Saving on Pet Care

Tips on Caring For Your Pet

Having a pet is not cheap, so if you’re struggling to make ends meet and want a pet, please wait. Even though there are ways to cut some of your expenses down, it takes money to take care of an animal.

Being frugal doesn’t mean being skipping on vet visits and buying low quality food (which in turn can aid a pet in gaining weight and developing other problems). It means saving money in case a serious problem comes up and you don’t worry about paying the light bill or your dog’s surgery.

Please be responsible and only get a pet if you can’t afford the basic care.

Find a Good and Affordable Veterinarian

If you have a fixed income, consider speaking to your local animal shelter. Some of them have clinics with reduced fees for vet visits and commonly used medications for lower income families.

Also ask around for more information on vets in your area. A good vet can save you money if they can diagnose the problem early. Don’t be afraid to ask the vet if you can workout a payment plan. Some are willing to work with you if you’re upfront.

Consider a Healthcare Plan for Your Pet

PetSmart also has the Banefield clinics which are supposed to be affordable to most people. They also have a monthly health plan that covers many common appointments. I haven’t used it, but my sister swears by it.

Keep Your Pet Up to Date on Vaccinations

Some cities sponsor events that offer vaccinations at lower than normal costs. Take advantage of such programs.

Vaccination Recommendations for Cats

• FVRCP(Panleukopenia, Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Chlamydia)
• Rabies
• Feline Leukemia (FeLV)
• FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis)

Vaccination Recommendations for Dogs

• DHLPPC (Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, Corona combination)
• Bordetella (Internasal)
• Rabies
• Giardia
• Lyme

Play with your Pet

There are a lot of cheap toys you can buy to keep your pet entertained. My cat is addicted to his 99 cent toy mice. Remember, though, your pet’s best companion is you. Don’t just buy toys, interact with them regularly.

Don’t underestimate the benefits of playing with your furry friend. By exercising with your pet you’ll

• Keep your furry friend healthy
• Get some exercise for yourself in

If you have a dog, taking him or her out for a walk is good both physically and mentally for them.

Groom Your Pet Yourself

Keep their nails, teeth, ears, and hair clean. My cat isn’t exactly a fan of when I use the fine tooth comb for his hair, but he loves when I use the wider toothed comb because it’s like a massage. You also save some money.

Your Take on Pet Care

I’m curious to see how many readers are pet-owners. Do you have pets? How many? How do you take care of them?

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