Family Savings Center

Budget Pet Care Tips

Did you know that sixty-three percent of U.S. households own a pet? They're a great addition to your household, but most people don't consider the expenses. Owning an animal can cost well over $1,000 per year. It's important to find ways to save on their care, especially when you're looking to tighten your budget. Here are a few ways to keep a happy, healthy pet for less:

Choose with care

Consider the cost of the pet over its lifetime before you decide on an animal. The initial purchase price is just the beginning. In fact, the yearly cost of owning a cat runs over $800 and a medium-sized dog exceeds $1,000*. Do research into the breed, as well. Some dogs are more prone to illness than others. If you don't have much wiggle room in your budget, consider a smaller animal such as a guinea pig or hamster.

Adopt

When you have decided on a pet, adoption can help you save a lot of money - and the pet itself as well. Often, you'll get an animal that has already been vaccinated and often spayed or neutered - saving you those hefty one-time costs. Look for adoptable pets at local animal shelters, breed rescue groups and sites like www.petfinder.com or www.pets911.com.

Compare vets

Veterinarian visits account for about one-third to one-half of your overall pet budget. Compare costs of routine care before you decide on a vet. Veterinary clinics in smaller towns typically charge less than big-city clinics. The ASPCA or Humane Society, veterinary schools and pet superstores are other places that offer routine vaccinations for less. You can even vaccinate your pet yourself, with the exception of rabies. Check online pet pharmacies such as: www.1800petmeds.com, www.vetshoponline.com and www.petrx.com.

Keep pets from wandering

Pets that wander outside are vulnerable to disease and injury, so be sure to keep them confined to your yard when you're not with them. Spaying or neutering pets can also prevent disease later. Yearly immunizations, heartworm pills, and flea and tick preventatives add up, but in the long run they help you avoid bigger vet bills down the line.

Insurance isn't necessary

Since pet care costs rise as your pet ages, insurance plans can be tempting. However, most are rarely worth the price. Instead of spending $250 per year or more on pet insurance, start stashing away money in a special account earmarked for your pets. You'll come out ahead this way.

Groom at home

When it comes to grooming your animals, learn how to do it yourself. Investigate classes on dog grooming or check out an instructional video from your library. Instructional videos can be found online for free on YouTube.com.

Buy quality food

Many people make the mistake of buying generic pet food in order to save a few dollars. The more penny-wise thing to do is to buy quality food with less filler. Your pet will eat less, making it cheaper in the long run. Plus, since premium foods offer more nutrition they'll stay healthier over the course of their life, cutting down vet bills. Don't over feed your pet, which could lead to obesity and related problems such as heart disease and diabetes.

Use coupons

When it comes to buying premium pet food and dog treats, don't forget to clip coupons. Check sites like Coupons.com as well. Coupons for pet food are some of the most popular on the site, and are a great way to save. The Sunday paper and manufacturers' Web sites also have a steady stream of discounts available to pet owners. If you have a favorite brand, sign up for their email newsletter. It often includes special coupons for loyal customers.

*Source: http://www.spca.bc.ca/AnimalCare/petcost.asp