Save Money on Pets when times are tough

In many cases when an economic downturn occurs, we will curb our spending, set budgets and try to save as much money as we can. For those of us who own pets, it can be even tougher to cut the budget because of the required care our pets need. With the list below, it will help you to provide your pet with the things they need without breaking the bank.

Buy items in bulk – This can include pet food and kitty litter. If you compare the price of larger bags of food to the smaller ones, you will find that the price per pound can be substantially less. This is also true when it comes to cat litter. Buying in bulk is a good deal. When shopping for food and litter, purchase the biggest bag you can. If you have room in the freezer, you can rebag portions of the food into Ziploc bags and store in your freezer for a longer shelf life.

Save on Routine checkups and procedures – If you need to have your pet spayed or neutered, contact your local shelter instead of your vet. In many cases they will offer a discount on the procedure. Another way to save is on routine vaccinations. Veterinary professionals are now recommending that you have pets vaccinated every 3 years instead of annually. If you follow this recommendation, this can save money annually. Some states do require annual rabies boosters for pets to be licensed. Make sure that you are providing all vaccinations that are necessary.

Consider searching for Surgeries – Going to your local vet for a scheduled surgery may not be the best idea when it comes to cost savings. By doing some research outside of your area, you may be able to find the same services at a fraction of the cost. It is not uncommon to save hundreds of dollars by traveling outside of your area to have these services performed. If you have a long-standing relationship with your veterinarian, they may be able to offer a payment plan for you. CareCredit is a payment plan that is available through many vet clinics and helps spread the payments over a longer period of time.

Forgo the Groomer Trip – Groomers can charge up to $45 or more for appointments. For most breeds it is not necessary to have your pet professionally groomed. To save money, purchase over the counter pet shampoo and wash your pet at home. If you do not have the room or resources, look for do-it-yourself pet washing services. These will be more than doing it at home, but still less than having a professional groom your pet.

Save on Dental – Dental care for pets is very important for health. This can be a very expensive procedure due to anesthesia costs. Make sure to prevent dental disease by brushing your pet’s teeth or providing dental chews to avoid the necessity of a dental prophylaxis.

There are many ways to save money and still take care of your pet. Budget accordingly, use common sense and talk to your vet for more ways to save some money.