Going Bust Taking Care of Fido? 5 Ways to Cut Down on Pet Care Expenses

February 3, 2010 by Christine Rochelle

Post-holiday season is one of the biggest times of the year for pet adoptions. It’s also a time when many new pets are suddenly handed back to shelters by their overwhelmed owners. Combine that with the fact that everyone is on a budget these day,s and you have a lot of potential pets without homes.

If you’re looking to adopt a pet in NYC or if you’re hoping that cutting costs doesn’t mean getting rid of Fido, there are plenty of ways to keep your pet care expenses down.

Regular Vet Visits – Bringing your pet to the vet can get really expensive. But if you push it off, you’ll find yourself facing a very large bill for a procedure that could have been prevented. The ASPCA Mobile Spay/Neuter clinics offer free spay/neuter procedures, rabies vaccinations, nail trims, microchips and more for $75 an animal. Other organizations, like the Humane Society of New York, will direct you to the best clinics for vet care.

Shop Online – Shopping online is your best bet when getting good deals on pet food. Not only won’t you have to lug large food bags back to your apartment, but you can subscribe to merchants like Petsmart for any online specials that include free samples. Try to buy in bulk to get your goods at the cheapest price. If you don’t mind spending a few extra bucks on food to prevent any future illnesses, buy a premium brand that is high in fiber.

For all of your pet’s medical needs, PetRX and 1800PetMeds both offer great discounts on routine or long-term medications. Be aware of any special discounts that these companies offer and see if you can benefit from being a loyal customer.

Hold Off On Treats – Pet treats can be expensive and aren’t always necessary. If your feline needs to shed a few pounds, cutting back on treats is a great way to help her lose weight and help put money back into your bank account. Keeping a bag of treats nearby for training purposes isn’t a crime, but your pet’s health will improve if you don’t throw them a treat more than once a day.

Play Time – Giving your pet a lot of exercise will also help prevent any unnecessary vet visits. Since they’re probably locked up in your apartment most of the day, take time to bring your pet to the park to release their energy. If you have toys that you keep around your house, try to limit your pet’s access to them so they won’t get bored and the toy will last longer. Be creative and make your own toys like toilet paper rolls tied to a string for cats.

Do Your Homework – Don’t be lazy when it comes to your pet care. There are plenty of resources online and in your local bookstore on how to take care of your pet. Teach yourself how to become an expert groomer, and be aware of any diseases your pet’s breed is at risk for. By doing your homework, you’ll become a more confident pet owner — and that change in attitude will certainly affect the relationship you have with Fido.