Johnson: Benefits of pets outweigh costs

Often there is no initial investment of money and they come to you free or even those times where there is a price tag, it seems pretty cheap.

But very quickly the costs start to tally.

Just to get started with a new pet, there are checkups and shots to be gotten, collars, leashes, food and water dishes, toys, brushes and maybe a bed or crate – all of which, even if bought frugally, adds up.

Sharna Johnson

In search of ponies

After getting set up with a critter, the long-term costs start kicking in.

To name a few, there are the ongoing checkups, occasional medications or medical procedures and regular food costs that vary in significance with the size of the new family member, of course the eventual replacement of most of the things you had to buy back in the startup phase — and quite possibly at some point you’ll have to cough up repair and replacement costs for destroyed furniture and precious items if you started with a youngin’ or one of the untrained variety.

On top of all the obvious expenses, other things come up that cost pet owners money, for instance pet deposits for rentals and hotels, boarding or pet sitting fees have to be calculated into vacation plans and there is the unfortunate fact that sometimes they get sick or injured and unplanned medical costs arise.

It goes without saying that a person doesn’t have to be wealthy and there are ways to own — and in fact adore — pets without buying all the newest gadgets and most expensive products.

The reality is, however, whether it’s a little or a lot, in the short and long-term, having pets will cost money.

Before letting the expense dissuade one from opening their home and heart to a pet, however, it might be a good idea to look at some of the newest data that has come out regarding the big financial picture when it comes to pet ownership.

Not only are pets earning their keep, pet owners are actually saving money over people who don’t have pets, according to a December report published by the Human Animal Bond Research Initiative Foundation (HABRI), a group which strives to explore the connection between humans and animals.

The health benefit of pets is well established, and it is widely accepted that critters positively impact issues their owners face such as heart disease, high cholesterol, stress related issues, mental health conditions and more, HABRI states.

If the data is correct, not having a small fortune to devote to a new pet shouldn’t be a deciding factor in becoming a pet owner.

However the investment does have to be mutual and plopping a new pup in the middle of the living room floor then going back to the TV won’t cut it.

To get the full pet-payout, walks, play, affection and laughter are required.

Sharna Johnson is a writer who is always searching for ponies. You can reach her at:

[email protected]