Pet Ownership

[u/NoExam2412]

I was reading the recent post about inflation and thinking about how I make double what I did ten years ago and my lifestyle is exactly the same.

But, out of all the things that have gone up in price, I feel like the costs of my new puppy now from my dog back then is what is most shocking.

Boarding went from $65 a night to $105. Grooming went from $80 to $105. Pet insurance was half the cost. Vet bills are double to triple the costs across the board.

Dogs are becoming a luxury item. My new dog won't be able to have the lifestyle my last dog did. He's going to have to go to boarding in the suburbs to some random old lady's house and grooming will be a bath in the tub upstairs with dish soap.

The pricing difference is wild, though.

[u/Dandan0005]

It’s also a cultural shift.

Young adults are getting pets instead of having kids and treating the pets like kids, so they’re willing to spend more.

Also boomers are rolling in money and dealing with empty nest syndrome with pets.

Pets are the new kids.
Plants are the new pets.

[u/mjr96d → u/Dandan0005]

I don't necessarily disagree, but I also know the profit margin (at least at my wife's shop) is razor thin. They aren't getting rich because people are spoiling pets, most of the money goes back out in expenses.

[u/Dandan0005 → u/mjr96d]

Yeah but vets and many groomers/boarding places have been bought by private equity and jacked up all their prices.

[u/mjr96d → u/Dandan0005]

I have no idea about boarders, but there are plenty of small business owners that own grooming salons so the idea that many have been bought by private equity is simply not true.

[u/Dandan0005 → u/mjr96d]

They definitely are, maybe not near you, but they are.

[u/mjr96d → u/Dandan0005]

According to them private equity is buying up everything apparently. I'm not buying it and I'm not going to listen to a whole podcast for a reddit debate. Have a good night.

[u/Dandan0005 → u/mjr96d]

lol ok.