I've talked a lot about the cost of pets, but this comment to my post titled You Choose -- Pets or College for the Kids turned the tables on me. The thought:
Don't forget to deduct from that number what the pet can save you. For instance, I have a German Shepherd and I have never felt any need for a security system for my house. That alone saves me the price of his monthly food. Plus there are the health benefits from having a pet -- decreased stress level and increased sense of well being, and an incentive to go for walks, etc. I would be interested to see how much someone's average yearly medical expenses can be decreased by having a pet.
Ok, so we have:
1. Savings on a security system. That can certainly be quantified -- though many of the dogs I know wouldn't be a good replacement for a security system.
2. Decreased stress and sense of well being. Good stuff -- anyone got an idea how to put a number to it?
3. Incentive to go for walks. Yes, getting in shape can certainly save you a ton of money. I'm just not wild about walking a dog at 6 am in 10 degree weather. ;-)
Anything else? I'm sure the pet lovers out there can come up with some other ways pets can save you money. Also, if anyone has links to studies showing how pets reduce stress, make you healthier, etc. those would be great to see as well. Who knows, we might find enough savings to say "you're losing money if you don't have a pet." ;-)
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.
Posted by: [email protected] | February 06, 2007 at 09:14 AM
This is a great perspective. I only tend to think of the cost. But 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.
Posted by: Rhea | February 06, 2007 at 10:17 AM
I really needed to hear this. All I've been thinking about lately is how much our cat (which my wife had before we got married) has been costing us. Thanks for the information.
Posted by: Chris B. | February 06, 2007 at 12:33 PM
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!
Also, you'll never need an alarm clock again (though that is a trivial expense).
Posted by: Anitra | February 06, 2007 at 01:19 PM
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 centred 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.
Posted by: bree | February 06, 2007 at 01:28 PM
Yup, I'm with Anitra - 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.
Posted by: Laura | February 06, 2007 at 01:32 PM
When I moved into my apartment, I knew I would be getting my Doberman puppy a coupe 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.
Ty
Posted by: Ty | February 06, 2007 at 04:56 PM
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 :))
Posted by: Lea | February 07, 2007 at 03:45 AM
Here's a link to an article summarizing some of the research regarding pets and health benefits:
"Prescribe a Pet?"
http://www.minnesotamedicine.com/PastIssues/April2007/PulsePrescribeApril2007/tabid/1795/Default.aspx
Posted by: Dr CJ | February 09, 2008 at 05:13 PM