Some choose not to have pets in a world where pets are common.
Despite the joy pets bring, some opt not to have them.
I don’t own pets, nor do I want to. I enjoy the freedom of fewer responsibilities and hassles in life.
Owning pets is another thing I don’t want to have on my to-do list.
This post does not ‘bash’ pet owners or sway their beliefs.
It’s just something I felt compelled to write at the time.
Here, we explore reasons for opting out of pet ownership and debunk misconceptions.
Reasons Not to Get a Pet
- Lifestyle Constraints: One of the primary reasons individuals refrain from owning one is their lifestyle. Busy schedules, frequent travel, or living arrangements that aren’t conducive to domestic animal care can make it challenging to provide the time and attention animals require. They demand consistent care, exercise, and affection, which may not align with everyone’s lifestyle choices.
- Financial Considerations: Owning a domestic animal entails various expenses, including food, veterinary care, grooming, and potentially unexpected medical bills. For some, these financial obligations are simply not feasible or may strain their budget, leading them to opt out of ownership.
- Allergies or Health Concerns: Allergies to dander can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Additionally, individuals with respiratory conditions or compromised immune systems may find ownership risky due to potential health complications. In such cases, prioritizing personal well-being becomes paramount.
- Commitment and Responsibility: Caring for an animal is a long-term commitment that requires dedication and responsibility. Some individuals may hesitate to take on this commitment, fearing they may not be able to fulfill the obligations associated with ownership adequately. Concerns about providing consistent care and attention can dissuade people from getting one.
- Environmental Impact: Another consideration is the environmental impact of ownership. Pets, particularly dogs and cats, have a significant ecological footprint due to their food consumption, waste production, and associated emissions. For those concerned about sustainability and environmental conservation, minimizing their carbon footprint by abstaining from ownership may align with their values.
Related: How To Make Positive Life Decisions
Is It Normal to Not Want Pets?
The decision not to own pets is entirely valid and more common than one might think. While they are undeniably cherished members of many households, they’re not a necessity for everyone.
Just as people have diverse preferences in hobbies, lifestyles, and living arrangements, their attitudes toward ownership vary widely.
Some individuals may have had negative experiences with pets in the past, such as allergies, traumatic incidents, or conflicts with landlords or neighbors.
Others may prioritize freedom and flexibility in their lives, preferring not to be tied down by ownership responsibilities. Whatever the reason, choosing not to have pets is a personal decision that deserves respect and understanding.
It’s essential to recognize that the absence does not equate to a lack of compassion or love for animals. Many people who don’t own pets still appreciate and support animal welfare efforts, advocating for the well-being of animals without necessarily having them as domestic animals.
Why Do People Have Pets? Amazon Book.
Why I Don’t Own Pets
I don’t own pets—not even an aquarium. In the late 90s and early 2000s, I had three aquariums in my house— two 10-gallon tanks and one 55-gallon tank. In the beginning, it was refreshing to have these aquariums.
They were beautiful, they were majestic, and they were serene to look at.
However, I looked at them less and less over time, even though they had daily and monthly maintenance.
Eventually, I got rid of the two 10-gallon tanks. I donated one to my high school and the other to Goodwill. It was a relief to be rid of the responsibility. However, I still had the rather sizeable 55-gallon tank to deal with.
In it was a gigantic albino catfish that was at least a foot long. When I bought the albino catfish, it was only a few inches long; I didn’t realize it would grow over a foot long.
It killed the two Oscar fish I had purchased when I installed the 55-gallon tank in 1997.
The albino catfish was extremely vibration-sensitive. Whenever a loud noise occurred, it would react by swimming directly into the side of the aquarium glass.
I am surprised it didn’t knock itself out or break the glass.
Oh yeah, how it killed the Oscar fish. The Oscar fish got banged up a few times after the catfish had one of its episodes. Eventually, the catfish died; I think it lived for over six years. The truth is I felt sorry for it.
It was too big to be trapped in the little aquarium, and who was I to keep it captive anyway? Once the catfish died, I emptied the aquarium, cleaned it, and sold it in the Pennysaver.
I was glad to be rid of it all: no more unnecessary responsibility and no more keeping a living creature captive. I also swore never to own a pet again.
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I Owned Pets in My Younger Days
At around nine, I once owned a snake, several aquariums, hamsters, hermit crabs, and a dog. Every one of these pets managed to escape its confines.
The snake crawled out of its aquarium, down my dresser, into my bed, and into my hand. I woke up one morning with the snake nestled in my hand.
I eventually returned the snake to the pet store from which it came. I didn’t initially buy the snake; a friend of mine did.
I took it off his hands for a few months after realizing he could no longer care for it before returning it to the pet store where it came from.
The hamsters and the hermit crabs were never to be found again. The dog belonged to my younger brother, who I kept for him because his girlfriend wouldn’t let him keep the dog. I can tell you that responsibility trumps the reward.
One time, when I was around 15 or 16, a stray dog wandered onto my home’s property. We then had a dog; the stray dog must have smelled his scent. The stray dog was an older Labrador Retriever with bloodshot eyes.
I approached him, and he trusted me enough to let me touch him. I brought him out a bowl of cold water and food. It was summertime, and I thought the cold water would refresh him. I even put ice cubes in the water.
I decided to tie him to the tree so he wouldn’t escape. I called the local animal shelter to see if anyone had reported a missing dog. They hadn’t received any calls yet. They told me to keep him there and that someone from their location would pick him up tomorrow.
Meanwhile, I checked around to see if any lost dog signs were hanging in case someone was looking for him. I didn’t find any. The poor Labrador was old and tired-looking with bloodshot eyes. I just tried to keep him comfortable as best as I could.
The next day, the Animal Shelter workers showed up. When they went to get him, the Labrador growled at them. They asked if I would put the leash on him and escort him to the back of the truck.
I did, and the Labrador trusted me enough to follow me without resistance. I felt so sorry for that dog as I walked him over and into the back of the Animal Shelter truck. He was sad, and so was I for him.
Free the Creatures of the World
No one likes being kept in a box.
Am I against service dogs for the police, military, or seeing-eye dogs? No.
Service animals are okay.
I do not like keeping animals in cages so people can “ogle” over them. I am about freedom, freedom for all.
Sure, there are exceptions to the norm. I know people with pets who have several acres to roam on. The worst offenders have large dogs and a tiny backyard—what a miserable existence for the animals.
We have to ask ourselves the question. What about us humans makes us believe we have the right to own another being while denying them their true nature, which is freedom?
Conclusion
The decision to forgo pet ownership is deeply personal and influenced by various factors, such as lifestyle, finances, health considerations, and environmental concerns.
While pets bring joy and companionship to countless households, it is essential to respect and validate the choice of those who choose to live pet-free.
Ultimately, what matters most is creating a living environment that aligns with one’s values, priorities, and circumstances, whether that includes furry friends or not.
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