If I could have it my way I would probably end up with two farms and a ranch, I just love animals. We have 4 dogs, 3 cats, and 10 ducks. Everyone knows my husband, and I are suckers when it comes to animals needing a home. I could not live with myself knowing a dog is going to a shelter, and will likely be put to sleep. That’s how we ended up with all of our dogs; even Skittles over 10 years ago came to live with me because he was sick, and the owners did not want to care for him. We love our animals, but we have had to find ways to save money on pets because things can quickly get out of hand.
Thankfully, there are many ways to save money on your pet. Here are a few ways we save money on our pets. I hope they help because animals are such a joy, and worth all the effort.
Yearly Visits to the Vet
It is important for pets to stay up to date with blood work, and anything else your vet thinks is necessary to be sure your pet is happy and healthy. The most cost-effective way to deal with visits to the vet is to try to catch things before they are serious. It is also better for your pet, the sooner you find out that something is wrong, the better it is for everyone involved. Preventive care is the best way to product both you and your pet.
Vaccines
One of the best ways to avoid a massive bill from the vet is to keep up with vaccines. Not only will this help you save money on your pet, but also you will be protecting your companion from dangerous diseases.
No more babies
If you want to budget one of the best things you can do to save money on your pet is get them spayed or neutered. There are so many great pets looking for loving homes.
Budget, Budget, Budget
How you go about creating your budget is entirely up to you. Add your pet’s budget to your current household budget, or start a whole new one. I find it easier to keep everything together. You are going to want to know how much you are spending each month on your pet. Take note of everything you spend on your pet(s) for an entire month – pet food, vet visits, necessities, and extras. Having a budget can help you become more mindful of how much you are spending each visit to the store, and help you save money on your pet, rather than going overboard. Plus it will help you see where you can cut back costs to save money on your pet.
Grooming
Grooming your pet is important; spend some time learning about your pets grooming needs. You can do several techniques from home, rather than pay groomers. Spend some time learning how to groom your pet from home, and you will indeed save a little money.
Exercise
Animals need exercise, if you are able to walk them the less likely, they are to have behavioral issues, and be healthier.
Affordable pet care products
Purchase affordable pet care items like – colors, leashes, food and water bowls, dog treats, cat treats, and anything else you need to buy your pets.
If you are looking for items for your pet that are affordable, you might want to swing by Dollar General and check out the EverPet Brand. Whether it’s a food bowl or something for your new puppy you might be able to find just what you are looking for at Dollar General.
To be honest, I had never looked at the pet section of Dollar General until a few weeks ago, and I was impressed. They have an excellent selection for you to choose form, and their EverPet brand has everything from dog treats, wet/dry dog, and cat food to cat/dog toys, bowls, and more. It’s also very affordable, and the cat toy we purchased is extremely durable. Between three cats, and four children it’s managed to last more than a few days. Trust me, if it can last in my house longer than two days in my house, it’s durable.
We have both dogs and cats, sure, I love our cats, but I am a dog person. I have always had a dog by my side because they are loyal, understanding, forgiving, smart, and loving. Pretty much, everything you best friends should be, lol. I can tell Skittles all my secrets, and never have to worry about anyone else finding out. Now, that is a real friend. Even if he could talk, I know he would not tell.
I give my dogs treats now, and then, the last thing I need is spoiled dogs who refuse to eat, lol. However, Noodles and Trip have been getting a few extra treats recently for a job well done. We have been hard at work in the manner department. They are obedient, but they have recently grown up physically, but not mentally, lol. Yes, we have been working on being calm when indoors. When they are good and do what we ask, they get a treat.
I purchased a few different kinds of dog treats from Dollar General, such as the EverPet Wavy Bacon Dog Treats, Beefy Stick Dog Treats, Steak Snack Dog Treats, Mini Dogs Dog Treats, and a Sweet Potato Dog Treat that the dogs thought were yummy. I honestly do not believe my dogs had a favorite treat, but I know they had an ideal time with the treats. My three-year-old daughter, Mattie decided she wanted to give the dogs all the treats! While I was in the restroom, she did just that.
Oh, well the kitty cats, on the other hand, had a favorite, that’s for sure. They loved the cat toy; it has this little mouse character on a string, similar to a fishing pole.
To be honest, I am not sure who was more excited about the cat toy, my youngest daughter or the cats. Mattie had been asking me to purchase something very similar to this for the cats every time we end up in the pet section of the store.
Either way, the cats, and Mattie love their new toy. The cats love to chance it, and Mattie loves to run with it and drag it across the floor while the cats chase after her.
I know you are thinking, WOW that is one LONG cat, lol. She is our kitty Toothless and is jumping after that darn mouse on a fishing pole toy, lol. I told you they love that darn toy!
How are you currently saving money on your pets?
