Choice of a pet
For a small to medium-size dog, the total cost over a dog's lifetime is about $7,240 to $12,700.For an indoor cat, the total cost over a cat's lifetime is about $8,620 to $11,275.People most commonly get pets for companionship, to protect a home or property, or because of the beauty or attractiveness of the animals.The most common reasons for not owning a pet are lack of time, lack of suitable housing, and lack of ability to care for the pet when traveling.
Overpopulation
Animal protection advocates call attention to pet overpopulation. According to the Humane Society of the United States, animal shelters care for about 6 to 8 million dogs and cats each year, but approximately 3 to 4 million are euthanized.
Effects on pets health
Keeping animals as pets may be detrimental to their health if certain requirements are not met. An important issue is inappropriate feeding, which may produce clinical effects. The consumption of chocolate or grapes by dogs, for example, may prove fatal.
Effects of pets on their caregiver's health
Pets might have the ability to stimulate their caregivers, in particular the elderly, giving people someone to take care of, someone to exercise with, and someone to help them heal from a physically or psychologically troubled past.