A pet is one of the best companions one can have throughout their lifetime. They can provide plenty of emotional support and serve as a beacon of joy. However, they can also cost a pretty penny. Some people even joke that dogs don’t have to pay rent or food, relying on their humans for these needs.
Be financially knowledgeable when you’re a dog owner. Give your pet the proper love and care without breaking the bank. It also ensures you don’t run short in case you or your furry friend run into any emergencies.
Is It Expensive to Take Care of a Pet?
Taking care of any animal is a financial commitment. The average U.S. dog owner spends around $28,800 or so on their pet throughout its lifetime. However, some people can exceed $30,000. While this figure can seem surprising, consider the food and toys a pet needs in the long run.
There’s also the matter of health care. A study on dog diseases found 53.8% of cases are infectious illnesses, with the highest proportional incidence against non-infectious and non-specific cases. Given how susceptible dogs are to getting sick, your wallet must always be prepared.
Money-Saving Tips for Taking Care of Your Pet
Spending money on your pet is natural, especially when you want them to be as comfortable as possible. However, there are ways you can reduce your expenses to save up on cash. Be selective with where and how you use or invest your hard-earned funds.
1. Buy Food Wisely
Getting a treat every now and then is good for your canine pal, but you have to focus on sustenance. Dogs have various dietary needs like carbs, fats, minerals, proteins, vitamins and water. A mixture of meat and plant-based products can help them meet their required intake.
Pet owners can assess their dogs’ nutritional needs based on age, size and health conditions. Check the information from ingredient labels too. Looking past products with excessive fillers and artificial additives will give you bang for your buck. Here are a few extra money-saving tips for taking care of your pet in terms of food:
- Research your prices: Dog chow can vary in pricing and shops, with resellers adding a few extra dollars to make a profit. Compare the tags and get a good deal. You can also consider buying the food in bulk for a discounted price.
- Take advantage of coupons: Never underestimate the power of a coupon. Pet owners should look out for promo codes for a limited time. Use them during online purchases or see whether they’re applicable in physical stores.
- Sign up for loyalty awards: Some local pet food providers may offer a loyalty program for customers who always purchase from them. Send an inquiry to a store near you and join the club to get awards.
2. Be Mindful of Accessories
Dogs will appreciate getting toys as it distracts them from boredom. Necessities like beds and collars are also important. When shopping for these items, remember to focus on quality over quantity. Having a long-lasting product means keeping replacements at bay, saving you money. Here are more money-saving tips for taking care of your pet with accessories:
- Look for good deals: Like food, you may find deals for pet accessories. Check out the affordable collars, ID tags, leads and more at discount stores and supermarkets. You can also use discount codes at online stores.
- Visit charity and thrift stores: If you’re truly on a budget, check out the charity shops and thrift stores. Get a bargain for secondhand pet accessories.
- Reuse belongings: Another source of second-hand goodies is your old belongings. For instance, convert an aged duvet into a makeshift dog bed.
3. Groom at Home
Professional grooming appointments are quite costly. However, it’s recommended to have a consistent grooming routine to lessen pet hair and secure their health. If your pup is shedding, get out the dog grooming tools and have a hands-on approach. You can clean, style and trim your pet at home while saving cash.
4. Personally Train Your Pet
Instead of getting a trainer or attending training sessions, take it upon yourself to teach your dogs. Give them basic commands, manage their behavior and improve their socializing skills. The lessons can provide you both with plenty of quality time.
Bountii Senior Deals Strategist Jason Higgs suggests utilizing the internet when teaching your pet. “There are many resources online and videos on YouTube that can help you effectively train your dog at home for free.”
5. Get Preventative Care
Medical emergencies are worrying. Preventative care can help you avoid unnecessary and costly treatments for your pet. Invest in annual vaccinations to protect your dog from common ailments. It also reduces the likelihood of expensive emergency visits.
Regular veterinary check-ups are ideal for the early detection and treatment of issues. Focus on oral hygiene through frequent brushing and cleaning chew sticks too. These efforts can prevent painful dental diseases and expensive treatment.
Consider neutering your pet as well. The Animal Humane Society recommends sterilizing animals when they’re 6 to 8 weeks old or so. This step can prevent overpopulation and the expenses of a newborn pup.
6. Skip Walkers and Sitters
There may be times when you have to leave your pet and call in a stand-in to take care of them. However, walkers and sitters can cost some extra cash. See whether you can bring your dog along for the errand or trip.
Contact a family member or close friend if you must leave your pets. Let a familiar face take them while you’re away. Aside from already knowing the person, they may even offer to complete the task for free. Tip what you can for their services.
Safeguard Your Pet and Wallet
Pet owners can take care of their dogs while minimizing their expenses. Just focus on being level-headed when allocating funds. Take the tips above so that you and your canine pal can have some guilt-free spending.