Owning a pet is a rewarding experience, but it can also be an expensive one. According to the ASPCA, the annual cost of owning a cat is $670, and if you have a big dog, you could be paying up to $875 a year. Add in grooming, spaying, neutering, and other incidentals and you’re up to more than $1,000 for a cat and $1,800 for a large dog in just the first year. However, there are many ways to save money without compromising on care. Here are a few tips for cutting pet care costs.
Buy pet food in bulk
Don’t buy the small bag of kibble or dry food because it’s convenient. Buy the large bags and store them. Canned food can sometimes be purchased at a discount if you buy a case.
Coupons and loyalty cards
Many pet supply stores send out newsletters with coupons, and pet food is advertised in grocery store flyers. Take advantage of any offer you can. Be sure to sign up for loyalty cards that give you cash back or discounts on future purchases.
Buy the good stuff
It might sound silly to suggest buying the more expensive food to save money, but providing your pet with the right nutrition will help cut down on medical bills. Cutting pet care costs begins with ensuring that your pet is receiving the right vitamins and nutrients from a healthy diet. Be sure to read pet food labels and talk to your vet about your pet’s specific needs.
Don’t overfeed
Be sure you’re giving your pet the right amount of food. Just like humans, pets can become overweight. Not only are you wasting money on extra food, but you’re also exposing your pet to potentially serious medical issues.
Cut down on treats
Excessive treats aren’t just expensive, but they can cause weight issues. Basic treats that help protect your pet’s teeth are the best way to go.
Don’t skip the vet
Preventative health care can save you a bundle in the long run. Take your pet to the vet for regular checkups. Catching problems early can help in cutting your pet care costs and extending the life of your pet.
Spay and neuter
The short-term cost of spaying or neutering your pet will be more than made up for in cutting pet care costs in the future. Spaying or neutering not only eliminates the cost of unwanted pregnancies, but it also eliminates the potential for diseases and tumors of the mammary, ovary, and uterus in females and prostate in males.
DIY grooming
Teach yourself some basic grooming skills. Brushing, nail clipping, bathing, and even brushing your pet’s teeth yourself can save lots of money.
Pet toys
Pets don’t need fancy toys, people do. Old tennis balls and empty boxes are just as much fun for your pet as that $20 store-bought toy.
Consider pet insurance
Shop around for a good pet insurance policy. Paying the low premiums now can save you from huge medical bills in the future.
Shop around
The number-one tip for cutting pet care costs is to shop around. For basic care such as vaccinations, look for affordable clinics in your area; some pet supply stores have weekly or monthly low-cost vaccination clinics. Compare different vets and their costs. Shop around for medications: There are several reliable online sources for most pet medications. Don’t be afraid to look around, but also read online reviews and talk to everyone you can so you're sure that cutting costs won't mean cutting the quality of your pet care.
