I have always looked to raw data to give me a sense of value and there are times that the data makes your head spin.
The cost of owning a dog over an average lifespan of 12 years ranges from a low of $4,620 to a high of $32,900 which on an annualized basis is $385 to $2,741. On a daily basis it works out to $1.05 to $7.50 a day.
The other data set is what people live on.
More than 2.8 billion people almost half the population of the earth lives on less than $2 a day. 1.2 billion people about 20% of the population of the planet live on less than $1 a day.
Your thoughts?
Hey Lou
It is amazing how much thought you can induce when you add some perspective.
As an animal lover myself, I understand the cost involved in owning a pet. However, I think a balance must be struck between our priorities and our contribution to society.
Too many people don’t understand what happens outside of the sheltered lives we live in North America and Europe, thus we prioritize the wrong things.
Next time my 8 year old daughter asks me for a pony, I will refer my wife to your article.
I hope it helps me.
Greg
Hi Lou,
I think that spending is generated mostly from North America where people are willing to pay that price for unconditional love, especially in our fast paced world. People are starting families later on in life, so domestic pets are filling the void for companionship in the meantime.
I’m not sure how skewed these stats are, but in 2008, 51% of Canadian households owned a pet versus the 44% of Canadian households that had children. It’s a scary statistic considering our country’s negative growth rate.
Audrey
Hi Lou:
Some people may spend extravagantly on pets, but I do not see any connection to world poverty. Rather, that comes from bad governments, overpopulation, endless conflict, conspicuous consumption, greed, etc., etc. There is more than enough to go around for everyone–the trick is to distribute it equitably, which hasn’t happened yet and is unlikely to given human nature. Compared with yachts, multiple cars, monster houses, and such, pets seem like a small indulgence. And yes, I have a well-heeled dog.
Regards,
jordy
Lou, every ( 100% ) impoverished country in the world is controled by goons and thugs. The people have no chance in hell to ever have anythng, not even food. Government is a dawgma and democracy will never happen. Haiti is one good example. We can ( and have been ) send in truck loads of cash and supplies. Most will never see the goods we send. It’s not the SPCA doing the funding and supporting of this world evil. Easy to make the connection. My finacial support to the people of Haiti will probably never be seen by the people. 100% of my financial support to the SPCA will go to the animals. Thanks, Bob