by Heather
Pet ownership is a privilege, not a right. Pets require many expenses throughout their lifetime and too many people don't think about that before obtaining a pet. Some pets live to be 20 + years old. Having a pet is a commitment to care for them their entire lives.
If you can't afford a pet -- DON'T GET ONE. Veterinary care is an expense, you must realize that your pet may get sick -- don't blame the vet if you can't pay for services. If you truly love your pet you will do whatever it takes to get money to care for them or you will make a decision to turn them over to someone who can.
And veterinary care is not just about getting sick; pets need regular check-ups even more often than people do, since they age much faster. If people took their pets in more regularly for routine visits then many problems could be detected before they became great expenses. I believe that having a pet is a choice, and it is necessary to research before making that decision - I'm sorry, but some people just should not have pets.
Comments From Your Guide:
I agree that not everyone considers or even realizes what is involved when you say "I do" to adopting or purchasing a new pet. My wish is that more people would take the time to consider what is involved in the care and feeding of the new pet, the expected lifespan of the pet, and to honestly evaluate the lifestyle changes required (of the humans).
Taking care of a pet (or pets) IS a lifelong commitment, but life situations and personal circumstances will change over the course of a pet's lifetime. This may or may not affect financial choices. I don't think people should be condemned for changes that occur that make veterinary care (or other pet-related costs) a luxury. If people are honest and willing to make a loving choice for their pet, they can work toward getting the care they need or finding an owner who can. Difficult, yes, but there are solutions for those who work with their vet, or seek other options for financial help.
To me, the biggest heartbreakers are the animals that are "disposed of" at shelters, allowed to run loose, or possibly worst of all, completely neglected in a small run or backyard with precious little food and water and no human attention, simply because the caretakers are too busy to be bothered with a pet that they have grown tired of. What a horrible life.
