Though most people love to have a few pets, the truth is that they can be expensive. Feeding good food may be over your budget. Then, there are veterinary bills! Everything adds up.
That being said, you can save money without getting rid of your beloved cat or dog. Here are some tips to help.
Add your pet to your budget.
You may need to start including your pet in your budget. Even if you can only save a few dollars a month, you will find out that you can afford to keep your beloved pet.
Don’t go overboard with items for your pet.
Your pet doesn’t need everything that you see in a pet store. Cats require a good food bowl, a litter pan, and a collar. Dogs need a good collar with a leash. A few inexpensive tennis balls may be all your dog needs to play.
Stores are filled with fancy collars, clothing, and toys. You may feel like you need to buy things for your pet, but he or she doesn’t really need that much. Besides, most pets don’t even like wearing clothing.
Do your own grooming.
If you choose a dog that requires regular grooming, it can really add up. Many smaller breeds require grooming every three months. You may easily spend $100 (or more) a year on trips to the groomer. It is much cheaper to buy a thirty or forty-dollar pair of clippers and learn to do it yourself. Before you know it, you will be able to trim your dog the way that the groomer does, without the extra cost.
You may want to look at a clipper set, such as this one, which is available on Amazon.
Stay up-to-date with your veterinarian.
Although many people avoid taking their pets to the veterinarian due to the cost, the truth is that it will ultimately protect them in the long run.
Annual examinations will help you catch anything that is wrong with your pet before it becomes an even bigger (and more expensive) problem. Vaccinations are just as important. Many diseases that pets get are easily preventable simply by keeping them up to date on vaccinations.
Make sure that your pets are spayed or neutered.
Though many people don’t spay or neuter their pets because of the cost, the truth is that it will save you money in the long run.
Females are less likely to have mammary tumors, which need to be removed. They also won’t need emergency surgery because of an infection in their uterus. Male dogs and cats are less likely to roam away, possibly getting hit by a vehicle on the road.
It is also significantly less expensive than raising and finding homes for a litter of unwanted puppies and kittens.
Whether you are buying a new pet or already have one, you need to factor it into your budget. Make sure to consider how much you will need to spend on visits to the veterinarian’s office and possibly the groomer. Your pet will need to visit the vet’s office at least once a year to ensure that they are as healthy as possible.
Vaccines will also keep him or her from getting certain diseases. Spaying and neutering will also save you money in the long run. Your pet will be less likely to get certain cancers or even run away and get hit by a car.
You can also save money by grooming your pet yourself. Although you will have to spend some money to buy the clippers, you can easily save $100 or more a year. You may also want to avoid going to certain pet stores. Though everything is cute, your dog or cat doesn’t need clothing and all of those fancy toys!
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Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.
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Please note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately.