Comments on: AVMA Survey Shows A Decline in Pet Ownership

By: karen

karen — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 05:21:33 +0000

I agree about the high cost of vet care. I love animals,esp dogs, but this one will probably be my last one, sad to say. more and more regulations! remember your poop bags and keep your dog on a leash. too many people ready to call the dog pound on you. or the dog catcher might be just driving around anyway to hand out tickets. I am glad I own my home with a fenced yard, but sympathize with people who rent, all the restrictions there.

By: Susan Werner

Susan Werner — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 20:57:19 +0000

This is a GENERAL RESPONSE to the above article (NOT to Rosemary Smith).
If people would STOP going to pet stores and breeders to acquire a “perfect pet”, but rather go to rescue organizations and shelters, the overall cost would be CONSIDERABLY LOWER! The chances of getting a healthy animal with fewer of the genetic problems suffered by pure breds would be statistically lower. Ergo, lower vet bills. Added to the VAST DIFFERENCE in the purchase price of a pure bred vs. an adoptee, we can ALL have the joy of a BFF (best friend forever).

By: Rosemary Smith

Rosemary Smith — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 12:06:31 +0000

I know why. Those of us who love our pets dearly and would do anything to keep them healthy and safe can no longer afford veterinarian care. I have two dogs that are now in their senior years. It takes half a weeks paycheck to take one of them for a check-up and medication if needed. I shudder to think what will happen if they get cancer or something because I will not be able to afford the treatment. I am in my mid-sixties and plan on retiring soon. When something happens to the two dogs I have now, I will not get another one (and it breaks my heart) because I will not be able to afford the vet bills. Pet insurance is a joke for those of us who do not have high paying jobs. What is the answer? I never thought it would there would come to a time when I could not afford a best friend because I would not be able to afford vet care.