Owning a pet in the US is a costly responsibility — which is really a shame, considering the joy they bring. Unfortunately, the price of pet ownership has risen 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.
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Keeping up with the price of pets can be a tragic struggle, leading many Americans to surrender their fur babies to shelters, which are already overwhelmed. All of this leads to the question: How can those on a tight budget cut down on the hefty costs associated with caring for your furry friend?
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Practice Preventive Care
As with people, investing in preventative care — as opposed to treatment alone — can go a long way in combating severe expenses and also help extend your pet’s life.
“Preventive care such as flea and tick medication, brushing your dog’s teeth, pet insurance and regular vet visits can be very beneficial for your pet’s health and your budget in the long run,” said Dr. Katy Nelson, senior veterinarian at Chewy. “Preventives may have some upfront costs associated, but these are cheaper than the diseases and conditions they are meant to prevent.”
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Take Annual Tests
Anyone who has a veterinarian who cares for their pets is probably used to getting those emails or texts that it’s time for their pet’s annual checkup. It’s easy to push them away if nothing seems wrong with your pet, but don’t be put off.
Nelson points to this fact presented by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AMVA): “Annual health care exams for prevention and routine preventive care – such as vaccinations, heartworm tests, exams fecal parasite, dental checkups and more – save pets’ lives by making sure they’re healthy. They also save pet owners money by reducing or eliminating risk of health problems that may be more expensive to treat.”
Invest in Pet Insurance
Americans already pay a lot for their own health care coverage – why add to the monthly cost of pet insurance? The answer: It can actually save money in the long run.
“I always advise my clients to invest in pet insurance, which ideally starts as a puppy, but it’s never too late to get insurance,” says Nelson. “According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association, the average cost for pet insurance is $44/month; however, that is just the norm. In fact, you can expect to pay 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 at how much emergency costs are for sudden illnesses, injuries, surgeries [and] hospitalization, the initial investment is more manageable than a potential medical bill of $5,000-$10,000,” Nelson said.
Ask Your Vet About Lower Priced Food Brands
Instead of searching the internet for cheaper pet food alternatives, talk to your veterinarian about your options. It is important not to choose food that may be junk or unsuitable for your pet’s needs.
“Your veterinarian can help you choose a food for your pet that’s right for their health, taste, life stage, lifestyle and your budget,” says Nelson.
Get Quality Toys
Pet toys can be very cute! So cuddly! Funny! But you must be economical and also use good judgment here.
“When looking for toys, checking customer ratings and reviews can help you decide what’s best for you and your dog,” says Nelson. “See the product descriptions to learn more about the materials used and how the toy was made.
“Also consider what kind of player your pet is to help guide you to the best toys. If they’re affectionate and prefer ‘nose work,’ perhaps a hide-and-seek toy or treat-dispensing toy is a good option. If they are an aggressive chewer, a KONG or something more durable may be the best quality toy for them.”
Make Your Own Arrangement
While it’s certainly easier and more convenient to send your pet — especially dogs — to the groomer for a bath and general sprucing up, it’s not cheap. DIY it!
“For pets with shorter coats, grooming at home can be a huge cost-saver,” says Nelson. “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, however, as injuries can occur due to the lack of experienced but well-intentioned pet parents.”
Pets with longer coats may require a little more time if you DIY it.
“For pets with long coats, if you’re committed to grooming at home, take the time to do your research and learn proper grooming techniques,” says Nelson. “You need good tools, like clippers, a mat brush 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 little 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 consulting with a vet more often,” says Nelson. “Chewy’s free Connect with a Vet service easily and quickly allows you to chat or video call with veterinary professionals who are available 7 days a week from 6 am to 12 am 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 Find Help with Fees
When looking for a vet, know your options and be committed to finding vets who offer competitive or lower than average pricing for routines.
“Also, many shelters and rescues provide veterinary care for people with limited funds,” Nelson said. “If you’re struggling to pay for your pets’ health care bills, there are options like CareCredit or ScratchPay to help you with a short-term pet care loan.”
Spay/Neuter Your Pet
Some people don’t want to groom their dog or cat, because they think it’s unnatural, or they intend to breed 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,” says Nelson. “Full-term female dogs go into heat every four to eight months, and it can be messy. They can also become pregnant during this time, which will require health care costs for the mother and puppies. male dogs are more likely to get lost or injured from wandering around looking for a female companion.”
Find Coupons and Cash Back
“If you’re shopping for pet essentials, like food, treats and shampoo, look for applicable coupons and discounts before checking out,” says 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.”
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 10 Inexpensive Ways Pet Owners Can Save on Pet Expenses
