A pet is an important part of one’s family. And just like we have needs, our pets also have some needs that impact our monthly household budget and much more. As much as we love our pets, we cannot deny that having a pet costs a hell of money and effort.
That being said, owning a pet comes with responsibilities and additional costs, which can sometimes become a huge burden when you are on an extremely tight budget. But the good news is you can provide the best possible care to your pet in a budget-friendly manner. Here are the ten ways to take care of your pet while saving money. Let’s take a look!
Grow Pet Food
Whether you live in an apartment or in a house with a backyard, consider growing some yummy veggies for your pets. Although cats and dogs are carnivores, many of the veggies we cultivate at home can be used as a supplement for their food.
Also, other pets, such as parakeets and rabbits, will happily consume various garden plants like fresh carrot tops or sliced apples. Consider any food you can cultivate with less effort in your garden next season, and you will see a significant reduction in your pet food expense. Make sure to use pesticides to keep the plants safe from insects.
Switch to Dried Kibble
The majority of cat and dog diets are classified as either “wet” or “dry.” Even though buying a few cans of dog food may appear to be a better deal than buying a huge sack of kibble, this is not always the case.
Most wet pet meals are just water, and your pet will need to eat more of it to meet their nutritional requirements; hence, it will cost you more. If you look at the box, you will notice that even the so-called “ultra-premium” dried foods are less expensive. So, it is best to choose the dried kibble to save some bucks.
Learn to Trim Its Nails
How often do you go to a pet groomer or veterinarian to get your pet’s nails trimmed? Almost every week, right? It only adds up to the cost of pet ownership. If you want to cut down on this expense, you better learn to do this yourself, especially if your dog, rabbit, or pet bird’s nails are light in color.
The explanation for this is simple: light-colored nails make it easier to detect the blood artery running down the claw, so you can clip the nails safely around it. Just be careful and gentle to avoid any mishap.
Go for Solid Pet Beds
You spend a lot of your hard-earned money on buying a bed for your pet without knowing that most of the pets are incredibly destructive when it comes to their beds. That plush designer bed you spent a week’s earnings on can be nibbled or gnawed down to little more than fluff in no time.
Therefore, it is best to buy a solid plastic dog bed, which is considerably more difficult for pets to ruin. It can be lined with well-worn towels, old sheets, or blankets, creating a low-cost but really cozy sleeping environment for your pet.
Take Your Pet Out for Exercise
You might be wondering, “how taking your pet out for exercise can help you save money? Well, making your pet exercise regularly will keep them fit, and hence it will decrease the chances of medical complications.
Take your pet to a nearby park for a walk or a run. Both of you will enjoy the fresh air and some exercise. While dogs are the most common example of a pet that needs daily exercise, many other animals would also benefit. Cage birds can be let out for short periods under supervision, while rabbits and guinea pigs can have an enclosed way to explore.
Check Price Comparison Platforms for Insurance
When it comes to saving money for pet care, you must not neglect the benefit of having pet insurance. The reason for this is simple: if your pet gets severely ill, the few bucks you had saved by not obtaining insurance will rapidly become a false economy.
If you do not like an insurance plan for your pet, dig a little deep to find the best insurance deal. You will be stunned at how some insurance companies are offering great deals just to get a new customer. Once your pet has insurance, you will not have to worry about money too much.
Don’t Use Boarding Kennels
Boarding kennels are not cost-effective, and you should not buy them for vacations. Instead, ask a friend if they can take care of your pet while you are on holiday, or you can even use one of the many services that may help you find local pet sitters.
Not only will your pet receive significantly more attention than in a regular boarding kennel, but it will also save you money.
Look for Secondhand Pet Supplies
Just like our kids, we prefer buying everything new and unique for our pets. However, sometimes it is perfectly fine to use secondhand supplies for your pet. You just need to find the best secondhand supplies, and you are good to go.
Having said that, join local Facebook groups and keep an eye on Craigslist, in newspapers, and in-store windows. Although it is not common to discover secondhand cat or dog equipment, there is an endless supply of bird cages, fish tanks, and rabbit pens available, and all are excellent ways to save some dollars.
Take Care of Your Pet and/or Other’s Pets
If you are an animal lover, then taking care of animals can help you earn good money. It is enjoyable and rewarding, and it can easily match your daily routine. For instance, go on a walk with your dog and its new doggy friend, bring a cute bunny into your home, or go out to feed your neighbor’s cat.
This way, you will be able to make some money while doing what you love. And you can take your pet with you!
Choose Less Conventional Pets
When you think of having a pet, a cat or a dog instantly comes to your mind. While they are adorable animals, you can also think of some other pets. For instance, you can have a fish, a few cage birds, a turtle, and whatnot.
What we are saying is not to assume that a “pet” has to be a cat or a dog. We live in a time when more knowledge and a wider selection of possible pets are available than ever before. Furthermore, these “alternative” dogs are less expensive to maintain than a Labrador German Shepherd.
We all agree that animals are adorable creatures, and having a pet means having a family member. If you do not want to spend loads of money on your pet’s care, make sure to follow the mentioned above ideas and tips.
You will not have to compromise on your pet’s living expenses and health and also get to save some bucks every month. You may find it difficult to follow these tips initially, but you will get good at it. We hope that you follow these tips and save some of your hard-earned money.
