Saving Money on Pets | Family Economics

By Christina

Owning a pet can be one of the most rewarding experiences in your life.

However, pet ownership is anything but frugal. I often affectionately joke that our little Cairn Terrier has a high cost per pound!

Thankfully, there are a few frugal ways to keep the costs of your critters under control.

Make preventative care a priority. Much like humans, diet and exercise play a huge role in the overall health of your pet. Make sure you’re feeding your pet the proper food and make sure they get plenty of opportunities to play. Also make sure you have your pet vaccinated and keep them up to date on those shots.

Have your pet spayed or neutered. If you adopt a pet from an animal shelter, chances are this service has already been done prior to adoption. You will save much stress, heartache and expense by preventing unwanted animals in the world.

Groom your pet. Grooming your pet can help you prevent skin irritations. Trimming those toenails or claws can prevent damage to furniture. Make sure you also brush those teeth. Just use a non-fluoridated toothpaste on an old baby sock and wipe that tartar build-up away. Proper dental care can prevent heart and lung issues in the future.

Socialize your pets. You need to teach both your pets and your children how to treat each other. Making sure that your pet is around people and that boundaries are respected can save you an expensive emergency room visit or lawsuit by preventing pet bites.

Avoid giving your pet a lot of treats. Treats are good, but they can really add on the pounds. If you really do want to spoil your pet, consider making your own treats. Do an internet search for your favorite pet treats and you’ll find hundreds of easy-to-make, inexpensive recipes for your furry friend.

Find toys on the cheap. Tennis balls are great for dogs. Cats will play with wadded up balls of paper or aluminum foil or string. Check your local dollar store for pet toys, too.

Shop around. Pet food can really vary in quality and price. Be sure to look for coupons and shop for the best prices. I also recommend shopping around for flea and tick prevention products, too. The prices can vary widely and you may be able to save significantly in this area.

Pets are like family to us. If you take care of them like family, you’ll ensure they’ll be around for a long time!