Everyone loves pets. They provide companionship for the whole family. They
are cute and cuddly, but they can also be expensive to care for. They are not
toys so they do require maintenance. By learning a few money saving tips, you
will ensure that your adorable family friend doesn’t put a dent in your wallet.
The first way to save money is when choosing your pet. Think about what you
can afford. Do you want a low maintenance pet that requires little costs to
care for it? Or are you willing to spend what it takes to care for a pet, no
matter what happens to it? Most people will fall somewhere in between these
two. Also, keep in mind that a pet is not a toy. Don’t get a pet just
because your children are bugging you to get one. A pet may be cute when
it’s a baby but it will grow and you and your family need to keep that in
mind. The cute 2 pound puppy could grow to be 30 pounds. Is your child still
going to want it when it can’t be picked up and carried around. Take this
into consideration when choosing a pet.
Fish, rats, birds, hamsters, guinea pigs, cats or dogs? Really examine your
budget before making the leap to purchase your family pet. Some pets cost
more initially, but are inexpensive to maintain. Others can cost little to
obtain, but can be very expensive in the long-run. A pedigreed pet will
usually cost more in the long run to care for. Ask friends and family about
their experiences with different pets. They can give you insight into what
is best for your family.
Consider visiting an animal shelter. You’ll save money on the family pet by
adopting from a shelter. By visiting one of these places, you could very
well be saving a pet’s life. Plus, most shelters only send pets home after
they’ve given them the initial shots and immunizations you’ll need. And many
times they’ll send home a coupon book for a local pet store that can be used
throughout your pet’s first year. Also, most offer a discount on training
for your dog or puppy, should that be the animal you choose to adopt. Many
shelters have websites so you can take a look at the pets currently
available and read a little bit about their personality. It’s a great way to
familiarize yourself with the kinds of issues you may face in the future and
make a better decision about what is right for you. Shelters usually have a
time set aside to visit animals. This is a great opportunity to bring the
family there and get a better idea about what is involved in pet ownership.
Letting friends, family, and coworkers know that you are considering adding
a pet to the family is a great idea. Someone may very well know of a pet in
need of a good home due to moving, new allergies, etc. And they’d rather
give it to someone they know they take it to a shelter. So ask around and
see if anyone you know is looking for a new home for a pet. Many times
people that need to get rid of their pet will include all the basic supplies
for them since they will no longer be needing them.
Once you bring your pet home, decide if they will be a household pet or an
outdoor pet. Outdoor pets pick up more diseases. If the pet is to be
indoors, have them spayed or neutered and de-clawed to preserve the
furniture and the rugs. (Of course, this doesn’t apply to fish – they may be
the frugal choice!)
Shop around for a veterinarian. Ask a few questions about their charges and
what their services entail. Check with other friends who have pets for vet
recommendations. Many big pet stores have on-site vets. They are usually new
grads who have yet to be exposed to many unique or specific illnesses.
However they can provide great overall care for your pet.
Get immunizations on a scheduled basis. Taking advantage of the required
health precautions will prevent illness in the long run. Also, pet-proof
your home so that they don’t ingest items that could make them sick or be
potentially fatal. Do your research. Many household items can be harmful to
your pet without you knowing it. An emergency trip to the vet’s office can
definitely impact your budget.
When you visit pet stores, sign up for their free promotions. Money-saving
coupons and sample products will be sent to you in the mail. Join website
communities to get free advice on pet care and more coupons and special
discounts. And, be sure to shop around for items like flea medication. By
shopping online, you can save big money compared to buying these supplies at
your vet’s office.
Ask the store associates what kind or food would be best for your pet.
Purchase pet food in bulk to save money. Don’t automatically go for the
highest priced food, thinking that it is the best.
Pet insurance is a consideration for many. Before throwing your money away,
though, read the policies and see if they are right for your pet needs. Pet
insurance is expensive and may not cover the basic services that most people
would need it for. But it could also help in the long run should a problem
arise.
Some pets, such as dogs and cats, may require a license. Be sure to check
with your municipality to see if you need to license your pet. Find out the
fees and how often you need to renew them before you decide to make the pet
part of your household.
Pets can be a welcome addition to your household. They provide lots of love
and companionship. But a pet shouldn’t empty your wallet or drain your
finances. Try a few of these tips to decrease the financial burden.
Recommended Reading
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