The Economics of Owning a Dog

Before starting a family, many people take various factors into concerns - their emotional stability, health conditions, and their individual opinions towards starting that family. Another large one is financials. The cost of raising a newborn baby is extreme - costs such as supplies for that baby, healthcare, plans, education etc all need to be covered. The same could be said for our furry friends.

There are various costs - both economic and social - for owning a dog.

Starting with the obvious - owning a dog requires for us to attain one. Bella cost me around 1000$ CAD, and depending on the breeder and breed of the dog, costs can skyrocket way beyond four figures. There are also "maintenance" fees, such as paying for dog food, apparatus, and healthcare bills - just like a kid.

Therefore, it should be no surprise dog ownership is somewhat of a higher-income activity. Dog ownership is not evenly distributed across the income spectrum. According to the U.S. Census, 60% of households with incomes topping $80,000 have pets, while only 36% of households with incomes under $20,000 are pet owners. The American Kennel Club outlines that the average annual cost of dog care can be as high as $3,321 for giant breeds and $1,831 for small breeds.

Considering all of this, it may be surprising for people to hear that between 5-10% of the homeless population in the USA have pets. This is because the emotional and physical benefits that dogs provide to their owners often outweigh these financial costs.

Homeless pet owners often go to great lengths to ensure their dogs are well cared for, sometimes prioritizing their pets' needs over their own. In light of their vulnerable situations, dogs are not just pets; they are lifelines, offering their owners a sense of purpose and strength. In some ways, the presence of a dog can also make homeless individuals more visible to society, encouraging social interactions and kindness from strangers who might otherwise be absent.

Furthermore, studies have shown that having a pet can decrease the use of drugs and alcohol, lower blood pressure, improve immunity, and reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack. For individuals experiencing homelessness, dogs can also provide warmth during cold months and a reason to maintain personal health and well-being.