Research on the human-dog relationship
One in six Americans would pay for their dog’s medical treatment before their own
(Reuters, April 4, 2011) Americans may be clipping money-saving coupons and delaying buying a new home, but when it comes to their pets they’re spending more than ever, according to a new survey. Between trips to the vet, specialty foods, treats and toys, pet insurance and even parties, Americans have no compunction about opening up their wallets to keep Rex, Rover or even the house lizard healthy and happy.
Flying in the face of economic woes, between two and five percent of pet owners said they spent more on their pets last year, according to the poll by the non-profit American Pet Products Association (APPA). Americans are so concerned about their pets that 16 percent of dog owners and 13 percent of cat owners said their animal’s medical treatment would take priority over their own.
