• Pets Help to Lower Blood Pressure - A recent study at the State University of New York at Buffalo found that people with hypertension who adopted a cat or dog had lower blood pressure readings in stressful situations than did those who did not own a pet. (Dr. Karen Allen, State University of New York at Buffalo)
• Pets Help to Reduce Stress - Walking with a pet helps to sooth nerves and offers instant relaxation. Studies conducted worldwide have shown that the impact of a stressful situation is lesser on pet owners, especially males, than on those who do not own a pet. (Josephine M. Wills, Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition, United Kingdom)
• Pets Help to Prevent Heart Disease - Because pets provide people with faithful companionship, research shows they may also provide their owners with greater psychological stability, thus a measure of protection from heart disease. (National Institute of Health Technology Assessment Workshop: Health Benefits of Pets)
• Pets Help to Lower Health Care Costs - People with pets actually make fewer doctor visits, especially for non-serious medical conditions. (National Institute of Health Technology Assessment Workshop: Health Benefits of Pets)
• Pets Help to Fight Depression - Pets help fight depression and loneliness, promoting an interest in life. When seniors face adversity or trauma, affection from pets takes on great meaning. Their bonding behavior can foster a sense of security. (Between Pets and People: The Importance of Animal Companionship)

Your pet’s stuff: What stuff does a pet need? Well, lots more than most of us expect. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals the average annual bill for toys and treats for a medium-size dog is around $75. For a cat, it’s around $50. This, of course, does not count multiple pet beds, crates, carriers, litter boxes (and litter) or the occasional piece of couture.Veterinary: Veterinary bills are a realistic aspect of responsible  pet ownership and in major metro areas, annual veterinary expenditures average $100-$250 for basic healthcare. For pets with serious illness, veterinary care expenses can be significantly more. Pet insurance is available to assist with the financial aspects of pet ownership.Grooming: Grooming is an important function for all pets, it’s important to keep their claws maintained and that overgrown or matted hair doesn’t get the chance to cause skin problems. Talk with your vet first about what he or she believes is a proper grooming regimen for your pet, and shop for a groomer based on experience and familiarity with your pet’s breed. Grooming rates vary by community and size of the pet, with per-visit rates range from $20 - $100.Daycare, pet-sitting and lodging: Very few people can take time out of their workday to go home and walk and play with their pets. Likewise, many people fear taking pets on cross-country trips in cars and planes.  Depending on the community, daily dog-walking services average $20 +, overnight kennel services $30 +, and pet-sitting services average $50 +/day. It’s always best to get references from local services, veterinary clinics and most important, fellow pet owners. Also, check the Web site for the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters.