Save money on pets while still spoiling them! We all consider our pets our children and let us agree that we all want to spoil our fur-babies! But that doesn’t mean you can’t find ways to save money on pet care. For example, you can buy lavish pet-food, but on sale. You can build elaborate (or simple) pet furniture, instead of paying a heap of money for it. Here are some tips and tricks that I learnt while taking care of my 7 (yes!) fur-babies.
1. Adopt Instead of Buying
This has to be the thumb rule, “buying” animals is unethical as Most breeders and “Pet Markets” keep animals in terrible conditions and also the pets carry a lot of diseases due to cross-breeding and over-breeding. The breeder price for a dog is multiples higher than the cost of adopting one from a shelter. You’ll probably save money on pets by getting your dog or cat from a shelter, and you could also save a life. Also, most shelters or rescue groups have the option for a “Trial adoption period” or you can request for “fostering a pet” that helps you in understanding your future fur-baby in a better way. If, due to any reason you can’t commit for the long term, you should always go for Fostering, read more about it here.
2. Always Buy In Bulk
If you want to save money on pets then when shopping for dogs and cats, then always buy in bulk. Dry kibble tends to be more cost-effective than canned food. If you buy large bags of kibble in bulk be sure to preserve small portions in plastic bags or purchase an airtight storage container. Additionally, don’t be afraid to think outside the box, you may have some friends with pets who might be willing to split a jumbo bag of food. Look for deals online.
3. Store Pet Food Properly
Alright, so you bought pet food in bulk but now if you don’t store it properly you will not exactly be able to save money on pets but instead spending more. I discovered early on that our cats refuse their food if it’s too old — and then we have to throw it away. Even if we just overfill their dishes and the remainder sits there overnight, they won’t touch it. ALWAYS check the expiration date for your pet food, take out a little at a time and store it properly to keep it fresh.
4. Make Your Own Toys
Yes, you read that right! This one has a number of benefits, you will be saving money, the planet (Reduce, Recycle and Reuse!). Your pet has no clue how much you spent on a toy, only whether or not it’s fun to play with! Honestly, it is a lot of fun, especially now that we are all stuck in our houses in this pandemic (I am writing this in the year 2020 when the Covid-19 turned our lives upside down!)
5. Avoid Expensive Fashion Items
This one is hard to resist, I mean have you seen those cute pet-vests or those fancy little hats (!!) but believe me, I have taken that road and it is Expensive! Most pets, however, don’t need these expensive accessories, so save your money and stick with purchasing only necessary apparel, like a well-made collar, an ID tag and a comfortable leash. If you really want to get something fancy then there are plenty of DIY tutorials that will help you in making these items at home.
6. Learn to Groom at Home
Pet grooming is important and should not be skipped but there are a number of procedures you can perform yourself instead of visiting an expensive groomer. Take the time to learn how to groom your pets at home, buy your products, create a grooming kit, schedule weekly/monthly grooming sessions at home. Not only will this help you in saving heaps of money but also you will get a better understanding of your pet’s overall health and grooming is another opportunity to bond with your pet. Save money on pets and bond with your furry friends, Win-Win!
7. Use generic items
Pet blankets, Pet towels, Pet food bowls and what not! All these items are marketed at almost more than double the price just cause the item has “Pet” word attached to it, though it does exactly the same work! Read about the item you are looking for, buy a generic product and use it for your pets. For instance, instead of a Pet Bowl, you can buy steel or ceramic bowl from a store.
8. Have Your Pets Spayed or Neutered
If you adopt a pet then they will most likely be spayed or neutered when you pick them up, if not, get them spayed or neutered before it is too late. Those little ones are cute but if you are trying to save money on pets, spending the money to have them fixed will be a lot less than having to care for a pregnant mama and little ones.
9. Go for used items
There are many pet owners that sell their almost new pet items due to various reasons, get in touch with them, buying used items will save you a lot of money. Join Facebook groups of your community or pet rescue groups, there are also lots of apps/websites that sell used items. However, always clean and sanitize items before letting your pets play/use it, you don’t want any infections to be passed on to them.
10. Save on Treats
Pets love treats and it would be unfair not to give them some yummy treats from time to time but keeping in mind that these treats are expensive you can cut down on the expenses by making your own treats at home or buying in bulk. Making treats at home is simple and also a good way to ensure that you make it nutritious.
11. Exercise Your Pet
Pets that don’t get enough exercise can turn into troublemakers, or even become utterly destructive! Replacing chewed up furniture is a massive expense, and you can avoid it by making sure your pet has a healthy outlet for all their energy!
Make sure to take your dog on regular walks, and be sure to give cats proper exercise too. Some cats love dangly toys, others love chasing laser pointers, and others prefer climbing. Try out a few things to find the best way to keep your dog or cat active!
12. Buy Cheaper Bags
When it comes to picking up dog or cat poop, literally any bag will do! Since many pet owners have to buy poop bags frequently, make sure you’re getting a good deal on them or best is to utilize all those grocery bags or shopping bags for this.