7 Frugal Tips for Cutting Pet Care Costs ...

By Lisa

7 Frugal Tips for Cutting Pet Care Costs ...

If you’re looking to start cutting pet care costs, there are some fairly simple and easy ways you can do so! I don’t know what I’d do without my pets and as much as I love them, taking care of them can get pretty expensive. From vaccinations to de-worming treatments, pet care can be quite costly. Let’s take a look at cutting pet care costs so both you and your pet are healthy and happy!

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1

Rescue

The first step in cutting pet care costs starts before you even get your new pet! If you’re considering getting a new friend for the family, start your search at your local pet rescue. Shelters and pet rescues house pets who are desperately in need of a good home and it is often cheaper than buying from a breeder. Another money-saving bonus is that pets from rescues are typically already vaccinated and spayed or neutered!

2

Feed

Another way to cut costs in pet care is to feed your pet healthy, nutritious food. It might seem like buying the cheap brand from mass merchandisers is a great way to save money, but that’s not always the case. Pet trainers often say that natural dog food, as expensive as it may be, is better for your pet’s physical and mental well-being. Only give your pet the recommended amount of food as it’s more cost-friendly and safer for your buddy!

3

Check-ups

Taking your pet to the vet for regular check-ups is another great frugal pet care tip! Regular check-ups are much cheaper than having an emergency and having to take your pet to the pet ER or urgent care clinic in the middle of the night. Check-ups can help ensure that your pet is at a healthy weight and up to date on all of their vaccinations, and it can prevent illnesses.

4

Groom

As much as you might like to have a pampered pooch, grooming costs can be unbelievably high! Keep your pet care costs down by giving your pets a bath and nail trim at home. The ASPCA recommends associating the nail trimming with something your pet loves and taking it nice and slow. They have some awesome tips on nail trimming if you’re a new pet owner as well: aspca.org.

5

Bulk

Another way to save on pet food is to buy in bulk. It might not be possible for all types or brands but it’s worth looking into! Check out websites like PetFoodDirect.com, Wag.com or look for a local wholesale pet food store in your area to find your pet’s favorite brand and stock up so you save on the total cost of the food. You’re saving money on gas, also!

Famous Quotes

Meaning is not what you start with but what you end up with.

Peter Elbow
6

Accessories

Pet accessories don’t necessarily fall under pet care, but many pet owners go nuts dressing up their pets. I have to admit that I’ve fallen for the T-shirts, bejeweled collars, fancy beds and jester hats for my ferrets but I put a stop to it. Not only do my pets hate me for dressing them up in frou-frou accessories but they cost an arm and a leg! Stick to necessities that will help keep your pet safe and save your money for an accessory for yourself!

7

Substitutions

Sometimes things that are marketed just for pets are more expensive than those made for humans. For example, I don’t have a doggy door so my dogs have to use wee wee pads. I’ve found that pads made for humans are much cheaper and sometimes better quality than those made for pets. You can also find substitutions for water and food bowls and beds as well, just be creative and make it sensible!

Having a pet is an important responsibility and it can be quite expensive if you don’t do some shopping around. There are lots of ways you can ensure that your pet is getting the necessities without breaking the bank! How do you save money on pet care?

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

Home bathing and nail trimming is just fine but please don't skimp on haircuts! If you have a longer haired dog that requires grooming, he/she should be brushed 15 min a day and brought to a groomer every 4-6 weeks. I am a groomer and I have seen far too many animals suffer from tight, painful matting because owners try to take shortcuts and avoid grooming. If you want to take proper care of a longer coated pooch you need a metal greyhound comb and a slicker brush (both can be bought from your local pet store at low cost). You should also learn how to line brush, as this technique offers the most thorough brushing through the coat. Be sure to remember high friction areas as well: behind the ears, elbows, armpits and around the neck where the collar sits. And never wash your dog if they have any knots! Like putting a knotted shoelace in the washer, water only makes knots tighter and more painful! If you ever have questions, contact your local groomer.

I don't want to sound like a complete ass hole, but why do you need wee wee pads?? A dogs nature isn't to pee inside its home, and you should be walking it at least an hour a day. And if your not home enough to let it out that's not a good thing either, it's spending way to much time alone. Your pooch may only be one part of your life, but you are your pooches WHOLE life. Please, get rid of the pee pads.

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