10 Great Ways to Save Money on Pet Care

Owning a pet doesn’t just bring with it responsibilities; it also brings extra cost. For those of us living on a budget that can be a real strain, yet many passionate pet keepers would rather go without food themselves than deny their pets the best possible care.

If you’re looking for ways to save money on pet care here are some top tips for you to consider…

Transition to Dried Kibble

Most cat and dog foods can be categorized into either “wet” foods and “dry” foods. While picking up a few cans of dog chow may seem a lot cheaper than that giant sack of kibble, it often isn’t the case.

The reality is that much of what you’ll find in moist pet foods is actually water, and as a result your cat or dog will need to eat a larger volume to meet their nutritional needs. Try consulting the packaging and you’ll normally find that even the so-called “super premium” dried foods still work out cheaper on a per-meal basis.

There’s more.

Dried kibble does a great job of exercising your pet’s teeth and gums, and can help to gently rub away tartar, thus helping to prevent potential dental problems. Dry food can therefore have a long-term benefit too, keeping your pet in better health and helping you save money on expensive vet bills.  

Grow Your Own Pet Food

Whilst cats are purely carnivorous, a range of other pets will gladly eat a range of garden plants.

Many of the vegetables we grow at home can make a suitable supplement to your dog’s diet, whilst smaller pets like rabbits and parakeets relish some fresh carrot tops or sliced apple.

Consider what low effort crops you can grow in your garden next season, and watch as your pet food bill drops considerably.

Experiment with Solid Pet Beds

Many dogs are astonishingly destructive when it comes to their beds. That plush designer dog bed that you spent a week’s wages on can quickly be gnawed and chewed into a little more than fluff.

A cheaper option is to consider buying a solid plastic dog bed, which is much harder for pets to destroy. This can then be lined with well-worn old sheets, towels or blankets, providing a low cost yet thoroughly comfortable place for your pet to sleep.

Learn to Cut Your Pet’s Nails

Whether you get your groomer or veterinarian to do it, getting someone else to clip your pet’s nails adds to the cost of pet ownership.

Fortunately, in many cases you can learn to do this yourself, especially if your dog, rabbit or pet bird has light-colored nails.

The reason is simple; light-colored nails allow you to see the blood vessel running down the claw (the “quick”) so you can safely avoid it when clipping the nails.

Buy Pet Medicines Online

Let’s be honest here; pet medications can be tremendously expensive when bought from a veterinarian. Fortunately, thanks to the advent of the internet there are all manner of low-cost alternatives vying for your business.

Try shopping around for your pet meds and see just how much you can save by shopping online.  

Exercise Your Pet Regularly

Exercising your pet might not sound very closely related to saving money, but of course the fitter your pet remains, the less medical complications are likely.

Whilst dogs are the classic example of a pet that needs regular, daily exercise, many other species will also benefit. Cage birds can be let out for supervised periods, whilst rabbits and guinea pigs can be provided with an enclosed run to explore.

Use Price Comparison Sites for Insurance

In my opinion, skipping pet insurance is one tip I wouldn’t recommend when it comes to saving money on pet care. The reason is simple enough; if your dog or cat is struck down with something serious, the few dollars you saved not having insurance will quickly look like a false economy.

Instead of dropping your pet insurance entirely, instead shop around for the best deal. You’ll be surprised just how much of a discount some insurance companies are willing to offer in exchange for landing a new customer.

Seek Out Second Hand Pet Supplies

Join local Facebook groups and keep an eye on Craigslist, in newspapers and in shop windows for second hand supplies. Whilst it’s rather less common to find cat or dog supplies offered second hand, there is a never-ending supply of fish tanks, bird cages and rabbit pens on offer; all great ways to save a bunch of money.

Avoid Using Boarding Kennels

Boarding kennels certainly have their place, but they’re far from the cheapest option when you’re going on vacation.

Why not consider leaving your pet with a friend, or even using one of the many websites for sourcing pet sitters in your local area?

Not only is it nicer for your pet to get far more attention than a traditional boarding kennel can offer, but you can save money too.

Consider Less Traditional Pets

Lastly, don’t think that the word “pet” has to mean a cat or dog. We’re living at a time when there is more information, and a broader range of potential pets, than ever before. What’s more, these “alternative” pets often cost considerably less to look after than a German Shepherd or a Labrador.

From aquarium fish to stick insects, lizards to hamsters, if you want a pet but you’re on a tight budget you can do a lot worse than considering an exotic pet.