Comments on: Are Pets Good for Your Finances?

By: Beginning of October 2012 Favorite Posts | Modest Money

Beginning of October 2012 Favorite Posts | Modest Money — Sat, 06 Oct 2012 13:01:00 +0000

[…] Are Pets Good for Your Finances? on When Life Gives You Lemons […]

By: Personal Finance Week in Review - Ryder Cup Edition | One Smart Dollar

Personal Finance Week in Review - Ryder Cup Edition | One Smart Dollar — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 00:21:51 +0000

[…] Are Pets Good for your Finance? – Add Vodka […]

By: Friends of the Family: Day at the Park Edition - The Family Finances

Friends of the Family: Day at the Park Edition - The Family Finances — Sat, 29 Sep 2012 21:00:06 +0000

[…] Are Pets Good for Your Finances? at When Life Gives You Lemons […]

By: Daisy

Daisy — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 02:33:02 +0000

In reply to Mary Beth.

Oh, I totally agree. Clearly. I have two of them! And they aren’t cheap. And I don’t care. I’d get two more knowing they’d cost me thousands. My dogs are amazing and I think animals are good for health, Oh, I totally agree. Clearly. I have two of them! And they aren’t cheap. And I don’t care. I’d get two more knowing they’d cost me thousands. My dogs are amazing and I think animals are good for health, mental wellness, and many other things.

By: Michelle

Michelle — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 22:09:10 +0000

If I didn’t already have a free gym membership, I would totally try to use that one to support my case to my husband that we *need* a dog. 😉

By: shanendoah@the dog ate my wallet

shanendoah@the dog ate my wallet — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 18:51:23 +0000

A couple of notes:
Before you consider insurance, find out what it won’t cover. Most policies (at least in the US) will not cover common/known health problems for a breed. Have a German Shepherd? The policy won’t cover hip dysplasia or back issues, etc. For the most part, if you simply set aside each month what you would pay on a pet health insurance policy and put it in a special pet account, you’ll have the money you need for most treatments and won’t have to worry about paperwork or having a claim denied.

And I might argue that pets can have a positive effect on our finances. We go out less because we don’t want to leave our dogs. Instead, we have friends over (saving us all money). Or, we meet up with fellow dog friends at the dog park, when otherwise we might meet at a coffee shop.
And the quality of life improvements show dividends when it comes to our own health care costs. Studies have even shown that kids who grow up with pets are less likely to have allergies and asthma. Talk about long term savings.

By: Christian L.

Christian L. — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 17:34:59 +0000

In reply to Mary Beth. "For me, not every decision comes down to what’s best financially: it comes down to what’s best for my life." x2

By: Lance@MoneyLife&More

Lance@MoneyLife&More — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 16:57:35 +0000

Unless pets poop out gift cards.or good coupons they aren’t directly good for your finances. They are great companions though!

By: Money Beagle

Money Beagle — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 16:29:22 +0000

My cats are old (16 and 12) and thus have gotten pretty expensive as they each have medicine and food that is special to their particular needs. But, they’re worth it. Outside of that, all the need is some love, and there’s nothing like a cat purring in your lap to make you take a few minutes and enjoy the moment.

By: Mary Beth

Mary Beth — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 15:03:51 +0000

For me, not every decision comes down to what’s best financially: it comes down to what’s best for my life. My dog provides me with companionship, exercise, and a sense of security. I call him my four legged Zoloft. Yes, his medical treatments have the potential to be expensive, but that’s more than worth it when I see how excited he is every single time I come back through the front door.