Pet Care Doesn't Have to Be Pricy: 6 Ways to Save

Our animals are a part of the family and should be treated as such. They love us, keep us company and they depend on us for their health and well-being. That being said, there are expenses that come with pet ownership that need to be considered. From their medical to food, to supplies and entertainment, it can seem never-ending. Here are some tips and tricks to help save on expenses while not shortchanging your critters:

1. Buyer Beware

If you are in the market to find your new best friend, be careful when selecting your breed (and breeders if applicable). Some breeds are more prone to health issues and have more grooming and maintenance involved to stay healthy and clean than others. If buying from a breeder, do some research and make sure the breeder is legitimate and breeding responsibly. A poorly bred animal may cost you less to purchase, but the medical bills that could result from irresponsible breeding may outweigh the savings quickly.

2. Adopt!

There are SO many lovable, amazing animals who need homes desperately and would be eternally grateful to come home with you. Not only are these animals saved by adoption, but they can also save you a grip of cash to bring home- it’s a win-win! Adoption fees are relatively low compared to purchasing an animal from a shop or breeder. Shelters will sometimes run specials where you can get discounted rates on some weekends during promos. Or, if you are a senior, some shelters offer discounted rates to help pair you with a companion. Animals will typically come to you fixed and up to date on shots. Some shelters will even give you a welcome package filled with goodies for your new friend. Before buying, consider adoption to save both money and a life.

3. Groom at home or at a “do-it-yourself” place

If your dog is well behaved and will let you groom them, it may be a worthy investment to groom at home. Not only is this quality time to bond with your pet and show them you care, but it can also save you loads of money over the long run. Invest in good quality tools from the beginning and designate an area to wash and groom in your home or yard. By making it convenient, you are more likely to keep doing it. If your neighborhood has a “do it yourself” style grooming center, you can also use their facilities to groom your animal (typically dogs in these places) for a small usage fee.

4. Visit the Vet regularly.

Nothing is worse than seeing your little guy or girl in pain. Avoid high cost and high discomfort situations by visiting the vet for regular checkups and vaccinations as well as when you notice anything abnormal. By waiting to bring your pet in, you can exacerbate the problem by not getting treatment right away. Do your research and find a qualified, reasonable vet that you feel comfortable visiting. Build these costs into your budget since they are necessary and you can expect them to come up.

5. Order meds and flea treatments online.

By skipping the middle-man, you can discover steep savings online with a prescription from the vet. Sites like 1800petmeds or petcarerx seem to do well with customers in the online marketplace. Just stick with reputable companies with secure sites.

6. Choose your pet’s food wisely.

Choose food with quality, appropriate ingredients to help keep your pet healthy and potentially prolong their life. But when you decide which foods to use, look everywhere for the best deals, coupons, etc. Many retailers are looking for your loyalty and will offer subscription discounts for regular delivery. Be aware that these may not always be the best deal month after month. Keep up on prices and check out where the sales are happening. If the food is too heavy for you to lift or is cumbersome to get, delivery from reasonable retailers may still be your best option. Also, don’t forget to check out coupon sites like Ibotta or Checkout51. They rotate coupons regularly and many times have discounts for pet food and treats.

While there are costs incurred owning pets, nothing can replace the love and loyalty they show you. So do the same for them while continuing to rack up the savings!