Many Americans own a “man’s best friend.” According to the 2015-2016 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association (APPA), 54.4 million households own a dog and the total number of dogs owned is 77.8 million. Percentage wise, 65 of U.S. households tend to a pooch, marking 79.7 million furry companion families. Statistics from the U.S. final data table for the year of 2013 concluded 3,932,181 births, averaging the birth rate of twelve point four per 1000 population, and the fertility rate to 62.5 births per 1000 women aged 15-44. In recent discussions between dog owners and those having babies, a controversial issue has been whether raising a dog is similar to how a baby is raised, or rather that the two are very …show more content…
Though I concede the two share common ground on a few necessities, I still maintain the furry canine is less demanding than the human infant. For example, the average lifetime cost of raising dogs is $23,410.00 (AKC.org) versus the approximated $245,340.00 ($304,480.00 adjusted for projected inflation) for the average cost of raising a child born in 2013 up until the age of 18. Although some object that I am not considering all of the other components of spoiling a dog such as taking it to the groomer, designer clothing, and luxurious foods and treats that very well can add up and get as high as raising a child, I would reply that the national average for owning a dog is still less than a child. The approximated cost of raising a child from above only covers the absolute necessities for them; therefore, it does not include vehicles, college tuition, and the hunger to keep up with social standards. The issue is important because many people go into having a pet or child without the realization of all elements, components, and responsibilities it takes to be a parent of a dog or baby. Raising a dog is similar to raising a child in terms of commitment, responsibilities, and long-term