Have you ever considered … NOT owning a pet?
Considering the forum, and what I do for a living, this may seem like a strange recommendation.
You don’t have to sell me on the counter argument: the many documented benefits of pet ownership. As someone who arguably (maybe not so arguably) relates better to animals than people, having them be an integral part of my life goes without question. Not to mention the clear mental and physical benefits of having pets, and the boost they give to your immune system.
Many of us who have been around pets all or lives find the concept strange, and almost impossible. I have said more than once: “How can anyone live without a dog??!”
BUT … hear me out.
Pet ownership is not the only way to have fulfilling relationships and interactions with animals. AND, there are some big reasons to second guess the commitment:
1) The current climate:
a. The limited availability of veterinary care for pets (at crisis levels in many instances)
Touched on before in this column — it is not better now than at the height of the pandemic and is unlikely to change in the near future.
b. The increasing expense of pet ownership
The Ontario Veterinary Medical Association breaks down the average cost of pet ownership — in the first year, and beyond.
In particular, with the cost of pet food, pet supplies, the pet themselves (puppy prices) on the rise owning a pet is more expensive than it was even five years ago.
In addition, most veterinary offices have also been forced to increase their fees due to the increasing costs associated with providing their services.
c. There is a significant increase in the number of relinquished animals at Humane Societies and rescues at the moment, with many being at capacity.
Should you choose to buy or adopt a pet, you may have very limited options to help if things happen to not work out as planned.
2) Maybe the time just isn’t right:
a. Be very honest with yourself.
Do you want to travel a lot? Are you planning a renovation? Is your work schedule intense and/or changing? Be serious about the commitment required for pet ownership and consider if it really fits your lifestyle.
I know it may seem weird for someone who is in the business of caring for pets to discourage pet ownership. But, I’m ACTUALLY in the business of caring for my community by being an advocate for it’s companions. Being that advocate sometimes means recommending re-homing, or that someone not take on a pet at all.
If you are in the animal-loving camp but are not willing or able to take on a pet right now (see above!), never fear! Consider some other great options to get your “fix.”
1. Cat cafés:
If anyone reading this is on the fence about opening a cat café in Windsor/Essex county … please proceed! I’m sad we don’t have any of these nearby, but you can travel to Michigan or Stratford to indulge in a latte while visiting some furry friends.
2. Volunteer:
Humane societies, stables and farms may be in need of help — it’s worth asking if they need anyone help walk or feed the animals.
3. Ask a friend, family member or neighbour to visit with their pet, or take them out for some exercise:
Bonus points if it’s a new parent at home with a baby — they would love it if you could take their dog out for a 45 minute stroll! (not that I’m speaking from experience here … )
4. Just say “Hi” to others out on walks:
Adhere to the basic rules here of course, as my 2 and 4-year-olds do — “not to pet strange dogs without asking!” If you happened to catch Ricky Gervais’ most recent Netflix special, his breakdown of why he doesn’t own a dog, though he loves them, and how he instead has dog friends in every city is so on-point!
5. Enjoy nature:
While you can’t directly interact with them of course, you can still hit up the closest local trail to spend some time admiring animals in their natural habitat.
So, while of course I’m an advocate for pet ownership. It isn’t always possible, the right time, or the right decision for everyone.
If you are an animal lover, consider some other ways to hang out with animals. You’ll still gain the mental and physical well-being, without the financial and time-related commitment.
10 Mental & Physical Health Benefits of Having Pets
Are Pets the New Probiotic? – The New York Times
Choosing a Pet | Ontario Veterinary Medical Association
Cat cafés in Canada offer lattes and furry felines | CBC News
Michigan’s Premier Cat Cafe – The Catfé Lounge in Ferndale
Cat Cafe | Stratford | Alley Cat Cafe
Ricky Gervais: SuperNature | Netflix Official Site
Thank you Dr. Martin for such an honest approach as to “Having An Animal “,it is very important for people to think of why they want a dog,as a person who has taken in a “rescue dog “because they just didn’t have the time anymore,5 so far over the years, it is also very hard on the animals.Looking forward to more of your wisdom.