Owning a pet brings great joy and companionship, but it also comes with great costs. From food and grooming to veterinary care, costs can add up quickly. However, it’s important to save money without compromising your pet’s well-being.
Jason Higgs, Senior Deals Strategist at Bountii, shares four specific tips to help pet owners manage their costs while ensuring their furry friends stay healthy and happy.
1. Buy Pet Food in Bulk
One of the simplest ways to save money on pet care is by buying pet food in bulk.
High-quality pet food can be expensive, but buying larger quantities often comes with significant discounts. Large bags of pet food are usually cheaper per unit than smaller packages, and you can store the excess in airtight containers to keep it fresher for longer.
Find a reliable brand of pet food that your pet likes and suits their dietary needs, and look for bulk purchase options online or at wholesale stores.
A pet owner can spend about $50 (R898.80) a month on small bags of premium dog food. By switching to bulk purchasing, they can reduce their monthly spending to $35 (R629.26), saving $180 (R3, 236.20) annually. Potential savings can be up to 30% per month on pet food costs, depending on brand and quantity.
2. Regular Home Repairs
Professional grooming services can be expensive, especially for pets with high-maintenance coats.
Learning to groom your pet at home can save you a lot of money over time. Basic grooming tasks such as brushing, bathing, and nail trimming can be done at home with the right tools and a little practice.
Invest in a quality grooming kit that includes brushes, clippers, nail trimmers, and pet-friendly shampoo, and watch tutorials or ask your vet for tips on proper grooming techniques.
A pet owner can spend $80 (R1,438.48) every two months on professional grooming. If they buy a $30 (R539.43) grooming kit, they can start grooming their cat at home, saving up to $480 (R8,630.86) in payments to pet groomers every year. Potential savings can be up to $20 (R359.47) per month on maintenance services.
3. Preventative Veterinary Care
Preventive care can help avoid more expensive treatments later in the line.
Regular check-ups, vaccinations, and dental care can catch potential health issues early. Regular vet visits help maintain your pet’s health and can prevent serious illnesses that require expensive treatment.
Schedule regular vet visits and stay up-to-date on vaccinations and dental cleanings, and consider health plans offered by many veterinary clinics that include preventative care at more low cost.
You can sign up for a wellness plan that includes bi-annual check-ups, vaccinations, and dental care for $200 (R3,594.69) per year, helping to avoid $500 (R8,986.72) of charge for an emergency dental procedure at a later time. The potential savings could be hundreds of dollars by avoiding emergency treatments.
4. DIY Pet Toys and Accessories
Pets need toys and accessories, but these can be expensive when purchased frequently.
Making your own toys and accessories can be fun and economical. Use household items or inexpensive materials to make adorable toys and accessories for your pets.
Look for DIY pet toy tutorials online, as common items like old t-shirts, tennis balls, and cardboard can be turned into entertaining toys.
Pet owners can spend around $10 (R179.68) per month on toys. By making their own from old clothes and household items, they can reduce their spending to $2 (R35.94) a month, saving $96 (R1,725.56) annually.
Jason says, “With a little creativity and effort, pet owners can significantly reduce their costs. The key is to focus on preventative care and find cost-effective alternatives for daily pet needs. By doing this, you can enjoy the company of your pet without financial problems.”
