Five Ways to Save Money on Pets

When we first brought home our adorably puppy, Izzy, we never imagined how expensive her care would be. We were swept up in her cute expressions and playful mannerisms, by her immediate devotion to us and to our family. But pets are expensive, and it helps to save money on pet-related expenses whenever you can.

Buy Dog Food in Bulk

Our laundry room is full of dog food, and I don't apologize for it. It's much cheaper to buy enormous bags of pet food at Sam's Club or Costco than to buy smaller bags whenever you find yourself at the pet store. Furthermore, pet stores almost always have a higher mark-up on food, so avoid them if you want to save money on your pets.

Stay Away from Dog Parks

I was excited about taking Izzy to the local dog park at first, but the more I thought about it the more it seemed like a bad idea. Our vet confirmed that she stitches up several dogs a month who wind up in fights at the dog park with other furry friends, and treatment for serious wounds can make pet expenses soar.

Additionally, dog parks are gathering places for animals, which means that pet-related diseases can be found there in greater concentration. From parasites to parvo, I like to keep my dog away from places where she is more likely to get sick.

Learn to Groom

It can cost hundreds of dollars a year to have your pet professionally groomed. Save the money and learn how to do it yourself. The supplies are just a one-time, up-front purchase, and from there you can take care of it for free.

I brush Izzy every morning on our front porch, which cuts down on hair shed inside the house and keeps her coat healthy. Plus it's great bonding time for us. She likes the feeling of the brush and she looks forward to the ritual much more than if she was carted off to the groomer's every six weeks.

Sign Up for Coupons

Web sites can yield plenty of savings on pet-related products. I'm on several mailing lists for manufacturers and pet stores who send me coupons every couple weeks, and I make good use of those coupons. Every time you find a product your pet likes, such as a toy or food, go to the web site for the manufacturer and sign up for promotional offers. You'll have to deal with more e-mail, but you'll save money on your pets.

Go to the Vet

If in doubt, make an appointment with your veterinarian. I might take this advice a little too seriously, but I know that if Izzy is seriously ill, it will cost much more to treat her than if I'd gone to the vet at the first sign of illness. Plus, I don't want her to be sick because I can't stand the look on her face when she's miserable.

Some veterinarians will even allow you to consult with your vet over the phone to determine whether a visit is necessary. I take advantage of this option whenever I can.

And I cannot stress enough the value of a good veterinarian. We went through three before we found our current vet, and it's made all the difference. I know she will charge me reasonable prices for visits and treatment, and I know she will always tell me the truth. That knowledge is invaluable.