Whether a dog or a cat, there are numerous benefits to owning pets. Not only can a pet help promote your social interactions and keep you company, but it can also help with your physical and ward off depression. Despite the many benefits, there are many expenses associated with pet ownership, from vet care to food, treats, beds, grooming supplies, and more.
These costs can add up quickly into hundreds of dollars per month, impacting your household budget and overall bottom line. And with the soaring cost of living, finding ways to save on pet expenses can help reduce your household expenses. For instance, a cat food subscription can be a real money saver since the price per packet is often lower than buying a single packet online or from the shop. It also saves you time while ensuring a consistent supply of your favorite pet food brand. Below are a few other proven ways to save money on pet expenses:
1. Purchase Supplies at Discount Stores
The costs of pet supplies like toys, treats, beds, and bowls can quickly add up to thousands of dollars per year. But that shouldn’t be the case. You can significantly reduce your spending on basic pet necessities by shopping at discount stores. This way, you can enjoy huge discounts on almost everything your pet needs, including crates, leashes, and beds. When there’s overstock, most discount department store chains sell new products for nearly 60% off, which can be significant savings while shopping for pet supplies.
2. Buy Generic-Brand Pet Food
You don’t have to spend a fortune to feed your pet healthily. You can spend less while feeding your furry friend well. Also, just because it’s an expensive brand doesn’t make the food more nutritious than other less costly brands. Search for a trusted good generic-brand pet food that’s just as healthy as the expensive food brands but less costly.
When buying less costly pet food, go through the ingredient list to ensure it contains all the essential nutrients for your pet’s health. Alternatively, you can mix the less expensive food with your go-to brand to ensure the food still meets your pet’s nutritional needs while helping you save money. If you’re not ready to sacrifice your favorite brand, you should actively search for pet food deals to save a few bucks.
3. Groom Pets at Home
Professional pet grooming services can be incredibly expensive, depending on the type of pet you own and where you live. To save on grooming costs and cut your pet expenses significantly, consider grooming your pets at home. And the best thing is that you can teach yourself how to groom your pets at home through online videos and guides on at-home grooming.
That way, you can provide basic grooming services like clipping your pet’s nails, trimming their coats, and cleaning around the ears. This will ensure your pet stays clean, comfortable, and healthy. However, if you don’t have the time to groom your pet at home, consider looking for an affordable professional groomer to cut back on grooming costs.
4. Consider Pet Insurance
Unexpected vet bills can be stressful and wreak havoc on your household finances. While your pet’s routine checkup can cost only a few bucks, treatment for illnesses or injuries can add up to hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. Investing in pet insurance can provide coverage in case of unexpected vet bills like expensive disease management or surgeries, and you don’t have money set aside for such expenses.
Choose the best pet insurance policy based on your budget and your pet’s type, and its health condition. Use comparison websites and consult your vet when evaluating the different types of policies, what they cover, and the extra benefits included.
Endnote
Owning a pet doesn’t have to be expensive. By following the tips above, you’ll save money on pet expenses, leaving you with enough money for other household expenses, emergency savings, and to pay toward debts.
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