It takes money to properly care for a dog, agree or disagree?

Question

I've had several nasty e-mails sent to me here when I've stated in answering a question that it takes money to care for a dog or any pet for that matter. The e-mails have been to the tune of "all they need is love" and "you're mean".

I've also been told the same face to face.

Too many people without sufficient financial ability with dogs and then they try to "cure" illness themselves.

I don't mean one has to be rich but one needs a decent, steady and predictable income in order to properly care for a dog or any pet. Do you agree with this or disagree?

Answer 1

I absolutely agree! It's disheartening (to be polite about it) to read so many of the questions here from people who's dog is in pain, bleeding, limping, etc., etc., etc., and they're on the computer wanting a free fix! I must be getting really old, but I know people used to have some common sense and it's in very short supply nowadays.

Someone else answered that dogs require more money spent on their care as they age and that's so very true. My 3, besides just plain getting older, are feeling the affects of their racing injuries so I'm spending more time at the vet's office than anywhere else what with chiro and acupuncture appointments. Just a week ago, my little female had a seizure - first time in 34 years of owning dogs I've experienced that. So she was rushed to the vet, had a glucose test, then complete blood work-up. All those things add up, but are totally necessary when you take on the care of a dog.

Ignore the nasty e-mails from the ignorant masses and keep on answering with the truth!

Answer 2

O.K. I will say agree to a point. You surely need money to properly care for a dog with food, flea prevention, everyday essentials, etc. You also need money for annual exams and such at the vet. However I have come across some people who are dog owners who have a heck of a lot more money than me buying their dogs the crappiest food available, tying them out, and giving no attention to them what-so-ever. So even though I may not be rich and have had some moments where I'm saying where the hell am I going to get $600.00 for a minor surgery at the vet when my kids need stuff. But I do get my dogs the vet care needed, even if it means making a payment arrangement At the vet. I also however feel there are some well intentioned people who are seriously clueless, and think that they may get some decent advice before worrying where the money will be sacrificed from something else. I am not saying that if someone asks something like" My dog is bleeding to death, what do I do" kind of questions. I am talking about minor issues.

Answer 3

Yes, I absolutely do agree with you. Makes me sick to hear people whining about how they can't afford to have their dogs vaccinated, spayed or neutered, or seen by the vet when they're sick or injured. Or when they say they have to feed their dogs the cheapest food because they can't afford a decent one.

Just the regular, everyday dog-related expenses (food, flea/tick/heartworm prevention, etc.) do add up, and those needs are present for the lifetime of the dog. Routine veterinary care is NOT cheap, but it is necessary. You still have to buy a dog-license, and that's every year.

And then ... emergencies. No matter how healthy or well-cared-for an animal is, it can still become gravely ill or injured. It WILL happen at some point, and when it does, it's gonna set you back a couple hundred at least, and maybe much more.

Bottom line is ... If you can't afford the upkeep, then you can't afford the dog.

Answer 4

I think that a good home for a pet is where they recieve love and care and medical attention when needed. If you can't afford to have your dog treated for an illness then you are better off without the dog. That being said I don't think money is the most important thing for your pet. There are many illnesses that can be treated at home and that are effective being treated this way. You need patience and understanding and the ability to love to own a pet. You also need the money to feed them properly and take care of them.

Answer 5

It does take more than love to properly care for a pet, especially one that has ongoing medical issues.
One doesn't need to be 'rich' to get a pet the proper care either. There are many places that offer low cost/low income care to those who seek it out and are willing to do some footwork.
One can also research a confirmed malady for alternative care as well as preventative measures.
Personally, I have spent about $1200 in the last 15 months on my puppy. This includes her puppy shots, spay, micro-chip, annual check up, heartworm preventative, flea preventative and a trip or 2 to the ortho vet for a sprained ligament.
This doesn't include the costs of food, treats, crate, bedding, play-dates, and any other dog activity we participate in.
Depending on where you live, the costs will be different.

Answer 6

Nothing is free on our planet, everything comes with a price. Those stupid fuc_ers who told you that "all they need is love" and "you're mean", I'd like to see those as_holes survive without money. They should try telling their kids "all you need is love" when their child is starving for food and freezing cold without a jacket. They should tell their bank "you're mean" when it's time to pay their mortgage.

Dogs need to be fed and cared for everyday, there is no exception. Now the people that said "all they need is love" have a point in that dog owners need to give their dogs attention and exercise them. I know some people who own dogs who have the money to feed them and get them their shots but when it comes to actually spending time and caring for the dog, the only time they walk the dog is to take him out to go to the bathroom, and as soon as he goes they stop walking and bring him back into the house. I would think that some dogs cost more to care for than others, but overall I would say having a dog is like adding another member to your family, and that is the best part.

Answer 7

I agree. If you're a pet owner, you have to be willing to take proper care of that pet not just when it's healthy, but when it's ill or injured. Pets get sick and hurt a lot more than people realize. Even if your pet is beyond help and can't be saved, you need to be ready to rush it to the vet to be euthanized humanely, rather than suffering for days before dying.

If you can barely afford to feed the animal, if you can't afford shots or spaying/neutering, you should not have a pet, period. Love is fine and dandy, but if that's all you have to give, volunteer at an animal shelter rather than getting a pet of your own.

Answer 8

Agree


I have told people that if they don't have money to properly care for a pet then they shouldn't have one - I too have been told that I am mean.

You need money to

#1) BUY FOOD!!! How can you properly feed your dog consistently if you don't have food
#2.) get at least the bare minimum of vaccinations - you need to have your dog vaccinated for rabies/distemper. Can you pass on others, sure, is it smart, no
#3.) have money for emergencies? Murphy's law states that if you don't have money, your dog is going to suffer some sort of catastrophic injury - my FAVORITE is a person on YA saying "I don't ahve money for the vet" - yet they have money for internet access and they have a computer. Sure - you have the money, you are just CHOOSING to spend it on other things.

Dogs need more than love. They need teh basics (food, water, shelter) and they need exercise (which requires a collar and leash, and perferably you have paid more money to register your dog with your county) and discipline - which may mean spending money for obedience training.

But - to each their own I guess.

Answer 9

I agree, I would consider myself making a decent wage, but monthly bills and previous debts put me in the poverty catergory, but I still take care of my 2 dogs and the dog I foster.

It takes monthly costs, yearly costs, and the random costs. I was recently blasted with a $2000 bill for my youngest pup, who broke his leg. With some ingenuity, kindness, and monthly payments, I'm a few months away from paying that off.

It takes money, yes, but not a huge sum. You can still be poor and afford a dog, just like poor people have kids. You make things work for what you want.

Answer 10

I agree 110% My average costs run around $3000 a year for 2 dogs (Between Vet, Food, Treats, Toys, Etc., Etc., Etc.). More now that I've got a 13 year old that is having a lot of problems...

Yes, they also need love, but in order to properly love and care for your dog, it takes MONEY.

Don't let the bunny-huggers bother you...Just ingore them and keep answering!