It's not income level. I know a family who has the means to provide any vet care necessary, but the dog is never walked and spends most of the day outside alone. He's just an unhappy boy. I suppose if he gets sick, his owners can afford the necessary care, but I don't consider that being a good pet owner. Sure, any person who brings a pet into a home has to consider whether or not the pet is affordable for you and your family. I think basic care per year for a dog (not including "start up costs" like neutering) are about 400-500 a year if all goes well. From my perspective that makes a pet affordable for most households. I think if you don't consider that then you are probably not going to be a good pet owner--not because you can't afford it, but because you aren't thinking about the responsiblities that come with a pet.
Also, from my perspective, extraordinary costs are very personal decisions. I'm talking about very expensive emergency surgery or cancer care, for example. |