In this article we are going to see smart ways to save money on your pets.
Money may not be able to buy you happiness, but it can buy treats, toys and training for your furry four-legged friend — and that’s basically the same thing. Pets are delightful companions that bring joy into our lives. However, caring for a pet can get expensive with food, medical care, grooming, accessories and more. In fact, it’s estimated that dog owners spend over $1,500 per year on average while cat owners spend around $1,000 per year on pet care costs. But even with mounting day-to-day costs and the temptation to splurge on a growing roster of boutique services, you don’t have to go broke to be a good pet parent. Here are some smart ways to save money on your pets :
1. Don’t always buy new
We all love to spoil our pets in one way or other, but buying new things will make a effect on one’s bank also. This can still be achieved by buying things second hand. Pop into your local charity shop to look for some supplies such as their beds, blankets, toys and accessories. You might even find these online through Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree or other selling sites, giving you the chance to buy things at a cheaper price to help keep your cat or dog happy at home.
2. Share with others
For larger items like pet carriers and crates, it may be worth asking friends, family or neighbours with pets if you could borrow what you need for a short amount of time. Be sure to do the same for them if you’re able to! This will cut down the unnecessary expenditure and you can use that money for future use.
3. Save money on dog walkers
If you are paying for dog walker to visit your dog while you work, then please stop. If it is not possible for you to come home, then you can either ask your some friend, family member or neighbour with pets to walk your dog for you. This will not only cut the expenses but will also give your dogs the chance to socialize and exercise! . If you have a friend who has a dog, you could even take it in turns walking them.
4. Skip the pet sitters
If you want to get away for a few days and unable to take your pet with you, why not ask a friend or family member if they can stay with your pooch or feline while you’re gone? There are also some safe websites set up for pet lovers to exchange in-home pet care for homestays around the world. You might be able to find someone to look after your cat or dog for free while you do the same for someone else!
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5. Make do and mend
Get creative by transforming household items into toys and accessories for your pet. Simple ideas include braiding old t-shirts into tug ropes, stuffing old socks to create fetch toys and turning cardboard boxes or paper towel tubes into hide-and-seek playthings. Customize leashes, bowls, beds and more with easy crafting projects too. You can DIY some things to keep your pet entertained instead of having to buy them. Just make sure that you avoid using any small parts that may be potential choking hazards, and always supervise your cat or dog as they play with your creations!
6. Invest in pet insurance
Pet insurance can end up saving you thousands of dollars over your pet’s lifetime by covering large unexpected medical bills for accidents, illnesses and chronic conditions. Be sure to read plans thoroughly and choose an appropriate deductible and coverage level for your budget. This ensures you’ll recoup costs on big expenses without overpaying on premiums.
7. Buy high quality pet food in bulk
Buying pet food in bulk quantities rather than small bags each month can lead to huge savings over time. Opting for high quality food so you don’t have to feed as much. Consider buying online from reputable brands to find the best deals. Just be sure to have adequate storage space. Portion out what you’ll use in a month and store the rest properly to retain freshness and nutritional value.
8. Learn to groom your pet at home
Bathing, brushing, nail trimming and even teeth cleanings can easily be done at home between professional grooming appointments. Invest in quality grooming tools and watch online tutorials to properly care for your pet’s coat and hygiene needs right in your own home.
Caring for pets requires some financial commitment but many simple, practical steps can minimize the costs without sacrificing your pet’s health and wellbeing. Focus on preventative care, buy in bulk, create DIY solutions and take advantage of discounts to keep your pet happy while sticking to your budget. With a little creativity, you can enjoy priceless time with your furry friend while keeping costs reasonable. Hope this helps !