Frugal Fido or Fluff

There’s no shortage of money-saving “hacks” on the internet. While some tips might be practical, when it comes to beloved companions, many pet parents prefer not to hack anything and will not think twice about shelling out for whatever their fur babies need. In fact, according to the ASPCA, the average pet owner spends upwards of $1,400 annually on each pet for food, veterinary services, grooming, boarding, training, and more. There are a number of ways to curb costs and still provide your pet with optimal care, however.

First, make sure you include pet care as a line item in your budget to keep exactly how much you spend monthly top of mind. If you’re making blind purchases at a store, you are more likely to overspend. Do an inventory of how much food and supplies you like to have on hand and list out what you need for the next trip.

Having pet insurance can be a long-term money saver too, coming to the rescue when an emergency occurs. For true savings, start the policy when your pet is young as the premiums are higher when they are initiated for older pets. If you don’t want to invest in pet insurance, another option is to have a dedicated emergency fund that can be tapped into for veterinary expenses. This would allow you the flexibility to hold on to your funds and not pay out insurance premiums you may never use.

Getting preventive wellness care for your pet by having annual exams is a long play, as potentially life-threatening and costly care can be addressed early. Making sure your pet is up to date on required medications and spayed or neutered can also prevent serious health issues down the road.

There are other things you can do on a regular basis to save money on pet food. Use your warehouse club membership to buy items such as litter, canned, or dry food in bulk. Consider finding another pet parent you can share with if you don’t have storage space to purchase in large quantities, or you think you might run the risk of letting the food spoil before it can be used. Search for coupons, sign up for online specials at pet and grocery stores, and stock up when items you need are on sale. If you don’t have a picky eater, you can save money by starting a subscription with pet-food delivery providers, as they offer discounts for frequent buyers.

Additionally, instead of buying treats, try making some of your own. There are plenty of recipes online with which you can experiment and have fun. Just note: Veterinarians recommend against giving a dog real bones, as they can cause many issues including oral and stomach distress so don’t try and save money by repurposing chicken bones from your dinner.

If you have a habit of making impulsive toy buys, avoid that aisle during store visits. Also, rotate your pet toys so it will feel as if you are regularly giving them something new to enjoy.

If you are spending money at the groomers, see what you feel comfortable doing yourself. Invest in some good tools and school yourself on videos. In addition to saving money, this closeness can increase the bond with your pet.

There is no doubt that pets are a financial investment, and they deserve to be cared for well. But it never hurts to save a little money when you can!