11 Ways to Save on Pet Costs
Stroll into any supermarket and you may see shoppers peering curiously at their grocery bills. The looks on their faces make it clear that sticker shock has set in--the cost of food, and just about everything else--has risen sharply over the past year.
Prices in the pet food aisle are no exception. The increasing cost to manufacture food, coupled with the high gas prices to transport food to stores, has forced pet food makers to shift the costs to consumers who are getting a one-two punch in the wallet.
Finding ways to cut costs is at the top of many pet owners' minds. Petside explored cost-cutting tips for savvy pet owners and came up with some hints for saving on food, toys, vet costs, and even on that cute carrying case you've had your eye on.
FOOD
Saving money on pet food means doing some research and comparing prices, which is the basic principle in any cost-cutting measure.
-Depending on the size of your pet and its preferences, you may be able to save about five to 10 percent buying at warehouse clubs like Costco or BJs. If you're not a member or you don't want to lug home a 50 lb bag of pet chow, large discount chains like Target and Wal-Mart also offer lower prices than pet specialty stores.
-If your pal likes a certain gourmet brand of food available only at large chains like Petco and Petsmart, sign up for their reward card or clip the store coupons. Buying online is also an option.
-Local dollar stores often have an entire aisle devoted to pet supplies. Name brand items--from leashes to chew toys--can sometimes be found for pennies on the dollar.
HEALTHCARE
-Practice prevention to save money on vet bills. Make sure your pet gets plenty of exercise and good nutrition. Bringing in your pet for regular check-ups will catch problems early and prevent costly visits, or even hospitalization in the future. Keep all records of pet immunizations so if you change vets, you won't have to repeat them.
-A local humane society may offer basic health services and proceeds from the visit will help protect endangered animals.
-Laura Shanahan, author of 21 Ways to Cut Vet Costs, recommends spaying or neutering your pet to prevent behavioral problems lower the rate of breast cancer in dogs and cats by up to 99 percent. Un-neutered male dogs, for example, have a greater risk of prostate infections, leading to costly treatments.
-Always seek a second opinion when the vet recommends a costly procedure. This may not be the only option available to keep your pet healthy.
-For prescriptions, try buying online at stores like 1-800 PetMeds.com. DrugStore.com also now fills pet prescriptions, often at deep discounts. If you see a better price online and want to save time and money on shipping costs, ask your vet to match it.
TOYS, NOVELTY ITEMS AND GROOMING
-Hit the dollar store to save big bucks. The same chew toy found in the dollar store is $5.99 on sale at a big pet store chain.
-For grooming, do as much of it yourself to save money. See petside's articles on cat grooming and dog grooming to learn basic grooming. Also, check out Dr. Lauren's How-Tos for tips on cutting your pets nails, brushing their teeth and more!
-Try shopping online to find deals. Drugstore.com regularly has pet grooming supplies on sale. Pet shampoos and other grooming supplies can be found online at sites like terrificpets.com
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Comments (9)
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Anonymous January 22, 2009 6:24 PM
i love cat
Anonymous January 28, 2009 12:49 PM
All the tips given on saving money on pet food are great, BUT when you have a multiple pet household, it makes it even harder.
When you have more than one pet and you are a responsible owner that brings their pet to the vet for check-ups and for any illnesses, it adds up. dental is a big one. It is tough to brush your cat's teeth if you have 7 of them as I do(all strays I rescued)
Anyway, I would love to see morewritten about saving costs in a multiple-pet household.
Thanks so much
Anonymous January 29, 2009 12:54 AM
If you are a pet owner you need to make sacrifices. I am all about cutting costs but it is so important to not feed your animals ANYTHING you can buy at Wal-Mart or PetCo. I eat ramen every night to feed my animals organic food where I am guaranteed that my pet food does not contain pets. If you can't afford pets buy a plant.
Anonymous February 2, 2009 2:20 PM
Amen to the person above me. Cheap pet food can be disastrous to your pet's health. Half of the value brands out there cut their costs by filling their bags with indigestible byproducts and fillers causing malnutrition and intestinal blockages. The other half is produced in China and could be tainted with god knows what industrial chemicals or poisons. You may be lucky if your pet survives the first bowl.
Anonymous February 13, 2009 6:04 PM
I just figured I'd say that Wal-Mart sells Newman's Own Organics dog food, as well as Rachael Ray Nutrish. Rachael's isn't horrible(isn't good either) and Newman's Own is very good, so Wal Mart isn't all bad. Target also sells Dr Foster and Smith brand dog food, and that isn't too bad either. All of these foods are natural and high in meat content.
kd allison May 6, 2009 6:59 PM
I shop Walmart they have the best price on the dog and cat chow.I also mix in fresh vegetables with their food.Iv been doing this for years,my oldest cat is now 19 years old.
Debbie May 6, 2009 9:05 PM
With 4 poodles grooming can get costly so I bought a good set of clippers and went to work. Granted they are not as pretty as the local groomers but I figure I am going to get alot of practice.
Meowlin July 30, 2009 12:21 AM
A relatively inexpensive alternative to items marketed as litterboxes is to use 56 qt plastic toteboxes. That gives you a box with 11" sides for the same price - or less than - you'll pay for something marketed as a litterbox with 5" sides. Avoid the ones that charge you more for fancy lid latches - you're not going to be using the lids anyway. The high sides cut down on scattered litter outside the box, and are essential if you have a male who often spritzes over the edge of a conventional litter pan. I got mine at "tar-zhay" for $5 each. With older cats, you may need to use something for steps, both into and out of the box.
mellon September 8, 2009 9:18 PM
i looked up tainted pet food and Dr Foster and Smith brand dog food is poisonus for ur dog so look it up so ur pet can be safe!