The cost of owning a pet -- and Kansas City among the cheapest areas to own one

I found this infographic below last week and thought it was really informative and definitely worth sharing. The graphic lays out the average cost of owning a variety of different types of pets from large dogs to fish. The graphic doesn't account for "start up costs" -- just the ongoing costs of owning a particular pet.

Owning a large dog is the most expensive -- weighing in at $875 a year. A fish, just $35 a year. The graphic does account for the cost of health insurance, but most likely, on average, you're going to make up the cost of the health insurance in vet bills (or more) if you don't have it.

Also, it breaks down the average monthly cost by city.  Turns out that Kansas City is the least expensive listed city to own a pet - -at $90 a month. This makes sense. We're sandwiched in between four of the top vet schools in the country so veterinary services tend to be a lot less money here than in other places. Many of the pharma companies are local too.  You can click on the image to expand (or click the link here)

I found this info graphic via this article -- which I thought was a really fair article about laying out the costs of owning pets, but also listing the many benefits, including health benefits, of owning a pet and ways to save money on the process.

Of the biggest unseen costs:

Time -- or, the opportunity cost of time spent on a pet

Destruction costs -- things do get damaged. Having not nice stuff helps.

Travel -- boarding and dog sitters can be expensive -- but, finding someone with a similar pet to pet-sit can really help.

Adopting can save money over buying

Getting a pet increases your likelihood of getting another pet.  I know that is true.

I'm not sure I buy into everything on the infographic -- and obviously there will be variance by region, and specifics to pets and your living situation.  But thought it was worth sharing.

I also want to note that while some may use this as a reason to deny poor people from owning pets -- I do think it's important to Re-note the personal and health benefits of owning a pet -- including lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, decreasing stress and helping to overcome loneliness. And I think low income people deserve this too -- especially given that a) these costs are AVERAGES, the cost can be lower if people are more frugal and many are with purchasing fewer things like toys and nyla bones and b)with most communities having low income services available for vetting, food, etc, most people can afford to get  by.

So, what are your thoughts?

Comments

[Elyse]

Another excellent article! Indeed, everyone who wants a pet, and can return the unconditional love a pet gives, deserves to own a pet; regardless of income or housing. Many small pets live exceptionally well in apartment and duplex homes, with great pet owners. The "must have fenced yard," rule many rescue organizations have, should be banned. All responsible pet owners know that their dogs need exercise and walk their dogs, regardless of having a fenced yard or not. I think that those rescue groups that demand a fenced yard is required, should consider training a dog to walk on a leash and give it a better chance to be rehomed. The problem is that many rescue groups use foster homes and they do not bother to teach basic training or demand basic training from their foster parents. Step it up people. We have many people out there wanting to give these dogs a forever home, and many people have a lot more to offer than a fenced yard.

Maybe a resource list of low-cost clinics and pet pantries for people would make a good article?

[Jan]

I think dogs are a bargain no matter the cost. The physical and emotional value can't be matched. I belong to a local group that helps low income and elderly people with expenses if they adopt shelter dogs or dogs.

[Brent]

Well said Jan -- and I love these groups that focus on helping people with the joy of pet ownership vs judging them for needing help.

[db]

On Itchmo there is an entire section on low cost vet care/pet pantries that one of the members has put together. It's by state and gets a fair amount of interest.

[Selma]

Here's the OVMA's estimated cost of owning a 40 lb dog in Ontario.

http://www.ovma.org/pdf/fifi_fido_finances11.pdf

I would question the dental item as an annual expense.

They don't mention travel costs, training, accessories, boarding, etc which would add expenses.

[Tonya]

Amazing. I have an active large dog, 2 cats a fish and a frog. I calculate everything at bare minimum without training to be the same as what is on the list...after the leashes, collars, dog backpacks, crate, kennel, toys are bought.

[Erich]

I think insurance figures so prominently because ASPCA sells insurance. I spend probably half the amount for a large dog, with a much higher quality insurance policy and a home prepared meal. The Ontario costs seem wildly beyond reason, stainless steel bowls cost $1 from Jeffers Pet, and they should not be recommending annual vaccines or rawhide. A Nylabone Dura Chew costs $6 and lasts the life of many dogs.

[Brent]

I tended to agree, to some degree Erich. We don't carry insurance on our dogs, so we save that expense. However, we did have expensive knee surgery on BOTH knees of one of our dogs -- so while we don't usually pay a lot in vet bills, $5000 in one pop causes the average to be higher for us than you'd expect. We also pay quite a bit for boarding when we go out of town -- which is a big part of our bill. We ended up paying $750 (for 3 dogs) just in dog boarding on our last trip. That ads up quickly.

[Selma]

Yes, you also have to account for unforeseen expenses such as cruciate surgery, etc and average them across the life of the dog. I don't think our Ontario estimates are that out of whack - the cost of living here is quite high which has to be taken into consideration.