Are you a cat or dog owner? Or perhaps your little friend is a rabbit, rat, snake, or something else entirely! Whatever type of pet lives at home, the amount we spend on our furry (or not-so-furry) friends can get way too high, especially for bigger pets. Thankfully, there are some easy ways to cut down on all your pet expenses!
Make Friends
Today, it’s easier than ever to join a pet club, whether in person or online. Pet clubs are great, especially for those with younger pets. Not only does it get our furry friends active and gain them some friends, but owners can also make some pals! When someone wants to keep their pet at home, without hiring a sitter, those in a pet club often find it easier to ask those in the club.
Pet club members will also often go in on pet food, toys, and other needs, as its cheaper to buy in bulk and distribute themselves. So, always see if there’s a support system you can join!
Adopt Someone in Need
There are tons of reasons to adopt rather than go to a breeder, regardless of the type of animal. First of all, breeders are infamous for mistreating their pets and bringing more animals into the world when there are already plenty who need homes. So you can feel good about going to the shelter.
However, adopting is often much cheaper than going to a breeder. In total, buying a dog from a breeder can cost anywhere from $400 to $2,000, while adopting the same breed from a shelter will cost around $50. Furthermore, shelter animals come with all the vaccinations! So, from now on, head to the shelter. Both your wallet and conscience will thank you!
Less Food, More Play
Of course, it’s always nice to give your cat a little bit of milk or a dog some of your leftovers. When an adorable animal looks at you with their big eyes, it can be hard for any sane person to say “no.” However, if you constantly overfeed your animal, the expenses will definitely grow. Your little friend will also gain some weight, leading to more vet visits and higher bills.
Even worse, this will become a bad habit for your animal. So, don’t let their cute eyes deceive you. Make sure you feed your furry friends the right amount and exercise them often. It’ll make them happier, better behaved, and save some serious green on vet bills.
Look for Cheaper Clinics
Speaking of vet bills, veterinary care can cost a lot, especially in more rural areas. So, be sure to head to the internet and check for any cheaper clinics in your area. For example, some farm stores, animal supply stores, and similar establishments will offer lower prices on shots, medication, and checkups than your local veterinarian. Always be sure to shop around and read reviews, it can save you quite a bit on your pet expenses.
Learn to DIY
Did you know you can make fun dog toys from bottles, socks, and even pipes? There are a ton of DIY projects that create toys for puppies, than nearly anyone can do with objects easily found in a home! However, the projects do not end there. People have put up recipes for homemade dog food, treats, and even plans for clothes for furry friends online! Often, its much cheaper to make these yourself, in bulk, rather than buying something pre-made.
We hope that those tips will truly help you save on pet expenses. Look out for more tricks and DIY ideas on the net and it will be easy to find those that your little buddy truly loves!
Sources: Finance101, And Then We Saved