Pets. No matter if it’s a dog, cat, bird, fish, or lizard, most families have them. The one thing all pets have in common is that they cost money to take care of and feed, some more than others. If you’re already living on a tight budget, you might not be ready for a pet. If you already have a pet and live on a tight budget, you probably already try to find ways to save money. But have you ever thought about saving money on pet expenses? It is possible! Here are my favorite ways to save on pets. We have two cats, but these tips will work for most types of pets, specifically dogs and cats.
Use cheaper food
I’m not saying give your pet inferior food. What I am saying is, do you really need to buy your food at the vet’s office? Can you find a brand in a grocery or big box store that will work for your pet? Maybe you can find quality food online for cheaper than you can find it locally. You shop sales for your groceries. Why wouldn’t you do that with your pet? Our cats eat an indoor formula cat food. When I can find coupons for it, I stock up.
Use flea drops seasonally
This might be location dependent. Here in Maine, flea and tick drops only need to be used June-September or so. We don’t have problems with those things in the winter. It’s much too cold for them. So to save money, we only use them during the months it’s a problem.
Don’t go to the vet every year
Now, this one some of you might not agree with. It also will depend on what type of pet you have and how old your pet is. Growing up, our dog always went every year and if we had a dog, I would continue with that. With our cats, however, we generally go every other year, sometimes every 3 years as that is when their rabies shots are due. Unless one of the cats is showing signs of not feeling well, then we go to the vet. We do take them more often when they are older. This has never been an issue for us. This works for our family, but it may not work for your family. If you take your pets to the vet every year, check and see if your vet offers any discounts for paying a certain way. Or some vet offices will waive the office visit fee for one pet if you bring in two at the same time.
Groom your pets yourself
Yes, I know, you dog may not like baths. Mine never did. However, it is so much cheaper to groom your dog yourself rather than paying someone else. Unless you absolutely have to, skip the groomers and bath your dog yourself. If you have kids, have them jump into their swimsuits and help. You’re getting your dog clean and your kids are having fun while they learn a new skill.
Don’t buy fancy toys and beds
My cats are much happier with milk rings and cheap balls with bells in them or shiny fuzz than they are with expensive toys. A child’s fishing rod with a toy mouse on the end has provided hours of entertainment for years. Bonus, the fishing rod can also be used for…an actual fishing rod! 😉 With dogs, tennis balls to chase work just as well as a more expensive ball. Then when they inevitably destroy or lose it, you aren’t out much money.
As for pet beds, some dogs are just as happy on a folded up towel instead of a purchased dog bed. If you have a small dog, an old sofa or chair cushion would work as well. Cats usually end up on my bed anyway so there really is no point. I have, in the past, used an old pillow with a flannel pillow case as a bed for one of my cats. She did like that quite a bit and it used what I already had.
Have you ever thought about saving money on pet expenses? It is possible! Click To TweetIt is important to take care of our pets, but it is also important to not let their expenses get to be too much. By following these tips, you can give your pet great love and care without spending too much money.
What ways do you use for saving money on pet expenses?
Gail Akeman says
We don’t buy toys for our dog. Very randomly buy treats for the dog. no treats for dog or cats.
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Julie says
Growing up, we did buy our dog toys…once a year. They got a Christmas gift too. 🙂 The only cat I’ve ever had that liked treats died four years ago so I no longer buy them. Even when I did, a bag lasted many, many months.
Stasia says
We want a dog so bad… but we know we are not ready for the expense! Thank you for sharing some ideas on how to cut down the expenses!
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Julie says
We (okay, I) really want a dog too but between already having two cats and not being home much certain times of the year, it just won’t work out. Dogs are just plain more expensive than cats. But some day it will happen! 😉
Bonnie Lyn Smith says
Yey! I do all these things too! GREAT list! We have two Shih Tzus! I do take them once a year to the vet, but everything else I follow you completely on! Blessings from #EspressosofFaith via #PickYourPinTuesday!
Bonnie Lyn Smith recently posted…From Lighthouse to Lighthouse: Facing Fears and Trusting God