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How to Save Money on the Family Pet

Sunday, March 14, 2010



When we want the very best for our pets, we can end up sending a lot of money. But it is possible to take good care of your pet without going overboard. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your pet budget.



The first thing you can do: Be frugal with the extra things. Toys and special treats are nice and something your pet deserves, but that doesn't mean you need to go wild buying them. In reality most pets are more content spending time playing with you than playing with a toy, so keep that in mind before buying too many of the extras for your pet. When you do buy extra treats, stock up while they are on sale at a discount store (or buy discount pet supplies by using a coupon code at an online pet store.)



Veterinary bills can be the biggest pet cost. You do not want your pet to suffer, but vet bills can be steep. To save money, you may want to check out veterinary schools, which often offer lower cost services because students are administering them (under the watchful eye of a professional).



You may also want to learn how to do some things on your own, such as administering vaccinations and treating small wounds. You can also look into pet insurance, which can really help to cut costs, too.



If your pet needs medication on a frequent or regular basis, see if you can save by ordering them online. It's a good idea to stick to the reputable, established pet medication merchants and make sure that you are getting the same brand name that your vet offers.



Another way to help reduce your vet bills is through preventative care, which can help keep your pet from needing the vet. Always buy quality pet food that contains the vitamins your pet needs to stay healthy. Keep your pet in your yard or inside the house to prevent him from running away and possibly getting injured. You should also consider spaying or neutering your pet to help protect against unwanted pregnancies. When you spay or neuter your pet, you may also reduce the risk of certain cancers and infections.



Grooming is another thing that can get expensive. You can save money by learning to groom your pet yourself. Purchase quality grooming supplies and take a class or watch an instructional video to learn how to do it properly. It may not be as hard as you think.



Your pet is surely a beloved member of your family. As with any family member, proper care is going to require that you spend money. But there are lots of ways to cut costs on pet care and help keep your pet healthy and happy at the same time.







About the Author:Jamie Jefferson writes for Susies-Coupons.com and Momscape.com, where you can win free gift certificates for top online stores. Get the latest PetsMart Coupons, too.

7 comments:

  1. Following you from MBC.
    Some other tips to keep costs down are to make things yourself like dog blankets and toys or recycle stuffed animals that your children no longer want.
    Check out yard sales for pet items some are almost new for pennies on the dollar.
    Know what vaccinations your pet really needs and when they need them (vaccination protocol). Most vaccinations are not necessary on a yearly basis.
    If your pet needs to be on medication find out if your vet carries the generic version. The big drug companies charge your vet the full price and therefore have to pass along the cost to you.

    Basically become an educated pet owner.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great post.

    At first we wanted to get our kitties everything we could. But, we soon realized they liked playing with a twisty tie from the grocery store more than playing with the $10 store bought toy from Petco.

    Found you via MBC and am happy to be following.

    Follow back at http://jotgiveaways.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Following Mrs Sanchez-hope to see more giveaways too on your site- and as well thank you to both for your added comments.
    I have 4 guinea pigs currently for pets- that were my daughters- but of course mom is the one left cleaning and feeding them as both girls are older now. One is moved away from home, and one to move away this Fall- and off to school. Guinea pigs are an expense,despite being small: shavings, pellets and produce. I do try to buy reduced produce when I can for them but they love romaine and it isn't in the reduced produce bin usually.

    ReplyDelete
  4. i saved a ton when i finally considered pet insurance. i went w pet assure. its not insurance but it does discount my vet bills by 25%. it also helps with procedures and ailments that pet insurance doesnt cover.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'm your newest follower from MBC! Stop by some time!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Another tip - If you have multiple pets your vet may offer a discount. I know ours offers a percentage off because we bring in 3 cats at the same time.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I am your newest follower From MBC :-)

    You can find me here~
    http://debshere.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete

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