So you love your pet, but money is tight. You’d like to get the best for Fido or Kitty but can’t afford a bunch of high-end products and services. Don’t worry. We found some ways for you to help keep your furry friend happy on a budget.
One thing all pet owners have in common is the need to save money. Here are some tips on how to save money on your pet’s care.
Research Free or Low-cost Spay and Neuter
Spay or neuter your pet as soon as possible after bringing it home, and make sure you take advantage of all the low-cost neuter services offered by spay/neuter programs in your area. Each surgery prevents more animals from entering shelters.
Buy Generic Food
Though you may have been accustomed to buying name-brand pet food for your furry friend, there’s no need to break the bank when it comes to feeding Fido a high-quality diet.
By turning to the grocery store’s generic brand of dog or cat food, you’ll save 30% or more on the price of premium pet food. Additionally, many online pet food suppliers provide super discounts on name-brand pet foods and other products.
Buy in Bulk
Depending on your breed of dog or cat, you may be able to save up to 50% by buying larger quantities of dry pet food directly from manufacturers online. You can also purchase pet food in bulk when you find a sale and buy it from your local grocery store.
Share Pet Expenses with Friends
If you are lucky enough to have other friends who own pets, ask if you can share accessories or share the cost of food or equipment such as collars, leashes, or carriers. If several people own a pet, you’ll share out the cost of equipment among all owners.
Cook your Pet’s Food at Home
Cooking for your pet is a great way to save money. But make sure you research what foods certain animals are allowed to eat. Not all foods and ingredients are healthy and safe for animals. Some human food can be toxic to animals. Always check with a veterinarian first.
Use Generic Pet Medications
Ask your veterinarian for generic pet medication brands as opposed to brand names. Many pet owners also invest in pet insurance to keep costs of medication and check-ups down. Conduct research for affordable cat insurance or dog insurance and look at all your options and packages available. Insurance is the best way to save money on pet meds.
Find a Free Vet
Just as some human doctors offer free or low-cost medical care for people in need, some veterinarians provide services and prescriptions for pets at little or no cost. Free clinics are scattered throughout the country, and some vet schools have facilities that offer low-cost pet services to people who cannot afford them.
Shop Online
Online pet supply stores can be an excellent way for you to save money on everything from supplies such as toys and leashes to more expensive equipment such as crates and dog houses and even pet meds. You can often find everything you need to keep Fido healthy at discounted prices when you shop online.
Monitor Portion Sizes
One of the easiest ways to save money is to monitor the amount of food you feed your pets. Make sure that you aren’t overfeeding your pet and that you are giving your pet the right amount. Overfeeding your pet can lead to health and weight problems.
Our pets bring us joy and take care of us when we’re sick or feeling sad. So it makes sense that many owners want to do everything they can for their furry friends—even if it means breaking the bank.
But pet health is a serious issue you shouldn’t ignore, and in many cases, the money you spend on your pet should be considered a long-term investment in their health.
