Owning a pet can be expensive, especially with prices going up. But don’t worry! We’ve got 18 easy tips to help you take care of your pet without breaking the bank.
Buy Pet Food In Bulk
Buying pet food in bulk helps you save money. When you purchase a lot at once, it usually costs less per item. So, when stocking up on pet food, try to get the biggest size or pack you can afford in one go. And remember to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh longer.
Make Your Own Pet Treats
Homemade pet treats are much cheaper than store-bought ones, and you can always be sure they’re healthy for your four-legged friend. There are plenty of simple recipes online that you can try out. Plus, if your pet has a sensitive stomach, preparing treats at home lets you control what goes into them.
Make Your Own Pet Bedding and Toys
Did you know pet toy purchases can cost up to $250 annually? Get creative and use everyday items to make beds and toys for your pet. Have some old T-shirts lying around? Knot them together for a fun tug-of-war rope. Sew two large fabric rectangles on three sides for a simple DIY bed to make a giant pillow.
Keep Your Pet in Good Health
According to the ASPCA, pet owners spend between $300 and $410 on vet bills per year. So, keeping your pet healthy makes them happier and saves you money in the long term. Even if your cat or dog is older, make sure they stay active. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the chances of high blood pressure, diabetes, respiratory problems, etc.
Remember Dental Care
Ignoring routine dental care can lead to expensive dental procedures for your pet. For instance, about two-thirds of dogs over three years old have periodontal disease, an infection around the teeth that costs about $1900 to treat. Luckily, keeping their teeth healthy is easy; brush their teeth daily with special toothpaste and give them dental chews regularly.
Invest in Pet Safety
If your pet decides to swallow something it wasn’t supposed to, you can expect to spend about $1,755. The good news is that making your home safer for your furry friend is inexpensive. Some cheap and practical tips include moving or blocking your exercise equipment to prevent injuries, putting away kids’ toys to avoid choking hazards and storing cleaning supplies on high shelves.
Make Sure Your Pet Is Vaccinated
Vaccinating your pet is crucial for keeping its immune system strong. You can also save money by planning your vaccination schedule smartly. Look for mobile vet clinics in your area. These clinics offer vaccines and services at reduced rates, helping you keep your pet healthy without breaking the bank.
Stay On Top of Parasite Prevention
Prevent and control parasites like fleas, ticks, and heartworms. It’s way cheaper to stop these pests before they become a problem. For example, treating heartworm can cost between $500 to $1,100, depending on factors like your pet’s size and the stage of the disease.
Be Proactive With Preventive Vet Checks
Regular check-ups with a vet can catch early signs of sickness or discomfort in your pet. Experts recommend having your four-legged pal checked twice yearly, even if they look perfectly healthy to you. Treating things like skin issues or ear infections sooner rather than later saves money in the long run.
Invest in Pet Insurance
Getting pet insurance helps cover considerable costs like surgeries and cancer treatment. It can even save pets’ lives if owners can’t afford treatment. Be sure to compare prices from different insurers to find the best value for your budget while giving your pet comprehensive care. Talk to your vet to determine the best plan for your furry friend.
Don’t Overpay for Medication
Take some time to research how you can save money on your pet’s meds. Many websites like 1-800-PetMeds offer discounts and rebates. Also, ask your vet if there are generic options for prescription drugs and look for local pet shops or pharmacies that may have cheaper options for your pet’s medication.
Neuter/Spay Your Pet
Getting your pet neutered can save you a lot of money over time. This simple procedure improves your pet’s health by preventing infections and tumors. Neutered pets are calmer and less likely to get hurt in fights or roaming. Plus, you won’t have to deal with unexpected pregnancies or unwanted litter costs.
Join Pet Store Loyalty Clubs
A pet store rewards program gives perks to customers who stay loyal. You might get discounts, special deals, or freebies as rewards for being a loyal customer. Explore options like Pets at Home VIP Club, Chewy Autoship, Purina Points Reward Program, and PETCO Pals Rewards to get the best deals for your pet.
Groom Your Pet at Home
Regularly grooming your puppy is essential to keep them clean and healthy. Cleaning their eyes, trimming their nails, and brushing their coat removes dirt and dead hair. However, taking your dog to professional grooming will cost you an average of $99 annually. You can save this money by grooming your pet at home. Remember that different breeds have different grooming needs, so do your research.
Find Affordable Boarding Options
Finding a pet boarding place you trust at a reasonable price can be challenging. Boarding costs about $78 for cats and $228 a year for dogs. But with some searching, finding an affordable option that works for you and your pet is possible. Another alternative is to ask a friend or family member friend to watch your pet for free or in exchange for a favor.
Create a Pet-Sitting Club
Besides boarding, pet parents spend a lot of money on pet sitters. Pet sitters often charge $20 to $30 daily or $250 to $375 weekly. Consider adjusting your schedule or joining forces with other pet lovers to save money. Create a group where members take turns pet-sitting or walking dogs. This way, everyone gets free pet care from people who genuinely care about their well-being.
Train Your Pet
Socializing puppies and kittens means exposing them to various sounds, smells, sights, and people. If professional training is too expensive, consider doing it yourself at home. DIY dog training strengthens your bond and can be much cheaper than hiring a professional. However, remember that it requires a lot of time, patience, and knowledge, which not everyone may have.
Avoid Buying Unnecessary Things
Pet owners want the best for their furry pals, but not all pricey products are worth it. Some, like fancy jogging strollers or automatic litter boxes, are unnecessary and a waste of money. Save by skipping these and investing in durable essentials like quality winter coats or light-up leads for safe walks.
