A few months ago, I decided to finally take the plunge and adopt a cat. Okay, two cats. It was a wonderful decision and having pets has brought me so much joy it’s hard to put into words. Pet owners, you know what I’m talking about. Is there anything better than snuggling up with a kitten?
Of course, with all the happiness these kitties bring me everyday, there’s an equally great bill at the end of every month to accompany my delight. And I know I’m not alone. In fact, pet owners spend an average of $1,165 in their first year of pet ownership and a whopping $700 annually thereafter, according to the ASPCA. Between kitty litter, toys, food, health care, vaccinations, office visits and spays, owning a pet is expensive. But with these five tips, you can lessen that bill and get back to enjoying your precious pooch:
Find a Good Vet and Develop a Relationship.
When you first adopt a pet, you’ll likely have a long list of shots and treatments your new family member needs. But don’t just go to the first place you find. As always, shop around. Try Googling vets in your area and checking their websites. Often times, you’ll find coupons for a free first visit or other discounts on the website.
Once you’re at the vet, lay your financial cards on the table. There’s usually a variety of ways to diagnose or treat your pet, and if your vet knows that your finances are a bit tight, they’re often willing to work with you and provide options that make more sense for your wallet. And always request a written cost estimate before proceeding. Even better if you can get the vet to go over what each charge means. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Your vet likely cares about your pet’s health as much as you do. That’s their job, after all.
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Subscribe & Save.Most financially-savvy shoppers will tell you to buy in bulk to save money. Amazon’s “Subscribe and Save” program applies that same principle without leaving you with 100 pounds of Meow Mix and nowhere to store it. You simply sign up for their subscription service for a variety of pet products and note how often you’d like to receive subsequent shipments. Doing so will save you 15 percent off, which is a great way to always have what you need on hand without having to spend a fortune or buy more than you need.
Use Coupons.
Of course, you can often find even better deals by using coupons at a variety of pet stores, both brick-and-mortar and online. Here’s a few places to check for the best deals:
- Sign up for a rewards card at some of the major pet stores in you area, like PetsMart or PetCo. Not only will you save money on every purchase, but you’ll also get coupons in the mail for dozens of products every month.
- It’s also a great idea to visit the website of brands where you would like to find coupons. Be sure to sign up for their newsletter and special promotions, too.
- For veterinary prescriptions and preventative treatment of diseases, like heartworm, fleas and ticks, you’ll usually find the best savings online. Check out DiscountPetMedicines.com, 1800petmeds.com and petcarerx.com for some fantastic savings!
Don’t forget to check sites like Ebates.com and Retailmenot.com for cash back rewards and coupon codes for all of your online purchases, as well.
Groom At Home.
It may not be the most glamorous activity, but grooming your pet at home is so much cheaper than taking them to some fancy pet “spa.” Buy a set of nice nail clippers and trim their nails once a month. If you can start young, they’re more likely to cooperate later on. Bathe them in your bath tub (or a sink, if you have cats) and cut their hair yourself, too. All of these expenses add up so quickly. You’ll be amazed at how much you save when you do it yourself.
Keep em’ Close.
One of the most surprising ways to save money on your pets is to keep dogs in a fenced-in yard and cats inside. Unfortunately, when animals leave your yard, they become more susceptible to disease, parasites, injury and other hazards, which, in turn, result in pretty hefty vet bills for you. By keeping your beloved barker close by, you’ll keep them safe and reduce your bills. It’s a win-win!
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