Pet Costs Adding Up? Cut Them Down With These 5 Tips
Pets can be great additions to a family, but along with requiring maintenance and attention, they also require money each month. Protecting your pet by obtaining pet insurance is a solid way to ensure aid in case of emergencies, but on a day to day basis there are other ways to save money, as well. †Here are some ways for you to keep Fido and Fluffy around while still minimizing your pet-related expenses.
1. Make your own treats. Let's face itómost pets aren't overly picky about what foods they like or dislike, especially when it comes to treats. So instead of dishing out $8 or $10 for a box of store-bought treats, try making these very simple ones from home. The kids can help out, too.
ï Ω cup cornmeal
ï æ cup water
ï 2 cup whole wheat flour
ï 6 tablespoons oil
Mix ingredients well and roll onto a flour surface º inch thick. Cut into desired shape, baste with meat drippings, and cook for 35-40 minutes or until done.
2. Vaccinate at your local animal shelter. While vaccinations are important for pets, they can also get quite pricy if you have them done at your veterinarian's office. As an alternative, take your pets into the local animal shelter for vaccinations. You might need to be prepared for lengthy queues, but the discounted vaccine rates will save you substantial money in the long run.
3. Opt for pet sitters over a kennel service. Going out of town? Instead of bringing your pets to a local boarding kennel, try calling a teenage neighbour in your area to look after your pet while you're away. Kennels can get costly after several days, and money-starved teenagers are generally willing to work for cheap (while still being responsible, of course!). If you have someone come to your home to take care of your pet, have them also take in your mail, water the plants, and do other household chores at the same time. You'll save money on the kennel and get more services for your money.
4. Take advantage of your local library. The library is teeming with books about general pet care, and tapping into these resources can save you some big bucks in the long run. Here are some books to consider:
ï Pet training manuals. We all want well-behaved pets, but professional training can get extremely pricy. Read up on how to do it yourself so you aren't tempted to pay for something you could do on your own.
ï Pet grooming books. Learn how to bathe, brush, trim, shave, and maintain good hygiene for your pet. Not only will it keep your home cleaner, but it will keep your pet healthier, too.
ï Pet health manuals. While there is no substitute for consulting a trained veterinary professional, minor medical issues with your pets can sometimes be solved from home using library books or the Internet. At the very least, call your veterinarian for advice before taking your pet in for a pricy check-up if the issue is common or minor.
5. Buy second-hand or discounted supplies. If you have just brought home a brand new puppy or kitten, the temptation is to rush to the local pet store to buy him every accessory he could ever need. That sweet little face deserves it, right? Before you head out, consider these tips:
ï Try a garage sale or thrift store first. Oftentimes you can find basic items like collars, leashes, food dishes, and cages at these places for discounted rates.
ï Check your own attic or garage. If you're looking for toys or bedding for your new pet, give him some old stuffed animals from the attic or that blanket you've had since your college days. Using what you already have will save you money, time, and storage space.
ï Cut coupons before you go. If you do go to the pet store for food or other basic supplies, be sure to find some coupons from the newspaper or Internet to use.
Whether you have dogs, cats, bunnies, fish, snakes, lizards, ferrets, or frogs, keeping up with your pets can be a costly endeavour. †Obtaining pet insurance is another way to make certain that your pet is protected if injury or illness occurs. So keep your costs down and your family complete by trying out some of these tips.
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