PAWS Academy: Cost Of A Pet
May, 18, 2020
Written by Madi Cook, PAWS Education Intern
PAWS Academy’s Eighth Episode!
The theme this week is the cost of a pet. Have you ever taken the time to add up the cost of your pet or a pet you want in the future? Owning a pet can become expensive and it is crucial to know this before adopting your new fur-friend.
The Price of Eight Basic Needs
Part of being a responsible pet owner is to provide everything to satisfy your pets basic needs. Unfortunately, taking care of a pet’s needs requires a stable source of income. Evaluate whether you can afford a pet before adopting them to avoid a circumstance where your pet has a reduced quality of life or where you are forced to return your pet.
Below are two tables that summarize the approximate costs for a pet cat and dog.
Given the estimations, remember that each pet is an individual and may require different items to be adequately cared for. The cost of a pet is a number that varies with size and temperament.
Unexpected Expenses
Life is full of unexpected events and accidents which can suddenly increase the cost of a pet, not to mention the cost of anything. Being prepared for unforeseen expenses, like paying a veterinarian or buying other supplies to adapt and aid an injured pet, is part of being a responsible pet owner. As your pet increases with age, unanticipated medical issues are more likely to arise and cause the cost of your pet to soar. It may be practical for you or your family to start an emergency fund to help mitigate the financial impact for the future surprising costs of your pet.
Time and Energy as Currencies
While being able to monetarily afford a pet is imperative, you may still not be able to fulfill the eight basic needs of a pet. Pets entail a lot of time and energy to be healthy and happy. For example, providing safe outdoor time often requires supervision in an enclosed space, like a yard, if not being an active member of a walk. Grooming is another aspect of pet care that necessitates time and energy. Whether your pet can be maintained at home or whether they need to be taken to a groomer for more specialized care, time and energy is sacrificed. Play time is another realm of a pet’s life that demands time and energy. There are endless events in a pet’s life that involve devoting time and energy.
The Value of a Pet
A pet is an investment of time, energy and money. If you have never owned a pet, it may be hard to understand why people continue to have them if they cost so much. The reward of a pet’s companionship is priceless for many people. Pets have the ability to teach humans about love and commitment as well as bring joy to people’s lives. Therefore, the cost of a pet is a small price to pay when considering how a pet can enrich someone’s life.
This Week’s Activities
Approximate the cost of your own pet, a potential future pet or an imaginary pet by engaging in the activities you can find here.
Share With Us!
We would love to know how much your pet costs! If you want to share, send us a picture of your work to education@paws.org!
If you missed last week’s video on what a pet is here to check it out and learn about the three-part definition and why this definition is important. You can also find any of our other videos or activities at paws.org/PAWSAcademy. Tune in next Wednesday at 12 p.m. PT for the ninth PAWS Academy video and blog post on animal shelters and continue to explore how you can make a difference in animals’ lives!
If you have any questions or suggestions you can reach us at education@paws.org.