Saving Money on Pet Care

If you're lucky enough to share your life with a pet, you already know that the relationship requires both time and money commitments. Your pet gives you a lifetime of unconditional love, loyalty, and friendship. In return, he / she counts on you to provide him / her with food, water, safe shelter and regular veterinary care. Pet owners are tempted to buy fancy toys, expensive pet beds and extravagant gourmet food. However, there are some viable ways to care for your pet and offer him/her a healthy and fun life without ruining your budget. All it takes is a little work and planning.

First of all, the key secret to save money on pet care is to not overfeed your pet. According to veterinarians, obesity is one of the most common health problems in family dogs and cats. Consider feeding your pet with dry food. A good dry food is generally nutritionally equivalent to a good canned food and it is cheaper. But don't buy the cheap, low-quality pet food just to save a few bucks. Your pet needs vitamins and proper nutrition in order to grow and stay health.

Secondly, make online comparisons before buying expensive pet medications from a local pet pharmacy. Also, use eBay to purchase flea medicine in bulk. One package of Frontline large breed will last for three months instead of one. However, don't make the mistake of buying pet food in large quantity and storing it for a long period of time, as the vitamins tend to degrade during storage.

Instead of dog treats, microwave hot dogs sliced into small pieces until you have little shriveled treats. Freeze in Ziploc bags and use for rewards, training etc. Try to save money in dog toys by going to a local racquet club and asking for any old tennis balls that your dog can have. In general, racquet clubs have bins of "dead" balls that lost their bouncy newness. Both, you and your dog will be happy.

But what to do when you are faced with big expenses, such as unexpected veterinary bills? The Humane Society of the United States recommends that, in addition to preparing for routine pet-care costs, you regularly set aside savings to cover for unexpected veterinary bills. Create a special "pet savings account" and contribute money to it on a regular basis. If, despite your planning, your pet incurs major health expenses that you have trouble affording, consider asking your veterinarian if he or she will let you work out a payment plan. Many veterinarians are willing to work out a monthly payment plan so that you do not have to pay the entire cost of veterinary care up front. You can also contact your local shelter. Some shelters operate or know of local subsidized veterinary clinics or veterinary assistance programs. If you have a specific breed of dog, contact the National Club for that breed. In some cases, these clubs offer a veterinary financial assistance fund. Finally, most pet owners are unaware that they can get up to $3,500 on tax deduction for veterinary and other pet care expenses.

Most importantly, remember that a little preventive care can go a long way. Having your pet spayed or neutered and keeping her shots up to date can prevent serious and costly health problems. In bringing pets into your home you have assumed a fixed expense necessary to provide a reasonable level of care for them. But you don't have to ruin your budget to get your pet's love and affection. Saving money on pet care doesn't mean to deny your pet a nutritional diet or a fun and exciting life. In fact, it means to offer your pet a good and healthy life by being money smart.