Dog Ownership Facts

Barking Blues

small dog barking at nothingTen percent of dogs adopted from shelters are returned. The cause of nearly half of these returns is barking. All kinds of good old fashioned barking. Did you know that a dog’s bark can be caused by the owner?

Read more: What Your Dog’s Bark is Telling You

National Pet Statistics

Please note that currently, no government institution or animal organization is responsible for tabulating national statistics for the animal protection movement.
Pet Statistics from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

  • 5 – 7 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year, and approximately 3 – 4 million are euthanized (60 % of dogs and 70 % of cats)
  • 25% of dogs who enter local shelters are purebred
  • More than 20 % of people who leave dogs in shelters adopted them from a shelter
  • 62 % of all households in the United States have a pet
  • About 78.2 million dogs and about 86.4 million cats are owned in the United States
  • According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy (NCPPSP), about 65 % of pet owners acquire their pets free or at low cost
  • The majority of pets are obtained from acquaintances and family members. 26 % of dogs are purchased from breeders, 20 to 30 % of cats and dogs are adopted from shelters and rescues, and 2 to 10 % are purchased from pet shops

Cost of Owning a Dog

Having a dog is without a doubt extremely rewarding. However, it is important to consider your financial situation before taking on the role of dog ownership.

The ASPCA puts the average cost of basic food, supplies, medical care and training for a dog at $600 to $900 annually.  The low end of that estimate is pretty consistent with that from other sources but the high end ($900) is definitely on the low end of other estimates. In other words, research is yet again important. To get you started, check out the 9 Costs article in the right hand column.

Don’t forget the city license and the off-leash license

 

Health Benefits of Pet Ownership

drawing of a couple in the parkOwning a pet can ward off depression, lower blood pressure, and boost immunity. It may even improve your social life. (source: WebMD)

Health Benefits:

  1. keep you active
  2. detect cancer
  3. detect low blood sugar
  4. remind you to keep away from food you are allergic to
  5. help you rehabilitate from an illness

 

How Pets Benefit Children

  1. Help with learning
  2. Provide comfort
  3. Encourage nurturing
  4. Keep them healthy
  5. Help build family bonds

 

photo credit: barking dog by Scott Barron via Google Images
photo credit: tangled leashes by heartyshawkdeviantart.com via Google Images