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 $16.3 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 $5.7 million of the total cost, and supplies and medicine accounts for $4.4 million. Other pet services cost $1.7 million. Trips to the veterinarian? About $4.5 million.
An estimated 12,509 families reside in Lakewood, according to Census data. Assuming every family has a pet, each would spend about $1,303 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.
Fido aint cheap.
