Money Saving Advice for Pet Owners

Source: http://voices.yahoo.com/money-saving-advice-pet-owners-4940794.html?cat=53

Expenses such as food, vaccines, heart worm prevention, flea and tick treatments, regular vet visits, accidents or illness, pet housing, toys, and other minor expenses can add up quickly. According to Doctor’s Foster and Smith, the cost of owning a dog can be anywhere from $500 to $6000 the first year, which includes purchase price or adoption fee and first year purchases that do not have to be repeated. Subsequent years can cost pet owners from around $300 to $3000 per year.
There are a number of ways pet owners can save money. Many of the costs associated with owning a pet can be managed.

Around my house there are three dogs, three fish, and a bird. We had to find ways to save money while still providing the best care our pet’s health and well being. We’ve implemented the following money saving ideas to help ease our costs. Combine this advice with good money saving common sense of your own and you’ll find keeping your pet more affordable.

How to save money on your pet’s vet bill.
If you have multiple pets, the first thing you can do to save money at the vet is to ask for multiple pet discounts. If your vet does not offer multiple pet discounts then find a vet who does.

Find an affordable veterinarian by asking friends, posting the question on local pet forums, or phoning your local humane society for a recommendation. You’ll find other animal lovers eager to help another pet owner save money and keep their pet healthy and happy.

If you have a high maintenance dog or cat breed, it is a good idea to take out pet insurance. In many cases the cost of pet insurance is more than the cost of annual veterinary bills, however, certain breeds have a predisposition toward chronic illness. In these cases, pet insurance can save you money.

How pet owners save money on pet medications, vaccines, and flea and tick treatments.
Rabies vaccines are required by law, but there are additional vaccines and medications that are often recommended by your veterinarian. De-worming, heart worm prevention, flea and tick control all add to the cost of pet ownership.

Pet owners can save money by purchasing vaccines and medications online, in local feed and seed stores, or agricultural supply centers. Purchase medications and vaccines only from reputable dealers.

Online, I have found petmeds.com to offer reasonably priced medications.

Pet vaccines and medication are most affordable at local pet and livestock stores. Local agricultural agents or cooperative extensions can provide names and numbers of authorized retailer for pet and livestock.

Check your local humane society for special discounts and programs for vaccinations. Local agencies often offer rabies vaccines at steep discounts.

How pet owners can save money on pet food.
Do not try to save money by purchasing the least expensive pet food. In most cases, cheap pet food is loaded with fillers. Fillers add no nutritional value and do not keep your pet full for long.

You have to buy the most expensive pet food. Compare prices and ingredients. In the case of dog food, we’ve found brands like Purina and Rachael Ray’s Nutrish for Pets offer high quality dog food at affordable prices.

You can also save money by clipping coupons and downloading coupons from your favorite pet food brand website.

How to save money on pet housing, bedding, and toys.
I save money on pet toys, bedding, leashes, and accessories by shopping at a couple of unexpected places. Pet owners will find surprisingly low prices on name brand pet items at Marshalls and Ross. The selection is always changing and the prices are well below those of specialty pet stores. Find what you want and save money by stopping in your local discount retailer every week or two.

If you are a Petsmart shopper watch for Petsmart coupons in your local paper and scavenge newspapers and circulars for coupons, discounts, and sales.

Pet owners can save money.
Pet ownership can be affordable. Use this money saving advice to help lower the cost of caring for your pet.