5 States Where Pet Care Costs Are Decreasing
One of the most beautiful and selfless experiences a human can have is that of caring for a pet. Be they fluffy felines, scrappy dogs or even something less traditional, like a turtle or a guinea pig, these creatures can mean the world to us, and they can help us stay healthy. Pets have been found to lower blood pressure and even help us get a better night’s sleep.
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In a fair world, pets would be free. But, as we’re reminded pretty much every seven seconds, we do not live in a fair world, and pets come with an arsenal of expenses. You have not only the upfront cost that usually comes with acquiring one, but all the recurring expenses like food that is packed with nutrients and visits to the vet — including awful emergency trips that will 100% happen at some point.
In recent years, the cost of pet care around the nation has been increasing. The major pain point for pet owners is veterinary care. Veterinary service prices have surged since the pandemic, which saw droves of cabin-fevered folks take in furry friends. Tragically, many people end up being unable to afford their nonhuman companions and are forced to rehome or even abandon them at kill shelters.
Though we’re seeing rising pet care costs on a national level, we are seeing some states where the costs associated with pet ownership are actually decreasing.
Let’s look at data from a recent study by Spot Pet Insurance, which determined five states where pet costs have been going down the most.
Louisiana
Pet care costs are down 5%
Spot found that Louisiana has seen a 5% decrease in pet healthcare expenses. It attributes this to an increase in low-cost spay and neuter programs, along with enhanced education and access to resources for pet owners.
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West Virginia
Pet care costs are down 6%
West Virginia has enjoyed a 6% decrease in pet healthcare costs. Spot speculated that this could be due to a rise of affordable veterinary services in rural areas and/or more emphasis on preventive care and early detection of health problems in pets.
South Dakota
Pet care costs are down 6%
South Dakota has also seen a downward trend in pet healthcare expenses. Why? It could stem from an increase in community-based animal care resources including low-cost vaccination clinics or low-cost spay/neuter initiatives, along with more promotion on the best ways to care for our pets’ health.
Delaware
Pet care costs are down 6%
Delaware has also seen a 6% decrease in veterinary costs. We may attribute this decrease to more affordable animal clinics as well as the state’s commitment to spreading accurate information about how to care for your pet and prevent costly conditions or ailments.
Alaska
Pet care costs are down 9%
It’s surprising that a state as expensive as Alaska, where the cost of living is 31% higher than the national average, per RentCafe, is the state with the most significant decrease in pet care costs. The easing of prices here could tie to an increase in the number of veterinarians in the state, along with widening awareness of just how important preventive care is for our (usually) four-legged loved ones.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 States Where Pet Care Costs Are Decreasing
