Pets are pricey, sure—but according to a new study, they’re totally worth every chewed shoe and fur-covered sofa.
Researchers in England crunched the numbers and found that owning a pet boosts your happiness so much, it’s like earning an extra $90,000 a year. Yep, your dog might not fetch your slippers, but apparently he fetches your emotional ROI.
So next time you’re dropping $80 on gourmet dog food or a squeaky toy shaped like a taco, just remind yourself: you’re basically rolling in invisible cash.
Oh, and being married also gives you the same happiness boost—another imaginary $90K a year. So in theory, if you’re married and have a pet, you’re so emotionally rich you might need a therapist instead of a financial advisor.