Why it people buy pets without thinking of all the costs first?

Question

Vaccinations and Vet fees being the two most important and more than likely the most expensive. It's cruelty to your pet if you can't afford the vets bills! Think before you buy one!

Answer 1

Because we live in an instant gratification based society.

Answer 2

After vaccinations and initial check up fees I dont think people realise how much keeping larger animals cost. Im sure a lot of people have the best intentions but when their beloved pet gets hit by a car or attacked by another dog, I dont think people realise this could cost hundreds even thousands of pounds and that seems to be the point you are getting at?
The best thing to do, is before you buy a pet, which you really really want, find a vet first. Do your research, find the most reliable, and talk to the people in the reception. I rescued a hamster who had cystits when I got her, has been abused by 2 12 year olds (thrown up to the ceiling, banging her head,falling to the floor. Then her previos owner dropped her on the concrete floor which I had to do a little first aid of my own on her then) and she has since had strokes (as she is happy and ok in herself then vet said no need in wasting your money she will more than likely pass away in her sleep when she is ready. She is dragging her hind legs, in no pain and still full of character and still makes me cry with laughter. Thats why the vet said dont have her put down) all of these vets bills, antibiaotics anti inflammitry cost me...ahem... a grand total of £150 for a HAMSTER. And then there ius the accident my male had, he chipped his tooth which rammed into his tounge caused it to swell so he couldnt breath properly, the treatment for that cost £50, then the aftermath of that was and abcess which cos me £22.
I talked to the vets and they let me pay for it as much as I could monthly. ANY GOOD VET SHOULD DO THIS. Its all paid off now and I still pay so much a month incase an emergency arises and then the payment is backed up and it doesnt cost me a bomb in one hit.
there is no excuse for neglecting animals. At times I have completely sacraficed my social life for a large period of time to pay for their vets.

Answer 3

Hi :)

I know where your coming from! But most people can look after the animals. With some animals costing anything up to a £1000 its realy stupid as i could die and its just a waste of money. I usally go for cheaper pets like hamsters or some exotics. The most i would pay for a pet is £300 and no more than £700 for the stuff needed. Anyway youve made a realy good point there!

Answer 4

I agree pets need there shots, they also need a loving home and think before getting a pet. A kitten and puppy are cute but they grow up. If you go on vacations alot need to think will the pet come along or someone watch them or a kennel. Is there enough room for a dog in the house as far as size do I have a place to run them or walk them. Does the landlord approve of pets. Are prospective pet owners prepared for the kitten that might claw the furniture or the puppy that may chew it or the accident on the rug before it is trained to go out. Alot of pet end up in shelters because people don't think it through, alot are let out the door and become strays to fend for themselves. It is not a fair thing. Thoroughly think it through. Yes sometimes things happen that cant be helped but , alot of times if people really look at the whole picture it can be prevented. Alot of these poor pets are put to sleep or are in a shelter out of the baby stage hoping for a home Competing withe the baby stage alot of grown one die or spend there life waiting. Thanks for the good question you are right folks should think before getting any pet

Answer 5

Some people buy pets and never have them vaccinated or seen to buy a Vet, the only time they take them to a vet is if there is something seriously wrong with them.

I have 5 dogs and 4 cats, all of whom are vaccinated, microchipped and looked after better than we are. It costs an absolute fortune though to feed and look after them, but I wouldn't be without any of them.

Answer 6

Yes, vaccinations and vet fees are two very important costs associated with owning a pet but I think you're being unfair to pet owners who are genuinely at a one time loss to provide tremendously expensive, potentially life saving surgery to a pet.

In today's economy, with job outsourcing and the resulting unemployment, an unexpected surgical procedure on a pet that costs $2,500 can be devastating.

Two years ago when the pet owner adopted the pet, and was gainfully employed, such an expense would have had little impact on the family finances.

Today, with the loss of that job, and the skyrocketing health costs for the humans in the family, I can picture that same family asking people on this website where they might go for help in saving their beloved pet. Shame on you, Mr. Regan, for passing such quick and harsh judgment rather than offering any helpful ideas.

Tell me, Mr. Regan, in your perfect world, would you have a man relinquish his pets and his children in the event that he loses his job, because he MIGHT not be able to afford surgery that may or may not be required as the family finances continue to dwindle?

Most domestic pets go their entire lives without needing major surgery, and it's ridiculous to criticize a pet owner because he or she needs help with a particularly large vet bill. Many of the pet owners I know are perfectly capable of paying for food and routine veterinary care, but would be hard-pressed to finance an unexpected surgical bill for a kitten in today's economy.

Statements such as yours, and the logic involved, really only serve to divide and weaken pet lovers and owners everywhere.

Answer 7

I read your answer in regards to the kitten who needs an operation and left a similar response.

I think it comes down to a selfish 'I've gotta have'!

That and the fact that people don't think or realise how expensive owning a pet can be.

I have an 8 month rottie puppy. His insurance is £25 per month, £40 worth of food a month. not to mention treats, toys, his first injections and the yearly booster he will need.

He is due to be castrated next week at a cost of £170!

Your right, people really should think before they buy!

Answer 8

I say it's not really something you can comment on fairly till you have been in that situation, that's like saying to someone who has had a pet for years and has come into some difficulty for whatever reason that they are mistreating their pet, I know I'd go without first to make sure my pets where fed and cared for!

Answer 9

i agree!! when i was getting my 2 gerbils, i agreed to pay for all of it, and i knew about how much that would be. i had a lot of money. also i did A LOT of research on them, plus i actually found a vet that treats them.
i hate people who just go on a whim to buy something, and have no clue on how to take care of it. and they
1. can't afford the vet costs
2. don't even have a vet for the little thing
i've seen a lot of those people on answers. so sad :(

Answer 10

A lot of people can afford it but then they just stick there pet in the yard and ignore it until it is wild and destructive then they say what a bad kind of dog they bought! And get rid of it!

Answer 11

same goes for having children I suppose.
then again if your on the dole you dont have to worry about that your kids get paid for by the tax payers you get a bigger house if you need one.
you can have as many pets as you want and all their treatment is free as long as you take you giro with you to the vets,
The rest of the people who buy pets pay for their pets them selves or they get insurance I dont know anyone who says they cant affoard their pets.