Saving Money: Taking Care of Your Pet

As gas prices go up often people look to cut costs, unfortunately for many pets, owners who are having financial difficulties often give up their pets to save money. Talk to any farmer and they'll tell you stories about the frightened animals they have found on their land lost and starving because their owners thought it would have a good life on a farm.

Now that the economy is in trouble, the papers are filled with stories of pet owners dropping off their pets at city shelters, not realizing that many of these shelters euthanized pets if a new owner cannot be found after a certain period. The Humane Society of the United States estimates 6 to 8 million dogs and cats are given to animal shelters every year. Nearly half, that's 3 to 4 million pets, must be euthanized for lack of homes. If asked many of these owners will say, they just can't afford a pet anymore.

The choice between financial health and a beloved pet is an agonizing decision for many. To avoid having to make this decision let's look at the various ways families can save money on pet care.

The best thing to do for the health of your pet is to spay or neuter them. A spayed pet is less likely to wander off seeking "companionship" and females who are neutered do not go into heat. As spayed pet owner, you will not have to worry about a pregnant animal, unwanted baby, or an injured pet.

Pets are safest and healthiest indoors. Pet who are not allowed to wander into tall grass or open areas are less likely to bring home fleas and ticks. Cat how are allowed to wander from home are more likely to be injured by cars, other animals, or even humans. Save yourself extra vet bills by keeping your pet close to home.

Another way of saving money is by feeding your pet according to its nutritional needs. Animals do not really need fancy or expensive pet food to stay healthy. Today even the Supermarket brands carry enough nutrition to keep your animal healthy. If fluffy or Maxx doesn't want to eat their new pet food, don't worry, once they get hungry they will eat. Don't price your pet out of a home because you can't afford the fancier pet foods!

Walk or play with your animals every day. It keeps them healthy and if you're walking your pet, it will keep you healthy too! By providing your pet with exercise and maintaining your pet's correct weight, you can avoid many of the health issues pets get as they age. In addition, exercised pet are known to be less likely to destroy things due to boredom.

Don't be pressured to give your pet every pill or shot recommended by your vet. In a perfect world, every animal should get the highest level of care, however, if your pet's healthcare costs are making you consider surrendering them then giving them the minimum vaccinations is OK.

All a pet really needs is a rabies shot. Yes, you are putting them at risk for other diseases, like heartworm, but it's more important that you can afford to care for them. So when you make your next appointment for a pet check up tell the vet you want only the vaccinations that will make your pet "legal" and tell your vet that you can't afford any of tests that may need to be done during this visit. Your vet will understand, but if he doesn't' call your local shelter and have them recommend another vet.

In addition, if it does get to a point in your relationship with your pet that you must give them up, please, don't just leave them at any shelter or give them to just anyone. Many pets that are given away end up being sold as lab animals. If you must give up you animal please find a no kill shelter in your area. They will make sure your animal is not killed in order to make room for another animal. Remember, you don't have to give up your pet because times are tough just budget them like you have to do other necessities. Your pet will appreciate the fact they get to stay with you.