by Jeanie LeBlanc
Of all the reasons for not going out to your local animal shelter and adopting a new pet this weekend, your household budget constraints should be the last thing to get in the way of finding your furry forever friend.
While it is true that the recession and rising unemployment have placed a burden on animal rescue programs and shelters, for the average household, having a pet does not have to be as costly as a trip to the mall or a daily Starbucks run.
If you’re a bottom-line consumer, consider this:
Annual costs for a small dog average around $420, medium $620 and large $780. Annual cost for a cat is about $545. With millions of adoptable animals available, there is no need to pay a breeder. Be a hero instead – check with the Denton Humane Society about adoption fees at dentonhumanesociety.org. They can also help you with low-cost spaying/neutering options.
Annual vet visits are a must, along with heartworm and flea prevention. Many people spend extra on treats, training and toys. But just as your family has had to cut back on some luxuries, your pooch can probably live without that rhinestone-studded collar. Never skimp on an animal’s basic needs, but dogs and cats require no more each day than food, clean fresh water, exercise and interaction with you. Dry food is fine for Daisy, and in fact it is recommended that you limit people food to avoid vitamin and mineral imbalances, bone and teeth problems, obesity and plain-old pickiness.
Frequent brushing will reduce shedding and cut down on kitty hairballs. Teeth cleaning can be done once a week with baking soda and water using a child’s soft toothbrush or nylon pantyhose stretched over your finger. Your animal friend needs a clean, dry place to sleep with bedding that is washed regularly. Spoiling and ear-scratching is completely optional.
Benefits of pet ownership are many. Petting an animal can lower stress levels and promote a healthy sense of well-being. During these economic struggles we are facing, it is good for your mental health and stability to have a pet around for love, companionship and stress-reducing qualities. Pets can decrease your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, and feelings of loneliness. They increase your opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities, and chances for socialization. The affection and companionship of your dog or cat can take the place of bar-hopping, mate-chasing and assorted other expensive pursuits. No need to join a gym, drive, park and climb on a treadmill when you can just grab a leash and take Buddy out for a walk. Cat couture and doggie divas may be all the rage in L.A., but here in Texas, you can tie on a bandanna and take Max to the park for free.
A lazy Sunday afternoon with a good book and a purring cat on the couch is much cheaper than an hour with a therapist. Investing in a pet will guarantee greater returns than Wall Street ever could. The price per lick is minimal, and having a furry pal to come home to at the end of the day is truly priceless.
