Posts tagged "budget"

In today's less-than-robust economy, everyone is trying to find ways to save money, and pet owners are no exception. After all, owning a pet can be expensive. According to an American Pet Products Association survey, we spend over $45 billion a year on our pets. But having a dog or cat doesn't have to be a pricey proposition, here are our top five budget-friendly tips for getting and taking care of that animal family member.

1. Start By Rescuing A Pet
If you are pinching pennies (and even if you aren't), go visit your local animal shelter. They have animals of all ages, temperaments and sizes and often only charge what it costs to vaccinate and spay the animal.

If there is a specific breed that you absolutely adore, you still may find your true love at the shelter as pets of all breeds end up needing new homes. Or reach out to the breed-specific rescue organizations. For example, you might find the perfect pooch at Chihuahua Rescue, PugRescue.com, or French Bulldog Rescue Network. You can also search for dog-breed clubs in your area. They often have rescue or fostering organizations that can help connect you to the breed of your dreams while also giving a home to a pup in need.

2. Take Advantage Of Subsidized Spay/Neuter Services
At your local vet, paying full price to get your dog fixed can cost up to $200-300. But many organizations offer discount services, sometimes charging as low as $45 or nothing at all. Check ASPCA's special search function for low-cost and free resources in your area. SPAY/USA and Friends of Animals also provide great lists of low-cost services.

3. Buy Discounted Pet Food
Sites such as Pets Warehouse, PetFooder, PetFoodDirect and large retailers such as Costco, Petco and PetSmart may offer big discounts on your favorite brand of dog food or even special bulk pricing. You should also check out some of the online coupon web sites such as couponmountain.com, slickdeals.net and fatwallet.com or register at your pet food company's site for email newsletters and discount offers.

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...)