10 Frugal Ways Pet Owners Can Save on Pet Costs
Having a pet in the U.S. is a costly responsibility — which is a real shame, considering the joy they bring. Unfortunately, the price of pet ownership has soared in recent years. According to the most recent American Pet Products Association (APPA) National Pet Owners Survey, from 2013 to 2021, average pet spending per household increased 67% — from $460 per year in 2013 to $770 per year in 2021.
See: 10 Expenses Most Likely To Drain Your Checking Account Each Month
Learn: How To Get $340 Per Year in Cash Back on Gas and Other Things You Already Buy
Keeping up with the price of pets can be a tragic struggle, leading many Americans to surrender their fur babies at shelters, which are already overwhelmed. This all leads to the question: How can those on a frugal budget trim the heavy costs associated with caring for your furry friend?
Practice Preventive Care
Just like with humans, investing in preventative care — as opposed to just curative — can go a long way in fighting steep expenses and also help prolong the life of your pet.
“Preventative care such as flea and tick medicine, brushing your dog’s teeth, pet insurance and routine vet visits can be very helpful for your pet’s health and your budget in the long run,” said Dr. Katy Nelson, senior veterinarian at Chewy. “Preventatives may have some upfront cost associated, but it is far less expensive than the diseases and conditions they are meant to prevent.”
Next: 13 Things To Stop Buying in 2024
Get Annual Exams
Anyone who has a veterinarian caring for their pets is probably used to getting those emails or texts that it’s time for their pet’s annual checkup. They’re easy to push off if nothing is visibly wrong with your pet, but don’t procrastinate.
Nelson points to this fact presented by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AMVA): “Annual preventive healthcare exams and regular preventive care — such as vaccinations, heartworm testing, fecal parasite exams, dental evaluation and more — save pets’ lives by ensuring they’re healthy. They can also save pet owners money by reducing or eliminating the risk of health problems that can be more expensive to treat.”
Invest in Pet Insurance
Americans are already paying a fortune for their own healthcare coverage — why add onto the monthly expense with pet insurance, too? The answer: It can really save you money in the long run.
“I’ve always advised my clients to invest in pet insurance, ideally starting as a puppy, but it’s never too late to get insurance,” Nelson said. “According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association, the average cost for pet insurance is $44/month; however, that is just the average. In reality, you can expect to pay a lot less or more depending on your pet’s breed, age and where you live.”
But again, the monthly cost is worth it.
“When you look into how much emergency costs can be for sudden illnesses, injuries, surgeries [and] hospitalizations, the upfront investment is much easier to handle than a possible medical bill of $5,000-$10,000,” Nelson said.
Ask Your Vet About Lower-Priced Food Brands
Rather than scouring the internet for cheaper pet food alternatives, talk to your vet about your options. It’s critical not to pick a food that could end up being junk or an ill fit for your pet’s needs.
“Your veterinarian can help you select a food for your pet that is right for their health, palate, life stage, lifestyle and your budget,” Nelson said.
Get High-Quality Toys
Pet toys can be so cute! So cuddly! So funny! But you should be frugal and use good judgment here, too.
“When searching for toys, reviewing customer ratings and reviews can help you decide what is best for you and your dog,” Nelson said. “Check out the product descriptions to learn more about the materials that are used and how the toy was constructed.
“Also consider what type of player your pet is to help guide you to the best toys. If they are gentle and prefer ‘nose work,’ perhaps a hide-and-seek toy or treat-dispensing toy is a good option. If they’re an aggressive chewer, a KONG or something more durable might be the best quality toy for them.”
Do Your Own Grooming
Though it’s definitely easier and more convenient to send your pet — particularly dogs — to the groomer for a bath and general sprucing up, it’s not cheap. DIY it!
“For pets with shorter coats, home grooming can be a huge cost saver,” Nelson said. “Bathing, ear cleaning and nail trimming are all things that can easily be done at home. Leave things like dematting and anal glands to the pros, though, as injuries can occur due to inexperienced but well-meaning pet parents.”
Pets with longer coats may need a bit more time if you’re going to DIY it.
“For pets with longer coats, if you’re committed to grooming at home, take the time to do your research and learn proper grooming techniques,” Nelson said. “You’ll need good equipment, such as clippers, mat brushes and possibly a Dremel for long nails. Keep styptic powder on hand for too short nails. Ear cleaner and cotton balls or ear wipes, eye wipes and waterless shampoo are always good to keep on hand, too.”
Explore Telehealth Options
Is your dog acting a bit off but not in a particularly worrisome way? Look into a telehealth vet visit.
“You may not always need to go to a vet, so consider virtually consulting with a vet first,” Nelson said. “Chewy’s free Connect with a Vet service easily and quickly lets you chat or video call with veterinary professionals available 7 days a week from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. EST. Chewy’s Symptom Checker is another great tool to get vet-approved answers in seconds, day or night.”
Shop Around for Lower Cost Vets and Look Into Pay Assistance
When looking for a vet, know your options and be devoted to finding vets that offer competitive or lower-than-average pricing for the routine stuff.
“Also, many shelters and rescues provide veterinary care for people with limited funds,” Nelson said. “If you are struggling to pay for your pets’ healthcare bills, there are options such as CareCredit or ScratchPay that will assist you with a short-term loan for pet care.”
Spay/Neuter Your Pet
Some people don’t like to have their dog or cat fixed, because they think it’s unnatural, or they’re intent on breeding them. Please reconsider not spaying or neutering your pet if you want to protect their health and your wallet.
“Spaying or neutering your pet is not only beneficial for their health — and the pet population as a whole — but it can save money down the road,” Nelson said. “Intact female dogs go through heat every four to eight months, and it can be messy. They also can get pregnant during this time, which would require healthcare costs for mom and pups. Intact male dogs are more likely to get lost or to get injured due to wandering looking for a female to breed with.”
Seek Coupons and Cash Back
“If you’re shopping for pet essentials, such as food, treats and shampoo, search for applicable coupons and discounts before checking out,” said Samantha Landau, consumer expert at TopCashback USA. “Optimize your online shopping experience by using a cash-back site; if you’re not using one, you’re essentially leaving free money on the table.”
More From GOBankingRates
10 Expenses Most Likely To Drain Your Checking Account Each Month
This One Mistake Can Tank Your Credit Score 100 Points Instantly
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 10 Frugal Ways Pet Owners Can Save on Pet Costs
