The Blubber

Per Market Watch

A recent survey, True Cost of Pet Parenthood, by Rover.com, found that almost half of the pet owners decided to cut back on groceries for them to afford dog food. The survey said that the amount that pet owners dropped ranges from $610 to $3,555.

Here is the breakdown of the different costs of being a pet parent.

• Upfront costs - $1,135 to $5,155
• Annual essentials costs - $610 to $3,555
• Optional extras costs - $1,390 to $4,095

Adoption fees can range from $115 to $725 but reach $1,000 to $4,500 for a purebred puppy. Pet licenses can cost $20 to $100, and a microchip would cost $60 to $80, depending on location.

Here are some of the other major expenses.

• Spay or neuter ranges from $340 to $1,500
• Basic veterinary care could range from $110 to $340
• Food could range from $25 to $325

Here are some other expected yearly expenses for your dog.

• Food ranges from $300 to $2,340
• Toys range from $30 to $250
• Annual checkups range from $70 to $110

The survey consisted of 1,500 US pet parents and was conducted in March 2023.

Recently, it was found that over half of Americans weren't capable of affording a $1,000 emergency expense. The survey comprised almost 4,000 US participants and was conducted from Dec 8 to 23.

In January, it was found that emergency expenses of $400 can only be afforded by one in three Americans. Two-thirds of Americans either were incapable of coming up with the amount or struggled to come up with the sum.

A previous Fed survey found that 68% of respondents a year ago could pay for the $400 emergency expense. This came as the personal saving rates of Americans dropped to a 17-year low, while household debt increased.

See flow at unusualwhales.com/flow.

Other News:

• 57% of Americans can’t afford a $1,000 emergency expense
• Emergency Expenses of $400 Can Only be Comfortably Afforded by One in Three Americans

Resources:

Market Watch

Rover.com