2008 Woodie Awards
Students should consider pet costs
Pets may be a good decision for some, but students should consider costs before purchasing one.
Kyle Kuphal
Issue date: 2/4/08 Section: News
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Director of the Tri-County Humane Society Vicki Davis said in her opinion many people do not consider all the responsibilities and costs involved in owning a pet before they purchase one.
What to know
In order to help people consider all the responsibilities before taking a pet home, the Humane Society asks that people fill out a "Pre-Adoption Questionnaire."
The questionnaire includes questions such as what type of housing people are living in and if pets are allowed there, why the people are interested in getting a pet, where the pet will sleep and if there will be children around the pet.
Another important factor to consider is time. Davis said often college students bring pets to the Humane Society because they are going through a lot of life changes during their college years and may no longer have time to take care of the animal.
Costs involved in owning a pet
According to a National Pet Owners Survey taken by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA), the total amount spent on the pet industry in the United States in 2006 was $38.5 billion. The total in 2007 was estimated to be $40.8 billion.
The Humane Society also provides information about the estimated costs of owning a pet. Those costs include veterinary care, food and litter for cats.
The estimated yearly cost of food alone is between $75 and $120 for a cat and $180 to $240 for a dog.
The average yearly cost for veterinary care for cats or dogs is about $200 according to the APPMA survey.
College students and pets
Davis said before a student decides to purchase a pet they should consider what they will be doing in the future and where they plan on going in life.
"It involves where they're living or how much time they're spending at their job," Davis said.
She also said if students decide to get a pet they should have a back up plan for what to do if they find they can't take care it.
"As far as companionship, I think it's a wonderful idea for them," Davis said. "Probably one of the best roommates you'll ever find."