According to research, people spend record amounts of money on their pets every year. There are a lot of expenses for food, toys, grooming, veterinary checkups, local fees, etc. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to cut costs without harming your pet’s health. We will consider them in detail in this article.
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Basic Types of Pet Expenses
The cost of owning a pet varies depending on the chosen animal and its needs. Some pets require painstaking care while others need only food and water. But in any case, there are several basic types of pet expenses.
Initial Costs
No matter which animal you choose, you will have to pay a lot of upfront costs to comfortably accommodate it in your home. Veterinary visits, vaccinations, pet toys, collars, leashes, food bowls, licenses, etc. will definitely be required. Many new pet owners spend between $1,000 and $4,000 on start-up expenses.
Periodic Expenses
There are certain periodic pet expenses that you should include in your monthly or yearly budget. These are the following:
- Food;
- Flea and tick prevention (for dogs and cats);
- Toys;
- Care;
- Vet visits, etc.
Unexpected expenses
Unforeseen expenses usually include health problems. Such expenses can dramatically increase the amount of money you spend on a pet. Emergency vet care can cost several thousand dollars.
Pet Care: How to Save Money on Spending?
According to the ASPCA, average pet costs range from $700 to $1,100 per year. These are quite large expenses. But you can still save some money. Read the paragraphs below for valuable tips.
Refuse Professional Services
Professional pet care is very expensive: $30 to $90 per service every 4-8 weeks. You can take care of the animal (cut nails, brush teeth, etc.) yourself and thus reduce costs.
Experienced dog owners say that grooming is required about twice a year. But each time it costs about $50. You can reduce these costs by grooming yourself. With the help of a furminator, you can easily take care of your dog’s appearance. Professional services will only be required for serious procedures.
Find Out About Pet Food Discounts
Once you have chosen the best food for your pet, it is important to keep track of price changes. Some pet food manufacturers offer coupons or promotions, for example, they give a 20% discount for repeated delivery. You can register on the appropriate site and receive weekly email notifications about new promotional offers. Just remember to install a VeePN first to protect yourself from scammers and ensure the confidentiality of personal data.
Buy Pet Medicines Through Discount Pharmacies
Medicines for pets are very expensive. They cost about the same as medicines for humans. However, you can save on pet medicines by purchasing them through discount pharmacies and suppliers. Ask your veterinarian if there is a generic version of a medication prescribed for your pet. If not, you can check prices at different pharmacies. This will also allow you to find a better price.
Many medications, such as flea and tick treatments for dogs and cats, are available at low cost when ordered in bulk. You might be interested in considering this option.
Prioritize Prophylaxis
While prevention may seem like an unnecessary expense, it will save you a lot of money in the long run. Annual health checks often reveal pet health problems. Some common ones (such as obesity and gum disease) are easily treatable. But sometimes more serious health problems are identified and the cost of treatment reaches several hundred or thousands of dollars.
At the same time, keeping your pet in good condition is paramount. Make sure your pet gets enough exercise and avoid overfeeding. Obese and overweight animals are more prone to diseases that could otherwise be prevented (diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, etc.).
Get Pet Insurance
Registration in the pet insurance policy can cover unexpected illnesses and accidental injuries, as well as routine (preventive) care.
Use the Services of Pet Hotels
Almost every city has special hotels for pets. You can use their services when you go on vacation. In this case, you need to pay from $20 to $25 per day, in more expensive hotels – from $35 to $90. This is a fairly small amount. You will have to pay a lot more money if you decide to take a pet with you on vacation.
You can also organize a club of pet owners in your area and give a pet to one of the members of this club. But remember that one day you will need to provide a similar service.
Conclusion
Pets are an integral part of our lives. Scientists claim that they are able to reduce stress, prevent loneliness, and make the owners healthier. At the same time, it is worth realizing that an animal is not a toy and it requires favorable living conditions. Don’t be discouraged if the pet budget is too expensive for you. By following our tips, you will definitely save money on pet expenses.