Photo by Danny Fulgencio
As we compiled the Advocate’s annual pet issue, we wondered how much pets cost the neighborhood every year.
The answer: a lot. To be exact, we spent about $9.9 million on pet care in 2017. Â (The data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and 2010 U.S. Census data, in case you were wondering.)
Pet food accounts for about $3.45 million of the total cost, and supplies and medicine accounts for $2.83 million. Other pet services cost $1 million. Trips to the veterinarian? About $2.83 million.
An estimated 10,335 families reside in Lake Highlands, according to Census data. Assuming every family has a pet, each would spend about $957 per year.
Of course, not every family has a furry friend, and some animals are more expensive. Business Insider reported the average American spends $80 per month on rats or mice, $92.98 per month on cats and $139.80 on dogs.
Lake Highlands spends more on pets than vacation homes, natural gas, water and other public services, daycare centers and furniture, respectively.
Fido aint cheap.
