The association between man and animal: economic repercussions

Main Article Content

Luiz Carlos de Souza
Osni Álamo Pinheiro Júnior
André de Oliveira Mendonça
Amanda de Lourdes Ballaris

Abstract

Nowadays, pets represent an important economical support element as, in spite of the financial crisis and high unemployment rates Brazil has to face, the pet shop industry is expanding. Thus, there is direct and indirect encouragement to obtain a pet and strengthen the man-animal relationship. An epidemiological survey was conducted in the municipality of Bauru, state of São Paulo, to study the impact of companion animals on the household and the municipal economy. The study used questionnaires, personal interviews and was also held in veterinary practices, with a total sample of 115 animal owners (91 dogs, 24 cats). Considering the costs involved in the maintenance of pets under ideal conditions (food, drugs, vaccines, veterinary services), the estimated values obtained for the first and second years of life were, respectively, R$ 401.00 and R$ 316.00 for dogs and R$ 272.00 and R$ 232.00 for cats. Authorities and teaching organizations should make a special effort in order to provide the community with information on the economic impact a companion animal can have on a household budget. Information about the importance of these animals from the public health point of view in the transmission of diseases should also be provided. The objective is to make better known the concept of responsible animal ownership.

Article Details

How to Cite
DE SOUZA, L. C.; PINHEIRO JÚNIOR, O. ÁLAMO; MENDONÇA, A. DE O.; BALLARIS, A. DE L. The association between man and animal: economic repercussions. Revista de Educação Continuada em Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, v. 4, n. 1, p. 62-65, 1 Jan. 2001.
Section
EPIDEMIOLOGY / ECONOMY