Save on the cost of owning a pet Sixty-two percent of households, roughly 72.9 million homes, own a pet according to the 2011-2012 APPA National Pet Owners Survey. While the majority of U.S. households get to experience the joys of pet ownership, they must also work the expense of owning a pet into their budgets.
If you already own a pet, or are considering adopting a pet into your family, you can benefit from the following tips on how to cut back on the expense.
Research the type of pet you want. When selecting the right pet for your lifestyle and your budget, research is important. Certain types and breeds of pets are pricier than others. Take into consideration the cost of food, grooming costs, and whether the particular breed has any potential health concerns that may cost you at the veterinarian’s office.
Adopt from a shelter. Adopting an animal from a shelter can be rewarding for you and your wallet. Often, shelter animals have a much smaller price tag than an animal from a breeder. Shelters will often spay or neuter the animal, as well as give any needed vaccines for a fraction of the price a veterinarian would charge.
Groom at home. If your pet requires frequent grooming, consider purchasing some starter supplies and taking on the challenge. Grooming your pet helps you and your animal bond, plus, you forgo money spent at the groomer. One golden retriever owner calculated a savings of $623 per year by grooming at home rather than taking his pup to a professional.
Get the right kind of food. Just like with people food, striking the right balance between nutrition and price can be tricky. The cheapest pet food may contain unhealthy fillers, resulting in more trips to the vet over the pet’s lifetime. The highest quality pet food, however, is also a poor choice if you cannot afford it. The perfect food for your pet is one that balances your pet’s health and your financial well-being.
Keep your pet safe. While veterinary checkups are always recommended, you can avoid unnecessary trips to the vet by making sure your pet is in a safe environment. Keep cats indoors and dogs in fenced-in areas or leashed to avoid injury from cars and other animals.
Pet ownership does not have to be a huge strain on your finances. Implementing a few money-savvy strategies into your budget can make pet ownership a rewarding experience.