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? ;-)

Comments

[Lord]

I always thought it was too much of a commitment, i.e. work, until I was given one and realized the joy that that work gives. One has to set priorities and pets have to rank high which means letting some lesser things go, but it is worth it.

Dogs offer a tighter, more intimate, bond while cats offer a looser more independent affiliation. Dogs would have a tougher time being alone.

[free money offers]

I have to disagree,
People tend to turn nuts when it comes to pets.

I think people end up loving their pet so much,
just because the troubles they had raising them.

The only good point I find is that,
it will really make some people go out for a walk
when they wouldn't go if it wasn't for the pet.

ohhh and your cute pet could get you a phone number or
two if you go to dog parks ;)

All right, at then end, I admit dogs are men best's friends for a reason.

I love mine too ;)

[Minimum Wage]

So rental units which don't allow pets should be discounted. ;)

[Zannah]

As an animal lover & as someone who has worked with & studied dogs for far, far too long, I agree that pets definitely are a part of the "good life", and also an area in many people's lives where they hemorrhage cash. I am a pre-vet student, and I have worked with dogs for four years; here are the most important pieces of advice I can give people about their animals:

1) Purebreds are a waste of money, unless you're planning to breed and show them(which is a full-time job!). Mutts are in general healthier, longer-lived, better-tempered and better companions.* Even the purebreds who are of a reasonable size and shape(unlike pugs and Great Danes) tend to suffer from genetic disorders. Besides, you can find dogs that are likely purebred or close enough in any pound. Do not pay $1000 for a dog.
1a) If you do plan to breed and show dogs, it is probably not worth it unless you spend far more than "pet-quality" purebreds go for; a cheap show-quality springer spaniel stud might be worth as much as $7500. They are an investment, and an iffy one at that.

2) Dogs are dogs, not children. They don't need clothing, unless you have a purebred that is egregiously unsuitable for a climate. Do not take your Chihuahua to Alaska. They don't care about their collar or their dishes or any of that nonsense.

3) Dogs are not lifestyle accessories, either. They're not there just for when you want to look cool or cute or have playtime. A dog whose innate needs are not met will not bring you joy and will cost you money. These are a dog's needs:
You.
Exercise.
Food.
Shelter.

Depriving any dog of any of these will make him miserable and you poorer. Leaving him alone for 12 hours causes frustration and boredom, which are precursors to destructiveness and behavior problems. Lack of exercise causes obesity & health issues(and behavior problems). Food, duh. And outside dogs are exposed to expensive problems like parasites, car accidents and getting in fights with other animals. However, meeting his needs makes him healthier, happier and cheaper!

Same goes for cats, pretty much. People just tend to be more sensible about getting cats(although more callous about getting rid of them.)

* I refer doubters to Ray and Lorna Coppinger, of Hampshire College.