Pet medicine portal

Why do people think its a good idea to get a cheap pet?

If you are looking for a pet, and have limited finances, then maybe getting a pet is not a good idea. How are you going to pay for the prevenative medicine and maintenance? What if they become ill? If you just dont want to spend a lot of money on a pet, than why not just adopt one of the many needy ones? Sorry, but this frustrates me.

Public Comments

1. This is a good question! I don't have an answer except to say that I have a basset hound and a black cat that I adopted from the humane society and they are both great friends!
2. you got me on that one when I mentioned cheap horse I meant under or around $1500- $2000 i'm not looking for something that's like $10,000 or more. I understand what you are saying tho i'm just trying to find something suitable for young kids but big enough for me. I'm 5"10 so I don't want something that's 14.2h
3. Because they're cheap. And people don't want "used" pets-something about human psychology. Of course, in the '70s pet rocks were a big craze...now they are all being recycled in gravel pits.
4. I'm not agreeing to agree, but i agree!!!! I see this so many times on here...Where can a find a pedigree such and such i only want to spend $$$$....Do people realize that it cost thousands to properly take care of a pet...They may live to be 10 + yrs...The pound or rescue center was a great idea...They spay and neuter and give some shots and worming to start the pet off for the owner...It's still alot of work and people need to see this...It is an extension of the family and needs to be raised and taken care of as just that....Good question, glad someone finally got it out there!!!!
5. Some people want a cheap pet...not because they are poor, but because the price of the pet is not their financial priority..It doesn't always mean that they can't or won't take care of it.. I have many puppy adopting prospects that try to bargain me down on price, and just can't seem to justify spending over X amount on the dog, but they are VERY good dog owners. .I keep a list of homes that I have approved, and occasionally give one of my pups to such a home.., and they are just as good to the pups as the others that paid full price....Actually they keep more in contact with me, with proud pictures and updates on obedience awards, etc.. So, I don't believe we can fairly judge the reasons that people are wanting a bargain pet..
6. I agree with you about not getting a pet if you can't support it financially. Nothing angers me more than people asking things like "My bird has a broken leg, what are some good home remedies?" Argh! Would love to break their legs and then treat them with home remedies! Although here are some pets that are cheap and low maintenance, like giant cockroaches, hermit crabs etc. Even adoption is not an option I believe, unless you have the financial means to deal with whatever situation that may arise.
7. I have four beautiful pet rats.......they are not expensive at all but I would pay heaps for them. Sure there are cheaper pets for people that do not have like hundreds of dollars but my rats bills cost avg 200 every six months which isn't that bad. But the thing is......I would sell all my stuff to help them. If you don't love your pet as much as someone like me does,and would not pay the random expensive vet bills, I agree do not get them.
8. I couldn't agree with you any more. I work at an SPCA and people want cheap pets without considering the cost after they get the animal home. In fact, your statement is so true that if everyone realized the truth in this I would be without a job with an animal shelter. Thank God that I am a vet tech and would still be employed. Because everyone would be a good pet owner and we wouldn't see so many strays. At the shelter that I work at people ask for free food and shots and everything. I will not adopt an animal to anyone if I think that the animal will not be properly cared for. Then again we don't always know. This not only frustrates me but it makes me very sad. Don't get a pet if you don't have at least $500.00 a month that you can save to only spend on your pet. Vet bills are pretty expensive and so is the grooming and medication not to mention the food and the rubber ball and the chew rope. Thank you so much for giving such great information.
9. its not pets are worth more than what you think and plus you can teach them to help you do things.
10. mayb some ppl just cant hav large animals and small 1s tend 2 b cheaper