -- how it got a broken leg and then a mysterious illness. Both of these were expensive to fix. Then the author compounded his problems with a couple more dogs:

We have since acquired a couple of smaller dogs, a Chihuahua and a terrier. It's too often the same story. Dog eats something it shouldn't. Dog gets sick. Dog goes to vet. Vet keeps dog for observation or to run tests. Owner eventually pays $500 to vet and takes dog home. Dog gets better on its own.

Ha! ;-)

We've been through the "true costs of a dog" exercise ourselves and realize that a dog is an investment -- in time, money, affection and so on. But we have the money, time, etc. and just need the place. The only remaining issues for us:

• Who does the various tasks associated with having a dog (feeding, exercising, playing, grooming, potty duty, cleaning, etc.). My wife is holding firm that she wants FIRM commitments from the kids before we get a dog. I'll let you know how that one goes. ;-)

• What type of dog to get. Oh decisions, decisions.

I'll keep you informed on our progress, but you'll read a "we bought a new house" post way before you read a "we got a dog" post, so it will take us awhile before Rover becomes part of our family. ;-)

10 Tips to Save Money on Pet Care

Here's a listing of 10 tips to save money on pet care including:

• Spay or neuter. Spayed and neutered pets have fewer health and behavior problems.
• Keep ‘em healthy. Pet obesity can lead to other health problems, such as bone and joint trouble.
• Buy toys and chewies in bulk.
• Make your own dog or cat bed.
• Consider low-cost clinics for basic veterinary services.
• Shop around for medications. Your vet isn’t the only source for pet medications.
• Become a pet chef. Homemade pet food and treats are a great way to both save money and to control your pet's diet.
• DIY pet-sitting. Pet-sitters are great, but if you have a friend or neighbor that also owns a pet, consider swapping services when you go out of town.
• Make your own safe carpet cleaners.
• Take on the grooming.

Here's my take on these:

1. We always had our pets spayed or neutered. Didn't want any babies or the other difficulties that can come from a pet not "fixed."

2. Our cats were ALWAYS big/fat. Our dogs were fine, but they were outside and got tons more exercise. Cats and exercise don't seem to go well together.

3. How about skipping the toys or making your own?

4. We had a special word for our cat's bed: couch. My dad did save some money by making a doghouse, though.

5. Not sure where I'd find a low cost clinic around my home.

6. Just like you would with your own prescriptions.

7. My mom is the queen of this. Her dogs eat "well", but I'm not sure it's the most healthy food. It's human food re-worked with some pet food too. The dogs sure like it.

8. Another idea: ask someone to house sit for you. You can pay them about the same as taking the dog to the kennel, but you get your house watched too!

9. You mean pets make a mess on carpets? ;-)

10. If I can cut my own hair, I can certainly do the same for my pet.

Pets Now Even More Expensive -- Can Cost You Your Life!!!

Here's another pet-related story as a follow-up to today's earlier post. Turns out pets aren't only expensive, but some of them have strange side effects that can kill you:

A local family is suing PetSmart claiming that Joe De La Garza Sr., 63, died after catching parrot fever from a bird purchased at its Corpus Christi store.

Who knew there even was a parrot fever?

BTW, I know Todd will especially like this post. ;-)

Caring for Pets in a Bad Economy

Here's an article I ran into this morning that I found "interesting": Demand spikes at pet food banks, discount vets. Details:

Diana Bardsley wiped tears from her eyes as she recalled taking food off her plate to feed her beloved spaniel Hunter and two Siamese cats. Her greatest fear: that she could be forced to surrender the animals as she struggled to stretch her food stamps and Social Security income to meet the escalating cost of living.

Food stamps? Social Security? THREE pets? Is something not computing here?

But there's more...

Doreen Kazijian said she delayed buying her own medication for high blood pressure, using the money to buy medicine for her 16-year-old cat with thyroid problems and a 17-year-old cat suffering from liver failure.

Certainly this is her choice and she seems fine with it. For me, it's just a reminder that 1) you need plenty of surplus between your income and your expenses and 2) pets are expensive. Be sure you can afford them before you get one.

$1,200 Vet Bill Around the Corner

A week or so ago I was in the office early (I'm usually the first one in) when one of my co-workers called in. She said her four-year-old cat had been sick all weekend, she was taking him to the vet this morning, and that she'd be late for work. I told her I'd let the others know when they got in.

Around 10 am my cat-owning co-worker showed up. She had to call three vets before one had an open spot to see her cat (the vet business must be good!). She took the cat in and found out he had some sort of urinary tract blockage and needed immediate surgery. She loves the cat (as does her daughter and their dog), so she went ahead with it. A few hours later, all was fine and the cat was recovering post-operation. The only thing that wasn't fine -- my co-worker's wallet. The emergency surgery cost her $1,200. Yikes!

Fortunately, my co-worker was smart enough to plan for just such an emergency. She knows that pets can be expensive and saved in her emergency fund as a result. She'll be fine. Sure, she would rather not have paid $1,200 to save her cat, but doing so is not going to devastate her financially.

On the other hand, many people I know give very little, if any, thought to the cost of having a pet. They think they can pick up Spot or Fluffy at a shelter, feed him/her cheap food, and all is set. But animal owners know that there's a whole lot more to the financial side of owning a pet. There are regular, on-going costs of owning a pet. And then there are the BIG costs -- like my friend's unexpected cat operation -- that can pop up without a moment's notice.

So, my advice for those who are thinking about getting a pet: be sure you fully understand, recognize, and accept the financial responsibilities of owning a pet. And for those who already have a pet: be sure your emergency fund is high enough to cover a major medical emergency for your pet -- a $1,200 vet bill could be just around the corner.

Update: I originally wrote this article a week ago and set it to post today. Since then, my friend's cat came home and had the same problem occur again -- a urinary tract blockage. On Memorial Day, she had to take him in to the vet and have him put to sleep.

Add This to the Cost of a Pet

Now I've heard it all -- a funeral home for pets:

The funeral home will take care of all pets from dogs to iguanas, the report said.

The services range in prices from $150 to thousands of dollars.

Pets seem to be getting more expensive every day.

Hat tip: All Financial Matters.

10 Ways to Save on Pet Costs

MSNBC has a piece listing 10 ways to save on pet costs. Their suggestions:

1. One way to save money right out of the gate is to adopt a dog or cat from the pound. Pets from animal shelters cost much less money than purebred animals, and they often have been spayed or neutered and have received their shots.

2. Research breeds ahead of time. If you know you want a purebred animal for whatever reason, do some homework ahead of time so you can know whether to expect any specific health conditions or issues. It’s also a good idea to know what you’re getting into when it comes to grooming. It can cost $40 to $100 every six weeks or so to keep some high-maintenance breeds well-groomed.

3. Spay or neuter your pet for less. If your pet hasn’t been spayed or neutered yet and you plan to have this done, look into cost-effective programs run by your local Humane Society or branch of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

4. Comparison shop before choosing a vet.

5. Seek out discounts. Veterinarians sometimes offer discounts to senior citizens and people with three or more pets, and Humane Society and SPCA offices sometimes provide a wide variety of free or reduced-price services to low-income pet owners and seniors.

6. Don’t get stuck when it comes to shots. Contact your city’s or county’s animal control office and ask about free or low-cost rabies shots and other vaccines. You also can ask your vet about the feasibility of giving your pet booster shots every three years instead of once a year.

7. If your vet recommends an extremely expensive procedure, don’t simply say yes. Get a second opinion.

8. Strike mutually beneficial pet-sitting deals. Skip the potentially sky-high expense of boarding your pet or hiring a pet sitter by trading pet care with a friend or neighbor when you go out of town. If you must board your animal for more than two weeks or so, ask about long-term boarding discounts.

9. Focus on diet and exercise. Be sure your pet gets enough exercise on a regular basis and eats the right kind of food. Ask your vet for dietary recommendations, and don’t get carried away with too many treats or human-food handouts.

10. Should you buy pet insurance? More and more people are buying pet policies, which can cost $500 or more per year. If you’re convinced you need such coverage because of your pet’s breed or health history, try opting for a catastrophic policy only so you don’t pay too much.

Many of these tips are the same you'd use for yourself to keep health costs low -- eat well, exercise, shop around for doctors, get second opinions, etc. With pet health care becoming more and more expensive, we all need to employ the same sort of tactics we do with our own health to limit potential costs and make sure our pets live healthy, happy lives.

NYT: Dogs Cost $2k per Year, Cats $1.2k

Don't yell at me, yell at the New York Times. Here's what they had to say about the cost of owning a pet:

The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association asked 580 dog owners and 402 cat owners to record the amount they spent in the last 12 months on specific pet-related items.

The dog owners spent almost $2,000; cat owners about $1,200. If you want a real deal, small animals came in at just under $300.

“With dogs, so much depends on the size and age,” said Bob Vetere, president of the association. Annual costs “can vary from $400 to $500 a year to thousands.”

This seems a bit high to me. I've been researching this issue for quite some time and I have the number more around $1,000 per year for a dog. But the conclusion is still the same: pets are expensive.

Here are a few more comments from the piece that I'd like to highlight and comment on:

Spending can run even higher in the first year, since dogs need training.

Not to mention all the "stuff" you need at the start: shots, spaying/neutering, bed, leash, toys, pen/cage, etc.

My $1,000-a-year estimate includes major expenses in year 1 as well as at the end of a pet's life -- which is when the really big costs can hit. Some examples:

“If you start worrying about cataracts or tumors, you could get into thousands without breaking a sweat.”

Mr. Vetere said a relative of his had her mastiff’s two hips replaced at the cost of $10,000.

Far too many people underestimate the cost of raising a dog or cat, Mr. Vetere said, and “I think that’s what fills up shelters.”

"Far too many people underestimate the cost of raising a dog or cat." Yeah, like everyone reading this blog. Honestly, I've received a ba-zillion "my dog only costs $200 a year" comments and NONE saying "yeah, my pet costs run about $1,000 a year." (Though I do get a lot of stories of $4k vet bills and such.

And of course there are always on-going vet costs:

The national average for a veterinarian visit in 2006 was $135 for dogs and $112 for cats, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Other big expenses:

Food is another big expenditure. Although my local Stop & Shop sells 13.2-ounce cans of generic dog food at the low price of five for $3, the fancy pet store a town away offers the same size organic cans for $1.80 each.

Another potential expenditure is room and board when you go away. The average price of boarding a dog, varying slightly by the size of the dog, is $25 a night, said Joseph Lyman, the chief executive of the American Boarding Kennels Association.

But you can go up from there. Even for pets, there are the equivalent of Comfort Inns and Ritzes, and you pay accordingly. The trend now is for “add-on services,” Mr. Lyman said. A friend of mine who left his dog in a kennel over Thanksgiving could have paid extra if Stanley wanted a little turkey for his evening meal.

More, um, lavish, is a “tuck-in service,” in which workers will read a bedtime story until Spot’s eyes are drooping.

Need I even comment on this?

But there's more:

In addition to overnight care, many places offer play care, where your pet can romp around with friends during the day.

Professional dog walkers have also become a mandatory expense, especially if you work a full-time job.

But one person's cost is another person's side business:

My neighbor Robin has a booming business, charging $20 a walk. But she doesn’t just trot them around the block. She loads four or five dogs into her van and lets them off-leash in the woods where they play for about an hour.

And in case the above aren't enough costs:

I could go on and discuss the cost of burials or setting up a living trust in case you predecease your pet.

Ok, a few final comments to wrap things up:

1. Pets are expensive. Deny it or admit it -- it doesn't change the truth.

2. That said, lots of things are expensive. If you want to spend your money on a pet, that's your choice. My only point is that you shouldn't be in denial of what it really costs.

3. I haven't had a pet for a really long time now (my wife and I had four cats -- long story -- before we had kids.) Since kids, we haven't had any pets as the kids tested positive for both dog and cat allergies. But it appears they've outgrown these, so we're considering a dog. If this happens, you can look forward to even MORE posts on the cost of pets. ;-)

Pets Can Cost You or Pets Can Make You a Fortune

This piece is actually on a doggie poop-scooping competition (yes, these exist), but there are a couple points I want to make from one quote halfway down the article. Here's the quote:

There are 74.8 million pet dogs in the U.S., according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association Inc. And a typical pooch produces 274 pounds of poo each year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Last year, pet services accounted for $3 billion out of the total $41.2 billion spent on U.S. pets -- with annual expenses for dogs topping $1,425 per year.

Here are my two comments:

1. Scooping dog poop is not something many people want to do -- which makes it a perfect business if you're looking at making some additional money.

2. "Annual expenses for dogs topping $1,425 per year" is a rather vague statement, but it does add additional credibility to my claim that the average pet costs about $1,000 per year (over the course of the pet's life -- more is spent in the early and late years, of course.)

How to Avoid a Hefty Vet Bill

My local paper recently ran a piece saying that the bad economy is forcing people to cut down on veterinarian costs. And in some cases, people are so bad off that they are turning in their pets. The details:

Besides having people seek out low-cost vet services, the sluggish state economy also is resulting in the Kent County Humane Society seeing a steady increase of pet owners relinquishing their animals, said Mark Petz, the Society's development and marketing director.

Owners have specific reasons, Petz said. They're letting go of their pets because they cannot care for them anymore, they need to move where animals are not allowed, they're being evicted for inability to pay their mortgage or rent and they're unemployed.

My take on this:

1. It's a sad situation all the way around -- for both the owner and the pet. I can't help but thinking that if people cut off the cable TV (which HAS to be watched on a flat screen, of course) and luxuries like these that many could afford to keep their pets.

2. I told you pets were expensive. Please, please, please consider the cost before getting a pet. Once you make the commitment to one, my thinking is that you're committed no matter what. That's why it's important to think through the true costs before you get a dog, cat or any other pet.

The piece also shares some proactive ways to avoid making a medical trip to the veterinarian:

• Keep your animal inside the house, fenced inside the yard or on a leash when it is outside to avoid the pet getting struck by a vehicle.

• With Easter approaching, remember lilies are toxic if cats eat them.

• Keep dogs away from chocolate, it can be fatal. Warning signs they've eaten it include vomiting and diarrhea.

• Don't leave medications where a pet could get into them; they could trigger a reaction.

• Keep a pet's nails trimmed, wipe out its ears to prevent infection and bathe and trim its fur regularly to prevent potential medical problems. Long, matted hair can lead to skin infections.

They also offer some ways to save on veterinary care:

• Ask your veterinarian if he or she will let you work out a payment plan.

• Contact your local shelter. Some shelters operate or know of local subsidized veterinary clinics or veterinary assistance programs. Go to Pets911.com and enter your ZIP code for a list.

• If you have a specific breed of dog, contact the National Club for that breed. In some cases, these clubs offer a veterinary financial assistance fund.

• Ask your veterinarian to submit an assistance request to the American Animal Hospital Association "Helping Pets Fund." In order to qualify, your animal hospital must be AAHA accredited. To find an AAHA accredited hospital in your area, visit Pets911.com.

I might as well let the cat out of the bag (pun intended) and tell you all that we are considering getting a pdog. If we do, it would be after we move to our new home, which would likely provide several acres of land for a potential Fido to romp and play. Of course this is far off for us now, but I'm already doing my homework: checking out different breeds, considering the cost and listening to a book on CD from the library by Cesar Millan.

Add $15,000 to the Cost of Owning a Pet

After readers bashed my "no comment" post on a dog's $4,200 pacemaker a few days ago, I know I'm treading on thin ice with this heading. But I'm a glutton for punishment, so here we go.

A Toronto man lost his dog (the dog was stolen from outside a bakery) and he offered $15,000 for the dog's return. Here's how he summed up his feelings for the dog:

“Life isn’t about money — it’s about the connection you make with other souls. Huckleberry was like my soulmate.”

This is probably the same sentiment many commenters on this blog have about their pets.

The good news -- the dog was returned. Not sure whether or not the $15k will be paid.

As you might imagine, I have a few money-related comments on this:

1. I've never thought about "ransom payments" as a cost of owning a pet, but I guess I'll need to add that now. ;-)

2. $15k? Seems a bit high to me. Wouldn't a dog-napper have responded for a simple $5k? Or $10k? Seems like the owner went too high too early.

3. Lesson learned: be careful who you use to walk your dog. In this case, it was the dog walker's fault for leaving the dog unattended outside a bakery.

And just so you don't think I only write negative pet-related posts, check out these:

• Would You Pay $45,000 to Live Seven More Years?

• Can You Get Healthy by Buying a Dog?

• What Makes People Happy, Part 3: Pets

• Pets SAVE You a Boatload of Money -- In Many Different Ways

Over $4k for a Dog's Pacemaker

$4,200 for a pacemaker for a 10-year-old dog.

No additional comment. I'll leave it at that.

How To Save Money On Your Vet Bills

Parade magazine has a list of how to save money on your vet bills. But before we get to that, consider the following:

Americans paid more than $9 billion for veterinary care in 2006—$670 for the average dog and $540 per cat.

This is for the "oh, my pet only costs $100 a year" people. Eventually, pets will need veterinary care and when they do, it's very expensive.

Now for the money saving list. They break the ideas down into groups -- prevention, attention to your pet's condition, and working with your vet -- but I'm going to bundle all the suggestions into one group:

• Help your pet practice good hygiene.
• Keep pets at an ideal weight and make sure they get plenty of exercise.
• Keep your pet current on vaccines and parasite preventives.
• Spay or neuter your pet early.
• Keep cats indoors.
• Pet-proof your home and yard.
• Be observant.
• Do a sniff test.
• Commit to regular checkups.
• Ask about ways to save.
• Try a veterinary school.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Some good tips here. In particular, I want to comment on:

• Keeping pets at an ideal weight. It seems like most pets I know are fat. More are overweight than are normal weight IMO.

• I like the veterinary school suggestion. Could be a great way to save some big money.

• Here's a quote I couldn't get past on the good hygiene suggestion above: "Brush your pet’s teeth at least three times a week to avoid tooth decay and gum disease." Does anyone really do this? Yuck! BTW, good luck doing that with a cat!!!

Money Can Buy You Love

Contrary to what the Beatles may think, money can buy you love. At least that's what Laura Rowley thinks. The details:

The Internet is rife with absurd calculations on the expense of owning a dog over its lifetime -- I found estimates ranging from $5,000 to $49,000. But it's kind of like looking at those government figures on the cost of raising a child. Once you hold the real deal in your arms, you never think about the experience in those terms.

Sammy will make a dent in our budget for years to come, but I don't care. In this case, I found that money can buy you love -- at least puppy love.

So you can buy love after all, huh? Not only that, but a pet can help you live longer! Who wouldn't pay $45,000 to live seven years longer?

I have to admit that, like Rowley, our kids are wearing us down too. They want a dog and a cat and we've promised them that if and when we move to our new house (looking for a good deal during the real estate downturn) we would consider getting at least a dog (an outside dog as we like mid- to large-sized dogs and the new place would have room for him/her to run.) I've pretty much decided we WILL get one, though my wife is still holding out hope the rest of us will forget the plan. Somehow, I don't think the kids will. ;-)

Yeah, it will mean a hit to the budget, but for some extra love and seven years longer to live, it's worth it, right? ;-)

Would You Pay $45,000 to Live Seven More Years?

Stick with me on this one. It's a bit of a round-about post, but I think you'll see where I'm coming from by the end.

I've posted a ton on the cost of pets and have come to the conclusion that a pet costs roughly $1,000 a year. Bigger dogs may cost more, a hamster will cost less, but I use $1,000 as a nice, round number to work with. And I know that none of you spends this much each year, but someone is spending a ton because those are average numbers. But we're not here to talk about that issue today anyway. For now, let's just all agree that a pet costs roughly $1,000 per year.

So, if you had a pet from the time you were out of your parents house (we'll say age 22) until age 67, this would give you a pet for 45 years (I'm assuming three pets that live 15 years each, but you can plug in your own assumptions here.) In this case, those pets would have cost you $45,000.

I was watching a commercial for AIG Insurance the other day when they flashed a startling fact on the screen -- that owning a pet can extend your life by seven years. Of course, I was skeptical of this claim, but knowing what I do about advertising and big companies, I knew they weren't making it up -- they had to have some sort of reasonable back-up for this claim. So I emailed them and asked where they came up with it. They emailed me this link on Ten Small Things That Can Add Big Years to Your Life (which I'll probably cover in more detail on a later post) which includes the following:

Several studies have shown that owning a pet lowers a person's blood pressure, increases self-esteem in children, decreases the mortality rates of heart attack victims, decreases cholesterol, decreases depression, relieves stress, and increases family happiness. Pets also make people, particularly younger people, more likely to participate in extracurricular activities. On a whole, research predicts that those who own pets will outlive those who don't by an average of seven years.

Here's that last sentence again:

On a whole, research predicts that those who own pets will outlive those who don't by an average of seven years.

Ok, so let's put it all together. Owning a pet during your adult years will cost you $45,000. Owning a pet during your adult years will add seven years to your life. Therefore, for a $45,000 investment, you can get a pet and expect to add seven years to your life.

Sounds like a good deal to me. What do you think?

Can You Get Healthy by Buying a Dog?

Ok, I've highlighted the excesses of some people when it comes to their pets, so now I'll give equal time to a positive pet-related story.

I recently found this post that highlights a couple studies saying dog ownership contributes to a person's good health. The details:

Dog ownership appears to have "a positive influence on health," according to a research review in the British Journal of Health Psychology. The author, Dr. Deborah Wells, found that while pet owners were healthier in general, dog owners in particular got more of a boost than other pet owners.

She discovered that dog owners had lower blood pressure and cholesterol, fewer minor physical ailments, and were less likely to have serious medical problems.

Another study of dog ownership and physical activity out of the University of Western Australia found that dog owners were 68% more likely to get the recommended amount of physical activity per week than non-owners. People with dogs racked up about 55 minutes more exercise a week.

So look at it this way:

1. Being healthy is more important than money. Why? Because if you're not taking care of yourself you're in danger of losing your greatest financial asset. And if you really don't take care of yourself, you end up dead -- that's even worse. (For ideas on how to become healthy, check out Your Greatest Asset: You and The Most Cost Effective Ways to Stay in Shape.)

2. Pets can cost a bundle but they can also save you money. And as many people have pointed out, they offer love and affection that you can't put a price tag on (or at least most people can't.)

3. So, maybe having a pet is a good financial deal after all, huh?

I guess in the end I agree with the author of the blog post linked above when he says:

Bottom line: A relationship with a dog can be more than just "healthy" -- it can be deep, life-affirming, even profound. That is, if you want a dog.

If you just want a piece of exercise equipment, then you're probably better off buying a treadmill!

The Pet Economy

When I saw that Business Week had done a big piece on the pet economy, I knew I had to share some of it with all of you. After all, I have quite a list of posts devoted to pets and I KNOW how much you love to hear me talk about how expensive pets are. ;-)

Anyway, here are the highlights of the piece and my comments:

Americans now spend $41 billion a year on their pets—more than the gross domestic product of all but 64 countries in the world. That's double the amount shelled out on pets a decade ago, with annual spending expected to hit $52 billion in the next two years, according to Packaged Facts, a consumer research company based in Rockville, Md. That puts the yearly cost of buying, feeding, and caring for pets in excess of what Americans spend on the movies ($10.8 billion), playing video games ($11.6 billion), and listening to recorded music ($10.6 billion) combined.

How do we rack up this much? By going to extremes:

"People are no longer satisfied to reward their pet in pet terms," argues Bob Vetere, president of the American Pet Products Manufacturers Assn. (APPMA). "They want to reward their pet in human terms." That means hotels instead of kennels, braces to fix crooked teeth, and frilly canine ball gowns. Pet owners are becoming increasingly demanding consumers who won't put up with substandard products, unstimulating environments, or shoddy service for their animals.

And for the over-the-top pet spending idea of the day:

If there's still any doubt whether the pampering of pets is getting out of hand, the debate should be settled once and for all by Neuticles, a patented testicular implant that sells for up to $919 a pair. The idea, says inventor Gregg A. Miller, is to "let people restore their pets to anatomical preciseness" after neutering, thereby allowing them to retain their natural look and self-esteem. "People thought I was crazy when I started 13 years ago," says the Oak Grove (Mo.) entrepreneur. But he has since sold more than 240,000 pairs (a few of which went on prairie dogs, water buffalo, and monkeys). "Neutering is creepy. But with Neuticles, it's like nothing has changed." Nothing, except there's a fake body part where a real one used to be.

Can it get and worse? I'm sure it will.

What happened to the days when a dog was simply a dog?

This piece contains one unbelievable quote/stat/finding after another. Since it's seven pages in length, I've selected several of their quotes that highlight the article in case you can't read it all:

• APPMA reports that 42% of dogs now sleep in the same bed as their owners, up from 34% in 1998.

• Half of all dog owners say they consider their pet's comfort when buying a car, and almost a third buy gifts for their dogs' birthdays.

• There are now $430 indoor potties, $30-an-ounce perfume, and $225 trench coats aimed solely at four-footed consumers and their wallet-toting companions.

• Even those who shun animal couture are increasingly willing to spend thousands on drugs for depression or anxiety in pets, as well as psychotherapy, high-tech cancer surgery, cosmetic procedures, and end-of-life care. About 77% of dogs and 52% of cats have been medicated in the past year, according to APPMA, an increase of about 20 percentage points from 1996.

• About 63% of U.S. households, or 71 million homes, now own at least one pet, up from 64 million just five years ago.

• After consumer electronics, pet care is the fastest-growing category in retail, expanding about 6% a year.

• "He's my best friend and my best-accessorized friend," says Gemoets, whose splurges for Bradford include a $1,200 Hermès collar and leash, as well as $500 Chanel pearls for parties.

• Most of the pet business world's attention is directed at the country's 88 million cats and 75 million dogs. The reason is simple. As Philip L. Francis, CEO of PetSmart Inc., the world's largest pet specialty retailer, explains: "You can't train a fish or groom a snake."

• Along with making his 928 retail locations homier and hosting pet parties, Francis is rolling out blue-shingled "pet hotels" (kennels) in his stores. They feature private suites with raised platform beds and TVs airing shows from Animal Planet for $31 a night, as well as "bone booths," where pets can take calls from their owners, and porous pebble floors where dogs can pee. Cats get live fish tanks to watch in their rooms and separate air filtration systems so their scents don't drive the dogs crazy.

• With annual growth nearing 50%, "the pooper scooper industry is now experiencing a lot of consolidation," says Jacob D'Aniello of DoodyCalls, which has 20 locations nationwide.

• Americans now spend $9.8 billion a year on vet services. That doesn't include the over-the-counter drugs and other supplies, which add $9.9 billion in costs.

• "Pocket pets and animals who wouldn't even have been taken to vets now go for regular visits." Suzanne Kramer of Chicago spent close to $380 on vet visits and drugs to treat a tumor in her hamster, Biffy, before he died last year.

• Not only is state-of-the-art technology such as magnetic resonance imaging, with costs that range around $1,500 a scan, now available in small-town labs, but consumers' expectations of medical care have been transformed. They want the same best-in-class care for their pets that they want for themselves.

• Jamie Ward invested in a $25.77-a-month plan with Veterinary Pet Insurance for her American Staffordshire terrier, Loki, only to discover that it didn't cover any of the $2,000 in expenses for a kneecap injury.

• The ever-expanding roster of drugs and treatment can run into tens of thousands of dollars in expenses, creating a dilemma for owners. Steve Zane of Hoboken, N.J., choked slightly when a veterinarian presented him and his wife, Lily, an estimate of $3,700 to help cure liver failure in their cat, Koogle, over Christmas. "We looked at each other and said: Well, he's family,'" recalls Zane, a graphic designer who's still paying off the final bill for the recovered cat. "If it had been $15,000, I think we would almost have had to say no."

• Americans are expected to spend 52% more on medicines to treat their pets this year than they spent five years ago.

• As many as 40% of dogs are estimated to be overweight or obese, with similarly high rates among cats, thanks to the indulgent habits of their owners. Being plied with carob bonbons all day while getting rolled around in an all-terrain stroller (retail price: about $210) is not an ideal lifestyle for any animal.

• And for some pet lovers, no medical procedure is too extreme. Plastic surgeons offer rhinoplasty, eye lifts, and other cosmetic procedures to help tone down certain doggy features, from droopy eyes to puggish noses. Root canals, braces, and even crowns for chipped teeth are also becoming more popular.

The article also details where all the spending on pets goes. Here's the breakdown:

• Food: $16.1 billion
• Supplies/OTC Medicine: $9.9 billion
• Vet Care: $9.8 billion
• Grooming and Boarding: $2.9 billion
• Live Animal Purchases: $2.1 billion

You can see a cute chart with these numbers featured here.

Business Week also has an interesting piece on when to let go of a sick pet.

I'm not saying anything -- the facts speak for themselves here. But I will leave you with this quote:

"I call him my 401(k) with paws," he says, "because that's where all my money goes."

What Makes People Happy, Part 3: Pets

Here's a happiness shopping list from CNN Money -- a set of items that people say make their lives happier (something money can only do to a point.) I'll be sharing all five of these over the next few days and today we're talking about pets. The details from Money:

Despite all the sofas and shoes they destroy, pets have been shown to make you happier. What's more, caring for furry friends can help ease stress and lower your blood pressure, and a daily trip around the block with Fido is a chance to meet non-furry friends.

Ok, I'm giving pets their due with this post. I've detailed at length the cost of pets to the point where it's the most hated topic here at Free Money Finance and now it's time to see the other side of the story.

So let's say Fido costs $15,000 during his lifetime. If he helps to lower your stress and blood pressure, he is probably saving you money on medicine, doctor's visits and maybe medical insurance. In fact, he may even be saving your life. In addition, if you have to walk him, that may be your only exercise -- something else that will make you healthier and extend your life. Add to these that you're just "happier" by having a pet and maybe pets are worth the investment after all.

Now, should I be looking at a dog or a cat? ;-)

Why Pet Insurance is Usually a Dog

Cute title, huh? I took it from Consumer Reports piece of the same title. In that article, they detail why they think pet insurance often isn't a great deal. The summary:

Checkup costs alone don’t justify insurance. Instead, factor them into your budget. Annual surgical vet visits cost, on average, $453 per dog and $363 per cat, says the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association. If your pet is older and more likely to need extra treatment, and you can find an accident-and-illness policy that costs less than those amounts, consider it. If not, put the amount you’d pay in premiums into an interest-bearing fund.

In other words, save the money yourself in advance -- and self-insure against potentially high pet medical costs. Sounds like a good plan to me, but how many people are disciplined enough to save in advance? Not many I'd guess.

For more on this topic, see these links:

• Is Pet Insurance Worth the Cost?

• Should You Buy Pet Insurance?

• How to Choose the Right Pet Health Insurance

Is Pet Insurance Worth the Cost?

Every day on my way to work I pass a pet clinic. For the past month or so, the sign outside has read "Pet Insurance Saves Lives." Obviously, they're selling pet insurance inside, but seeing the sign brought up the issue of pet insurance again and I wondered if it was a good deal or not. Then, reading Parade magazine a week or so ago, I stumbled upon an article titled "Should I Get Pet Insurance?" Here are their thoughts when it comes to the economics of pet insurance:

You easily can spend more than $7,000 on premiums over your pet’s lifetime. But don’t pick a plan based on price alone—the cheapest may not be the best. Usually, lower monthly premiums mean higher deductibles and/or co-payments. Estimate how much you spend a year on veterinary care and how much you ultimately can afford. Some vets feel that pet insurance is best for major expenses or emergencies but not for routine costs, which you could pay out of pocket.

Hmmmmm. $7,000? If a pet lives 14 years, that's $500 per year alone on insurance. This seems a bit high to me. Is this the going rate?

In the end, I guess it comes down to your philosophy on pet care and what you plan to do if/when you pet gets sick. Some people choose not to make extraordinary efforts to save a pet while others will do whatever it takes to save what they consider a member of the family. Pet insurance probably doesn't work for the former group but is likely a good move for the latter group (as long as you get the correct policy -- see the Parade article for details). Does this sound like a good rule of thumb to you?

Pet Financial Horror Story

Here's a pet financial horror story a friend told me a month or so ago:

"A friend of mine bought a boxer at a local pet shop. The dog was a bit sick and my friend thought he just had kennel cough. So when he took him to the vet, he was shocked to find the dog had pneumonia and an infection. $4,000 later, the dog's ok. He went back to the shop to try and get part of this paid for, but they refused."

A few thoughts here:

1. You need to be careful where you get your pet. Obviously, you want to buy from a company/person who will stand behind the purchase should anything go wrong.

2. Take the dog to a vet as soon as you get him. The vet can then verify if the pet had any sickness prior to you owning it and can put it in writing. This can be very useful in the case that you need to take legal action.

3. If the shop won't back up the sale, consider getting a lawyer. Of course you'll need to do a cost/benefit analysis, but for $4k, it's probably worth it.

4. As I always say, you need to consider the costs associated with a pet before getting one. In this case, the problem could have just as easily happened a year after the friend had the pet -- then he would be totally responsible for it (like he may be now.) That's a big chunk of change.

Pets SAVE You a Boatload of Money -- In Many Different Ways

Lots of comments left on my post titled How Much Money Can Pets SAVE You? and I thought I'd share them with everyone.

First, pets save your kids from allergies (not to mention saving you the cost of dealing with them):

Kids that grow up with pets typically have better immune systems than those who do not. There is a potential for allergy medication and kleenex savings here. Not to mention the improved quality of life for your kids.

Next, they save you on security expenses:

My little Lhasa apso is the best watch dog there is. I have a lot of peace of mind and no need for an alarm system even though I live in an area that is not the safest.

They also keep you house-bound so you don't spend money on going out. And even while you're at home, they save you money too:

My husband and I have two kittens, and it encourages us to go home and spend time with the cats instead of going out (and spending more money).

Other friends with cats say they have canceled or downgraded their at-home entertainment options (internet, cable TV, renting movies), because they'd rather play with their cats!

Yep, they sure do keep you at home -- and help to keep you physically fit, not to mention make you happier:

Since we got our dog, we notice that we take more pleasure in staying home, and so we often choose to stay in rather than go out and do something that costs money. We also feel happier in general, which I think probably reduces our urge to splurge to boost our moods. We definitely are motivated to walk more, and we take more pleasure in even short walks - this also boosts our mood, and increases our overall fitness.

Of all the things we've spent money on in the last year and a half, I think we least regret buying our schnauzer. He helps keep our lives centered on love, caring, home and family - values that are very important to us. Comparing the joy we take in caring for him to the ephemeral pleasures of expensive toys and entertainment helps remind us that consumption is fun, but doesn't last and only makes you crave more. Caring is what gives your life meaning and sustainable happiness.

More on cutting out entertainment expenses:

I've turned down several invitations for a night out on the town since I got my puppy in August last year, because she was too little to leave at home by herself for several hours. Savings? At least $300 on dining out and alcohol by now. Now she's 8 months old so we leave her at home for nights out, but sometimes after going out, we get asked to head out to a nightclub or casino after a party winds down by friends who haven't quite had their fill of entertainment, and we always turn that down to go home to see the dog. It still saves us money on entertainment costs, and we still maintain an active social life.

Sometimes she saves us money on vacation costs (although this is not necessarily always a positive) because we sometimes have to turn down weekends out of town because there's nobody to take care of the dog.

Oh no, I feel the hassle factor kicking in. ;-)

They help you save on TV service, find you new friends and get you to explore:

When I moved into my apartment, I knew I would be getting my Doberman puppy a couple months later. Knowing that he would take up much of my time I decided not to get TV service. That was one year ago and I still have no TV service. Don't regret it at all.

Along with forcing me to get out to walk him regularly, it also allows for making many new friends. I am constantly finding new places to go and some are places I probably would've never visited if it wasn't for the dog.

And they can make you money. Good money:

We breed our family pets, and get around $500 per puppy.

We adore having puppies underfoot and make a nice little nest egg out of it.

I wouldn't even suggest we make a profit given the cost of having dogs but we certainly break even on the whole 'pets' thing, and come out way ahead in any satisfaction measurement.

(Expecting our 4th litter this year - we're excited already :))

Now I'll add one more --  they could save your life. ;-)

Pets Continue to Get More Expensive

Yep, here's another post on how expensive pets are. It's not that I'm looking for information on the subject -- I've already documented what a pet can cost. But somehow I keep running into more and more outrageous articles on how pet spending is skyrocketing.

This one was in my local paper recently and focuses on how Americans are increasingly medicating their pets. I'll pick out some of the more compelling parts of the piece and comment on them along the way. Here we go:

Brownie (a dog) takes more drugs than his human companions put together. He has been medicated in recent months for diabetes, infections, high blood pressure, and his finicky gut that rebels at red meat. Since 2005, he has taken drugs for everything from anemia to a spider bite.

She estimates spending $5,000 over the last two years on medicine for her baby, a mixed beagle-cocker spaniel. He has lost a couple of steps on the squirrels outside their little home near Goldsboro. His hearing is failing. Still, without some of the drugs, he'd probably be gone.

$5,000 over two years? Yikes! But just like with humans, pets can now live longer due to the advances in medical science. So you can keep your pet alive an extra few years, but it may cost a pretty penny.

This is the part of the average cost of a pet that very few people account for. They comment here that "my dog doesn't cost anything close to $1,000 a year." Maybe not yet, but it doesn't take many years (maybe only one) of medicines/treatments to make up for a few years where a person "only" spent $500 a year.

The article continues and talks about how people are giving their pets medication more frequently:

Americans have begun to medicate their dogs, cats and sometimes other pets much as they medicate themselves.

They routinely treat their pets for arthritis, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, allergies, dementia, and soon maybe even obesity. They pick from an expanding menu of mostly human pharmaceuticals like steroids for inflammation, antibiotics for infection, anti-clotting agents for heart ailments, Prozac or Valium for anxiety, even the impotence drug Viagra for a lung condition in dogs.

When I saw Viagra on the list I thought "you've got to be kidding me!" Then I saw it was for a lung condition. If it wasn't for something like treating a lung problem, I was going to say some people are REALLY going overboard. ;-)

Going on:

Within the last five years, pets have finally overtaken farm animals in the pharmaceutical marketplace, claiming 54 percent of spending for animal drugs, according to the trade group Animal Health Institute.

Keeping more than 130 million dogs and cats alone, Americans bought $2.9 billion worth of pet drugs in