I almost dread answering the question “how many pets do you have?” For a long time it fluctuated between four and five. Now I’m at six. I have six animals (I prefer to call them my animals instead of pets). Three cats and three dogs. To me, it’s not a big deal at all. But the typical response to my answer is “OH MY GOD you have too many animals!” Um. Not really, actually. There is no clear answer to the question “how many pets are too many pets?” It’s all relative. Let’s go over some factors.
How many pets are “too many” pets? Factors include:
Weight: Collectively my animals weigh less than 60lbs. Yes, that is as correct as I wrote it. If you take the weight of all six of my animals and add them up, it’s less than 60lbs. Let me rephrase; I have less than 60lbs of animal running around my house. Too many pets? I don’t think so. If I have six dogs that were all 60lbs, it still probably wouldn’t be a big deal because of the next factor…
House size: Six dogs weighing 60lbs each in a one bedroom apartment could possibly be considered “too many.” Those same dogs running around my 2700 sqft. home on 1/3 acre is not too crazy of a concept. See where I’m going with this?
Type of animals: Six elephants is a lot. Six hamsters, not so much. Still following?
Financial state: This is a tough one. I’d rather someone who doesn’t have a lot of income but treats their pets as royalty be a pet parent, rather than a rich animal abuser. But if you can help it, I’d recommend only taking in the amount of animals that you can get proper health care for (which includes funds for emergencies like broken bones, surgery, terminal illness, etc). Let’s bring this back to my situation – Matt and I can easily afford to take care of six animals and their health needs. In fact, we could take care of 16 and still be good. Remind me again how I have “too many” pets???
Time: I work from home as a pet blogger. Animals are my life, which means I have time to spend with six of them. And let’s be honest, sometimes my cats could care less about me. If you have ten pets but only have time to spend with one (assuming those ten are ones who need human interaction) you may have too many pets.
Fostering: I know people who foster multiple animals at a time on occasion. Animals go in and out of their homes so the number of animals they care for will change.
Next time before you gasp at someone and tell them they have “too many” pets, please think before you speak. You do not know that person’s situation. I admit that I’ve had my feelings hurt when people have told me that I shouldn’t have as many animals as I do. And to be honest, six is really not a lot, especially with my new living situation. Matt and I own our home that could house a dozen more animals, and they’d have plenty of space in the backyard to play freely. Please, for the love of animals everywhere, just mind your business! And know this; you can tell me I have “too many” pets all you want. I don’t care what you think 😉
Hoarding situations are completely different and most likely result in animal abuse. If you know someone who is hoarding animals, please take steps to get that person and those animals help.
KENDRA Jeffus says
My favorite blog by far. I have 14 dogs, only 1 over 20lbs, 1 cat, and 2 turtles. WE have a bIg 4000+ Sq ft house and a 1/4 acre backyaed. They are all happy and healthy and may I add spoiled.
Amanda says
Thanks Kendra! Your house sounds like so much fun! When can I come visit? LOL!
Kandace says
Yeah no. I have 6 pets too and I think as long as you can financially care for them (food, vet care, etc) then it’s fine! I used to foster as well and at one time we had 9 dogs and 1 cat lol I was a full time stay at home mom then so I had more time to donate to their care and socialization. I think 6 is a good number! And all your furbabies are well taken care of, happy and spoiled! How it should be =)
Leigh says
I can somehow relate to this. I’ve known friends who have more than two animals and some are proud of it, while some are ashamed to admit it for fear to be branded with having “too many” animals.
Amanda says
That’s really sad. It seems like 2 is the “magic” number when asked how many pets you have. I wonder why that is and how we can shatter that number!
Laika says
Thumbs Up for you and Matt.
Sarah says
I have 15 dogs, and like you, I always tell people with some apprehension, in case they assume I’m a hoarder. But I live on my own in a sizeable house, and earn a good income working in a job that enables me to work from home for some of the week. They are my family. And they are small – my tiniest chihuahua weighs just over 2lbs, my biggest around 12lbs. I live right next to the park and 10 minutes walk away from a beach, so have plenty of places to exercise them. Our walks are my favourite time of day. I treasure each and every one of them, and would rather be money-poor and animal-rich than the alternative. (And to answer a question I’m asked by someone virtually every time I leave the house with them, yes, I can remember all their names!)
Amanda says
Your dogs are lucky to have you, Sarah! Sounds like you have quite the set up. That’s so awesome! Thanks for taking care of all those sweet souls <3
Lynn says
I have my personal pets and also foster to save lives from the local pound…… some of the fosters have ended up staying / being adopted by me. AS long as the animals are cared for properly – food, up to date on vaccinations and have the funds to care for them in an emergency/unexpected expense at the Vet – it is your decision on the number. I know my limit and plan ahead for Vet visits etc. Dealing with a Valley fever dog, skin cancer and ulcerated eye……. all 3 dogs issues hit with in a couple weeks of each other. But we’re good. My dogs are family.
Amanda says
You’re absolutely right, Lynn! It’s great that you know your limit, and that’s how it should be. I’m at my limit…for now LOL!
Luna C. Lupus says
Great post! We have 4 dogs and often get the same reaction. But in my household there is only one rule: if you are financially and emotionally capable of taking care of an animal, it doesn’t matter if it’s the 4th animal in the house or 11th! Every family member knows the responsibilities and acts accordingly. Two of the dogs are my own and for now, that’s enough – but as soon as I move out of the family home I know I will have more. I think people who judge have no experiences with true, passionate pet ownership. You can’t look at them as numbers. To me, my dogs are my children. I also work from home, so I have a lot of time to devote to them. If someone thinks having multiple dogs is insane, I think not having them just because you worry about others’ opinions is even more insane! 😉
Sorry about the long comment, haha! I really love this post and will share it on my FB page!!! 🙂
Lindsey says
Oh my goodness, thank you for writing this! We have four dogs and a cat and recently found a dumped kitten that we couldn’t find a new home for (&I honestly wanted to keep) but felt pressured to try to rehome, I was stressed from trying to rehome him and make sure no one thought we were more weird than they already do. This article reminded me that to an animal lover I am normal and it’s ok as long as we take care of them.
Amanda says
You are TOTALLY normal! I know people with waaaay more animals than you and I have, and they still manage to care for them all. Don’t let people judge you – they have no idea about your situation. xoxo
Annika Katryn says
People often tell me I’m crazy to have 2 dogs, 2 cats, 2 hens, 2 ducklings, a rabbit, a pig, alpacas, goats, sheep (2 of each) a chinchilla, 2 Guinea pigs, 4 sugar gliders, and a hedgehog…. (Of course I am financially able, have more than enough space, and spend plenty of time with each happy animal per day), would YOU say THAT is too much? Just wondering.
Annika Katryn says
Oh, and sorry that “YOU” and “THAT” are so capitalized, that was an accident
lol