How To Save Money on Your Pets
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The best toy for a kitten? Another kitten. Photo: hitchster/Flickr
In today's economy, everyone's looking for ways to save money and sadly, many pet owners have to consider giving up their beloved animals. Here are some of our best tips for saving big on pets, supplies, food, vet bills, and those other costs that can really add up.
Save on the pet itself.
Buying a thoroughbred dog or cat can be really pricey. Consider adopting an animal from a shelter. Not only will you save a ton of money, you'll save an animal's life.
Get free stuff (and have fun doing it).
Brides-to-be do it. Expecting moms do it. Why shouldn't a new pet owner get a bunch of free stuff too? Plan a new pet shower (or host one for a friend -- good karma!). Send Evites, make it a potluck, and ask each guest to bring toys, food, treats, a bed, scratching post, or whatever else a new pet owner would need. It will save you money -- and will be a lot of fun to boot.
Buy used.
Guess what -- Fluffy doesn't care if her pet carrier or crate are used or new. Look on eBay, Craigslist, or your local newspaper for used pet supplies. Just make sure whatever used items you get are thoroughly disinfected before use. Spraying down with a good cleaning supply should do the trick.
Save on food and supplies.
Get pet supplies, including basics like cat litter, dog food, and toys, at a discount from catalogs like PetEdge and Doctors Foster and Smith. Don't forget that most pet food manufacturers offer coupons on their websites. Better yet, buy in bulk from a price club like BJ's, Costco, or Sam's Club. (Just don't tell your pet where that enormous bag of food is kept...)
Get creative.
Those fancy dog toys that look like hamburgers and artisanal catnip pouches might be tempting, but here's news for you: your pet probably isn't too picky. Collect discarded tennis balls at the tennis court for Fido; tie a big sturdy rope into a knot and voilà -- instant tug toy. Grow your own catnip. And you know what toys many cats really love? Puff balls and string.
Don't skimp on healthcare.
Veterinarians will often offer financial help. Ask about a multiple pet discount and bring in more than one pet at a time. They might also offer a payment plan so you can pay over time. Researching pet insurance is also a good idea. For $20/month your pet can be fully covered for illness and injury. Finally, look into Care Credit, which will provide a line of credit especially for vet bills.
When you can, skip the vet.
Order flea, tick, and heartworms medications from discount sites like 1-800-PetMeds.
Use discount medical services.
As Bob Barker has often said, "Help control the pet population. Have your pet spayed or neutered." The ASPCA provides an online tool to search for the closest low cost spay/neuter clinic. And Friends of Animals offers certificates to get discount services at local vets. Many PetCo stores offer discounted vaccinations days as well.
Channel your inner freegan.
Little Shelter Animal Rescue & Adoption Center in Huntington, NY, runs a food pantry for local pet owners who need help. This is a great alternative for pet parents who might have to otherwise give up their pets. New York's Animal Care & Control is also offering help with food and medical services. Check your area for something similar.
Got any great recession-proofing tips? Share them in the comments section!
by Rebecca Quimby
\
The best toy for a kitten? Another kitten. Photo: hitchster/Flickr
In today's economy, everyone's looking for ways to save money and sadly, many pet owners have to consider giving up their beloved animals. Here are some of our best tips for saving big on pets, supplies, food, vet bills, and those other costs that can really add up.
Save on the pet itself.
Buying a thoroughbred dog or cat can be really pricey. Consider adopting an animal from a shelter. Not only will you save a ton of money, you'll save an animal's life.
Get free stuff (and have fun doing it).
Brides-to-be do it. Expecting moms do it. Why shouldn't a new pet owner get a bunch of free stuff too? Plan a new pet shower (or host one for a friend -- good karma!). Send Evites, make it a potluck, and ask each guest to bring toys, food, treats, a bed, scratching post, or whatever else a new pet owner would need. It will save you money -- and will be a lot of fun to boot.
Buy used.
Guess what -- Fluffy doesn't care if her pet carrier or crate are used or new. Look on eBay, Craigslist, or your local newspaper for used pet supplies. Just make sure whatever used items you get are thoroughly disinfected before use. Spraying down with a good cleaning supply should do the trick.
Save on food and supplies.
Get pet supplies, including basics like cat litter, dog food, and toys, at a discount from catalogs like PetEdge and Doctors Foster and Smith. Don't forget that most pet food manufacturers offer coupons on their websites. Better yet, buy in bulk from a price club like BJ's, Costco, or Sam's Club. (Just don't tell your pet where that enormous bag of food is kept...)
Get creative.
Those fancy dog toys that look like hamburgers and artisanal catnip pouches might be tempting, but here's news for you: your pet probably isn't too picky. Collect discarded tennis balls at the tennis court for Fido; tie a big sturdy rope into a knot and voilà -- instant tug toy. Grow your own catnip. And you know what toys many cats really love? Puff balls and string.
Don't skimp on healthcare.
Veterinarians will often offer financial help. Ask about a multiple pet discount and bring in more than one pet at a time. They might also offer a payment plan so you can pay over time. Researching pet insurance is also a good idea. For $20/month your pet can be fully covered for illness and injury. Finally, look into Care Credit, which will provide a line of credit especially for vet bills.
When you can, skip the vet.
Order flea, tick, and heartworms medications from discount sites like 1-800-PetMeds.
Use discount medical services.
As Bob Barker has often said, "Help control the pet population. Have your pet spayed or neutered." The ASPCA provides an online tool to search for the closest low cost spay/neuter clinic. And Friends of Animals offers certificates to get discount services at local vets. Many PetCo stores offer discounted vaccinations days as well.
Channel your inner freegan.
Little Shelter Animal Rescue & Adoption Center in Huntington, NY, runs a food pantry for local pet owners who need help. This is a great alternative for pet parents who might have to otherwise give up their pets. New York's Animal Care & Control is also offering help with food and medical services. Check your area for something similar.
Got any great recession-proofing tips? Share them in the comments section!
by Rebecca Quimby
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