Paws-itive Perspectives: Cost-benefit analysis of dogs

By Angel Dumoulin on April 9, 2026.

If you’ve romanticized the idea of getting a pet so long that all you can see is the immediate benefits of cuddles, walks and games of fetch, I’m here to remind you of a few things.

If you are all about business, here is your cost-benefit analysis of dogs.

If you lean more toward the Rory Gilmore approach, here’s your Pros and Cons list. Let’s start with the Cons or Cost of owning a dog.

The most obvious cost is money. Vet bills, training, food, treats, boarding or home care when you want to go away without them, all add up to a very significant part of your paycheque. I’m not even going to mention all the all the damage to your house if their needs aren’t being met and they are left unsupervised too long.

Standing outside in the freezing cold at 6am waiting for them to finally pee is a part of having a reliably potty- trained puppy. Yes, this is required! They need guidance and supervision. Constantly!

Canceling a spontaneous weekend trip or even a day trip because you can’t find someone you trust to dog-sit becomes pretty restricting to someone who is used to coming and going as they please.

Cleaning vomit off the rug is a lifelong struggle. Dogs will not pick a smooth, easy to clean surface. If you remove the carpets, they will choose the furniture or even a pile of clothes.

Dog hair on everything you own is going to be your new reality.

Being a good dog owner means your schedule isn’t your own anymore. A full night’s sleep isn’t guaranteed

All your me time becomes we time. I mean ALL of it. Even bathroom time.

But…

Somewhere between vet visits and muddy paws on everything you realize the sacrifice isn’t a burden, it’s a privilege and an honour.

We are constantly being told to optimize our time, our lives, our budgets, focus on ourselves. A dog asks you to show up and be present for someone else, every day.

They teach you that love isn’t just a feeling, it’s an action. It’s showing up for someone even when you’re tired, sick or just don’t feel like it.

Choosing responsibility over convenience can make truly make your life more fulfilling.

Once you understand that to them, you are their entire world, you decide to live in a way that’s worthy of that.

You give up some comfort but in return but in return you learn something most people never do.

The best parts of life aren’t thing that we keep for ourselves, like collections or clutter, they’re things we give away.

Angel Dumoulin of Funny Farm Canine is a positive reinforcement trainer with 20+ years of experience, dedicated to humane, science-based methods that build trust, cooperation, and joy. Emphasizing compassion and respect, she fosters a partnership between dogs and owners without fear or force-only motivation, play, and clear communication. Her philosophy, “dominion over domination,” champions empathy and understanding, allowing each dog’s unique personality to shine. Play. Learn. Wag!

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