The Pet Statistics
Choosing a Pet
Decision-making time. Time to choose a pet that's the right pet for you and your circumstances.
The things you need to take into consideration are...
- How much money do you need?
- How much space does a pet need?
- How much time does it require?
- How long does it live?
- What about allergies?
- What about your stuff?
So let’s move on and get personal.
Cost
Pet Statistic No 1:
Time to talk money. The initial outlay for some pets is the major expense and thereafter they are relatively inexpensive to maintain, while others such as dogs and cats initially do not cost as much but their upkeep is more costly.
One major cost factor to take into account when you choose a pet is vet bills. I have two mutts. One is a Yorkie (we think) who has never been to the vet and he is 11 years old. The other is only 4 years old and has spent many days in the clinic with bills totalling up to approx $1000. He is now on a specialised diet for his condition and that is a major monthly expense.
Mind you, he is worth every penny I have outlaid on him and we have to guard him carefully. Every visitor to our home is totally captivated by his charm.
Below is a rough estimate of minimum initial expenses. This list does not include the cost of the pet itself, or their monthly upkeep, only the paraphernalia that they each require.
- Dogs
This is entirely up to you. A dog will be happy to sleep on a blankie (or as my lab does eat the blankie). They do however need to be inoculated. - Cats
Who knows? They too have to be inoculated –good luck with that. - Birds
From $50 for a cage to $ 1500 for an aviary - Bunnies
From $40 for a cage to $100 for a hutch - Guinea pigs and Hamsters
Cages $10 - $40 - Fish
By far the most expensive part of keeping fish is the initial outlay. The bundle of gadgets starts at $ 250.
Space
Statistic No 2:
Now obviously I don’t mean the universe and stars, I mean where you live. A major factor to take into account when choosing a pet is neighbours and landlords.
That nice little old lady living next to you may turn into the wicked witch of the west if you bring home a dog that barks. Just in case you are wondering some dogs will just bark, at nothing, I am sure there is nothing because I have checked several times.
- Dogs
Need space, especially big dogs. Some of the toy breeds such as Chihuahuas are able to live in smaller areas as long as you are aware that even the small ones will need to go out and potty and will need some exercise. - Cats
Well who really knows what cats need, only they know and if your accommodation does not suit them they often move on to greener pastures. - Birds, Bunnies, Guinea pigs, Hamsters and Fish
Can all be kept in cages or tanks that can fit into your available space. They will take up as much space as you can afford (in cash too).
Time
Pet Statistic No 3:
All pets require care of some sort, whether it be cleaning out their housing or exercising.
Do not be fooled by children who say they will look after the prospective bundle, they are hoodwinking you. The person who will be responsible is YOU. Remember that, so take into account the pet statistics outlined below and how much time you have available before you choose a pet.
I know this is all starting to put you off but remember that all pets have great benefits especially if you choose wisely.
- Dogs
Need grooming and plenty of exercise. Training takes time in the beginning. - Cats
Once again who knows what cats need, if they feel the urge to spend time with you it will be when they want to and on their terms. - Bunnies, Birds and Hamsters
Need some interaction at least once a day. Most people recommend one hour but I am sure that is fairly flexible. The point to remember is that the more time you spend with your pet the more joy and pleasure they will return into your life. - Guinea Pigs
Apart from daily interaction they also require grooming. - Fish
The bigger the tank the less work involved.
Lifespan
Pet Statistic No 4:
No I don’t mean yours I mean that of your pets. This is one of the most important pet statistics on the list especially when you choose a pet for your little monsters. They will hopefully be leaving home sometime in the future and guess who will be left to look after the pet. Yep YOU.
We do not want to outlive our pets but the sad fact is a lot of the pets that end up in rescue shelters are there because their owners have passed away and there is no-one able to care for them. So please think carefully when looking at these pet statistics, if you are in doubt maybe consider fostering a pet instead.
- Dogs
Up to and sometimes beyond 15 years - Cats
This is one thing I do know about cats (I think) average 12-15 years - Birds
Budgies and Canaries can live 5-8 years but some Parrots and Cockatoos can live for as long as 80 years - Bunnies
5 to 10yrs - Guinea Pigs
4 to 8 yrs - Hamsters
2 to 4 yrs - Fish
2 to 4 yrs
Allergies
Statistic No 5:
The unfortunate fact of the matter is that any animal except maybe fish (unless you intend eating them) can trigger an allergy.
My recommendation is, visit the prospective pet and play a while, see what happens. If you react come back here and start again. We don't mind we love having you.
The last thing you want to do is choose a pet only to find that you have to re-home it because of pet allergies.
Bunnies can normally be kept by people with mild allergies, and I have read somewhere that Yorkshire Terriers and Poodles have the closest hair type to humans so they are less likely to aggravate allergies.
Your Stuff
Pet Statistic No 6:
If you are OCD about your home be very careful which pet you choose.
- Dogs
Will shed their hair everywhere, by the truck load. They also have this nasty habit of chewing furniture, shoes etc. - Cats
Even if you get a scratching post cats still insist on using your couch or favourite armchair. Cat owners will know what I mean when I say “Mad Half Hour’ At some point in every day they will randomly decide to fly around the room, climbing up curtains, low flying over lamps and just generally behaving like escaped lunatics. - Bunnies, Hamsters and Guinea Pigs
All chew especially electrical wires and stereo speakers. You also need to be aware of poisonous plants just in case they decide to nibble on them. - Birds
These beauties make a dreadful mess, they leave feathers and poop all over the place plus they are the messiest eaters I have ever seen. - Fish
These are environmentally friendly creatures.
So now you know what pet statistics you have to take into consideration when choosing a pet. Make sure you choose a pet that fits perfectly into your lifestyle and it will entertain and delight you for many years.
Next step in the process is where do you find a pet.
Alley Cats and Mutts Homepage
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