Guest Post by Kelly Austin
Owning a pet can be very expensive, yet it doesn’t always have to be. Despite what many people think, becoming a frugal pet owner is possible and can be accomplished without jeopardizing your pet’s health or safety in the process. From preparing your pet’s food yourself to grooming your pet yourself, there are many ways an individual can go about being a frugal pet owner.
Prepare your pet’s food yourself
Pet food can be extremely costly. If you want to reduce the amount of money you spend on your pet’s food, why not make your pet’s food yourself? Not only is preparing your pet’s food an inexpensive way to keep your pet fed, but it’s also a great way to control what your pet consumes. Many pet foods on the market have been known to contain harmful ingredients. Before you prepare your pet’s food yourself, consult with your pet’s veterinarian first as many human foods can’t be properly consumed by animals.
Cut your pet’s medical expenses
Shop for your pet’s medications online. Pet medicines sold online are often priced less than what veterinarian’s charge. If you want to cut additional veterinary costs, call multiple veterinarian offices in your area and get estimates of what each charges to see clients beforehand. Take your pet to the veterinarian that offers the lowest examination fees. If you need to get your pet spayed or neutered, visit your local humane society to see if they offer discounted spay or neuter certificates. Some humane societies even offer discounted rabies shots or vaccinations.
Use coupons
If you’re spending an outrageous amount of money on your pet’s basic necessity items, stop. Unbeknownst to many people, popular pet foods and medications can be bought at a discounted price with the use of coupons. You can find pet coupons online or in your local newspaper.
Request free product samples from high-profile pet industries
Did you know that some high-profile pet industries regularly provide free samples of their products to consumers, free of charge? If you want to get your hands on a few product samples from established pet industries, contact the industry and express your desire to receive a sample of their product.
Groom your pet yourself
Taking your pet to a professional groomer can be very expensive. If you want to cut costs, why not bathe, clean, trim or brush your pet yourself. Not only will you save a substantial amount of money by grooming your pet yourself, but you’ll also end up saving plenty of time as well.
Owning a pet can put a major dent in your wallet. If you want to cut costs, consider implementing the above frugal pet ownership tips into your lifestyle today.
This article was written by Kelly Austin from HigherSalary.com. Visit her site for information about the average medical assistant salary and pay information for other popular careers.
Are you interested in guest posting on Family Friendly Frugality? Please email me heather @ familyfriendlyfrugality.com
I get my puppy’s pet food at Costco! It’s so much cheaper than the other brands, and it actually gets an excellent rating in terms of its ingredients.
Although price shopping veterinary care is possible, be careful not to just pick the lowest price. Would you pick the lowest price doctor for yourself?? Ask careful questions, find a facility you are comfortable with and be sure you are comparing apples to apples. Sometimes bottom basement veterinary fees are no bargain!!
Mrs H, Costco actually has really high quality items I’ve heard!
Stacie, you are exactly right!
Linked through here through Wisebread.com so I’m a little late to the party. I just want to point out that I checked out Triumph brand dog food at Costco.com and it is definitely not high quality food. I would never feed that too my dog.
I have seven dogs, most of them were rescued from cruel, inhumane treatment. I cook their food myself, making sure to exclude stuff that is unfit for canine consumption. I would never have been able to afford my dogs if I’d had to buy pet food from the shops, My dogs are all very healthy and happy. Although they do not have a royal, regal life, they have food, a home, care and the love they deserve.
Aww, sounds like you have a lot of puppy love in your household!