Pets in the USA

Again, my knowledge is of Los Angeles / California. I don't know how true this is of other places (if you know, tell me). Vets are expensive. Some pet stores will offer some vet services, such as vaccinations, for much cheaper on specific days - like Sunday mornings.

Dogs

Lots pf people have dogs. But where you can take those dogs, and what you can do with them is pretty restricted. You cannot let your dog off the leash (lead) in parks, or in open countryside, or in national parks, unless it's specifically allowed - which means you're in a dog park.

Dogs need to be licenced - if you're old enough to remember dog licences costing 37 1/2 pence from the post office, you're in for a shock. They are around $70.

Cats

Cats are common, but tend to be kept indoors more - partly because of the range of exotic fauna that wants to eat or at least injure your cat (think coyotes, rattlesnakes, racceoons).