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.)
I can't wait until you get a dog. :)
Posted by: | April 02, 2008 at 06:39 PM
Indeed that is a job not many want. I wonder how you sell it... monthly yard cleanings? Weekly?
Posted by: No Debt Plan | April 02, 2008 at 08:12 PM
Sure, pets may cost a bit of money to maintain, but they have a genuinely positive impact on your psychological and physical health, specifically because they really help to reduce stress and anxiety. $1000-$1500 per year, who cares. You get to live a happier, longer life. Pay up; it's worth it.
Posted by: MikeG | April 02, 2008 at 10:23 PM