Owning pets can leave you with a lovely mess…. of bills! Between visits to the veterinarian and purchasing different pet care products, owning a pet can be expensive. Luckily there are a number of ways you can reduce these pet expenses and avoid credit card debt.
Here are some tips to manage pet expenses – and avoid debt.
How to Save Money on Pet Expenses
Do you have a pet budget?
Bringing a pet home is a way of expanding your family. While you likely have your groceries, gas and other daily expenses accounted for in your budget, it is important that you take note of how much you spend on your pet and make it part of your household budget. This way you will be mindful of how much you’re spending and you will be able to keep yourself from going overboard with all those cute toys for your pet.
Watch out for all that they eat!
Most often you will find your pet eating and playing with everything from boxes, elastics, shoes and the list goes on. If by accident they do swallow any of these, a surgery to remove something like that can cost over $400.00! So do your pet and yourself a favor and keep an eye out for anything that could be potentially harmful to your pet to avoid the big pet expenses.
Opt for practical vs fashionable
Pet accessories such as leashes and collars come in different colors, shapes, and prices. However, your requirement is to have a well-made collar, an ID tag, and a comfortable leash. Try to avoid the fancier options and stick with the basics to save some money. This will help you stay on budget.
Pets need toys to play with, but they don’t necessarily have to be expensive. You can DIY some of your own toys and maybe once in a while, you can get your pet a store bought toy too.
Learn to groom your pet at home
Pet grooming is an essential part of your pet’s life, but it can become extremely expensive. It is really not that hard to perform a few of those tasks yourself. You can get started by learning how to groom your pet.
Pet-sitting swaps instead of kennels
There might be times that you have to go away and leave your pet behind. And when you do, doggy day care can cost you a small fortune upon your return. Make sure you check with your family and friends to see if they can pet sit while you are away. You can talk to a friend and arrange a pet sitting swap. The next time they are not around, it is your turn to take care of their pet. You can also try using online resources like PetsWelcome.com and PetsCanStay.com to find pet-friendly accommodations.
Keep your pets healthy
Avoiding frequent trips to your veterinarian is a big money saver for pet expenses. However, in order for you to do that, you need to make sure that you keep your pet healthy by taking them on regular walks, feeding them just the right amount of food, keeping up-to-date on preventative care, and attending regular physicals. The best way to keep from paying large medical bills is to keep your pet protected against diseases that will be costly to treat.
As much as pets can cost you money, having a pet can have many perks too. For example, they can help decrease stress and blood pressure. Animals help keep your mind occupied on them rather than the everyday stresses in your life. They also encourage you to exercise because they need to exercise as well. They even can help you meet new people. If you have any other suggestions on ways to save money on pets, please leave a comment about it.
If you’re struggling to pay off debt, ACCC can help. Schedule a free credit counseling session with us today.
