With economic hardship affecting most of the United States, pet owners are making some really tough choices. With a little thought and more effort, pet owners can save some green so it will be easier to afford having a pet. Below are some topics discussed in the past, but are now more relevant than ever.

Food – It is important to feed your pet the right kind of food. Don’t skimp on this. Buy the largest bag that the food comes in and put half in the freezer if you have a small dog or a cat. With so much hardship, many shelters and pet food banks are giving food away for free. Contact your local vet or shelter for more information.

Toys – Pets really don’t care what kind of toy they play with. Get your dog a shiny new tennis ball and a cheaper toy from the store. Rotate between the two to increase longevity and keep your dog interested in both. It has been my experience that cats like rubber bands and feathers more than anything purchased from a pet store. You can find cheap feathers at craft stores and rubber bands in the junk drawer. Just make sure not to leave the rubber bands around for your cat to chew on and swallow, as this can lead to an expensive trip to the veterinarian.

Pet Care – Vet visits are important to make sure your pet is healthy. Keeping your pet healthy with regular visits to your veterinarian will help avoid an expensive visit because of a preventable illness. Another way to save some money is to eliminate grooming visits, or learn how to do it yourself. Groomers can charge $40 or more per visit, and many times it is not necessary for the health of the pet.

Getting a new pet – If you are in the position to get a new pet, but want to save some money, consider adopting a pet from a shelter instead of purchasing a purebred. Most shelters will include spaying/neutering in the adoption fee and will provide you with some food and discount coupons for pet products. If you must have a purebred, research many different breeds to determine possible health costs in the future. Purchasing pet health insurance may help alleviate some of these costs as well.

While these tips are only a few ways to save, there are many others that can help save money. With a little creative thinking and some research, you can save lots of money on pet ownership.

Preparing Your Pets for Hurricane Season

With Hurricane season in full swing, you are probably prepared to take care of your family in the event you have to evacuate. Have you taken your pets into consideration? For those who have pets, there are a few more steps that must be taken when preparing for hurricane season. Hurricane season officially begins June 1^st, and Ends on October 31^st. During this time, families should be prepared to evacuate with just a few days notice. Below are some tips families with pets can use to help prepare for hurricane season.

Have a pet disaster kit ready – This kit should include enough food and water to last two weeks as well as medical information and any medication that your pet receives. It should also contain extra bowls, leashes, collars, toys and a picture of your pet. Keep this kit handy during the season so you can grab it on your way out.

Have a crate or pet carrier – Shelters will be more accepting of your pets if you can contain them. Be aware that some shelters will not accept pets even if you have a crate or not. Most notably, Red Cross shelters will not accept pets.

Make prior arrangements – Make arrangements with friends or family to take your pet if you cannot take him/her to a shelter with you. You may also be able to make a reservation at a kennel in advance. Some hotels and motels will accept pets, so it is good to check around before you have to evacuate. Check with many different accommodations and get information regarding how many pets are allowed, as well as fees.

Miscellaneous tips – Make sure your pets have secure collars with updated information. If they should get lost, it will help people to locate you so they can return your pet. Also consider having your pet microchipped by your veterinarian in the event that your pet does get separated from you. Shelters and veterinary hospitals have readers for microchips and will be able to reunite you. If a storm is approaching, bring your pet inside well before it hits. This will ensure that you don’t have to search for them if you need to leave quickly. The last thing you want to remember is to be calm. If you can remain relaxed, it will help your pet relax as well.