Ask the Readers: How Do You Save Money on Your Pets?
Editor's Note: Congratulations to Emily, Melissa Hansson, and KF for winning this week's contest!
Pets can put a huge strain on your budget. Between vet bills, training, food, and toys, pet owners can end up spending thousands on their pets each year. However, there are ways to reduce the cost of pets and make being a pet owner a more financially realistic possibility.
How do you save money on your pets? Do you train your dog on your own? Trim your cats nails? Make toys for your pets?
Tell us how you save money on your pets and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!
Win 1 of 3 $20 Amazon Gift Cards
We're doing three giveaways — one for random comments, one for random Facebook "Likes", and another one for random tweets.
Mandatory Entry:
- Post your answer in the comments below
For extra entries (1 per action):
- Go to our Facebook page, "Like" us, and leave a comment on this article telling us you did, or
- Tweet your answer. You have to be a follower of our @wisebread account. Include both "@wisebread" and "#WBAsk" in your tweet so we'll see it and count it. Leave a link to your tweet (click the timestamp for the individual URL) in a separate comment.
If you're inspired to write a whole blog post OR you have a photo on flickr to share, please link to it in the comments or tweet it.
Giveaway Rules:
- Contest ends Monday, September 17th at 11:59 pm Pacific. Winners will be announced after September 17th on the original post. Winners will also be contacted via email.
- You can enter all three drawings — once by leaving a comment, once by liking our Facebook update, and once by tweeting.
- This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered, or associated with Facebook.
- You must be 18 and US resident to enter. Void where prohibited.
Good Luck!
Disclaimer: The links and mentions on this site may be affiliate links. But they do not affect the actual opinions and recommendations of the authors.
Wise Bread is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
Save money??? No you have it all wrong, there is no saving with pets, impulse buys of cute pet things rules my trip to the pet store.
I don't have pets, therefore don't spend any money on them. Problem averted.
since my income has been drastically reduced, i've had to "re-think" alot of things i attempt...we had a wonderful dog a few years ago, he died when i refused to spend more on that poor animal (for a $4k operation that may or not have made a difference in his "quality of life")...during Brownie's life, we spent more on his vet visits than we spent on my own son's health...it's been 4 years since Brownie's death, so a coupla' months ago, we "rescued" B or Bianca...she had up-to-date shots, was neutered & has the "chip"...she was advertised as a Keeshond, but is brindle in coloring & is VERY smart...i love matching wits w/her & trying to retain my alpha "leader" stance...training
B to help me when i don't have the energy to complete a task is my eventual goal...but
recent loss of income puts B's training "on the back burner"...B is swiftly becoming a member of this family & i look forward to her first veterinary visit in a coupla' months...
b/c the cost may be prohibitive, but like any family member, up-to-date medical care is very important
I save money on pets by not having any. They seem too expensive.
We have unique pets - guinea pigs! So the types of supplies we need don't ever go on sale or have coupons. Luckily, we live near Texas Rustlers Guinea Pig Rescue (http://theguineapigrescue.com/), which has a store with heavily discounted guinea pig supplies, as well as dog and cat supplies! And, as a bonus, the profits go to support the rescue! I imagine similar organizations around the country have stores as well.
I clip my cats hair and toenails. I also mix very high quality food mixed with a slightly lower quality food.
I save money on my pets by feeding them higher quality food. Its much better for their health and therefore I spend less money on vet bills.
http://www.homevet.com/index.php/diet-discussion/item/315-an-excerpt-fro...
My furkids are my family and they deserve the best care. Most commercial pet foods dont provide that.
Having a sister who works at a vet's office really helps, but so does not being afraid to try new things with a cat. Thinking "oh, he's too finicky, he'll never go for that (new food, new litter, etc.)" would've cost me. I've been able to switch him to Feline Pine (free after rebate for a time) and back to his old litter and from the $30/bag ProPlan he ate at the shelter to $10/bag Target brand food.
I make my own pet toys, bedding and tags. I also buy food in bulk.
I clip my two English Springer Spaniels myself. Probably saves about $150 each time and I do it about 4 times a year. I also work for a vet, so I get employee discounts.
I buy the large dog frontline medication and use a tiny plastic syringe to the recommended dosage for my dog. The large dog is typically within the price range of all the other size dogs.
I give my dog my son's old stuffed animals as toys.
I buy pet store gift cards on discount to purchase her premium dog food at a discount. I also try to compound that with maybe a $5 off $25 coupon. I buy the dog food if it is ever on sale, it is usually good for a year in the bag. The last two times I bought dog food I bought 4 large bags at a discount and used it all before expiration. She goes through a bag every 2-3 months or so.
Can get chicken livers pretty cheap from the butcher.
I tweeted! https://mobile.twitter.com/monzanitas/status/245530932197601280
I like you on facebook!
I *never* buy toys for the cats - a paper bag, a box, a wad of paper or foil, a sturdy cord, a window to look out of - that's all the entertainment they ask for! Of course, if someone else buys catnip mice, we never say no... 8)
Where I *don't* skimp is food - dealing with 1 diabetic cat and 2 with kidney failure taught me to avoid the cheap stuff...
I make a lot of products that are expensive to buy. Doggie shampoo, etc. Toys are easy to make too.
I'm always on the lookout for cat and dog food coupons for the brands we use. I check the manufacturers websites and the weekly coupons that come in the mail. My family and friends will give me their pet food coupons and print them for me too. I love my furkids and looking for ways to save money on their food is second nature just like saving on my own food.
1) High quality food. I've found that Canidae is the most cost-effective high quality food for my dogs. Good food means healthy pups.
2) Homemade treats. Making your own doggy 'ice cream', Kong stuffing, etc. ensures quality control AND keeps the cost down.
3) Home grooming. Get you pets used to nail clipping, hair clippers, bathes, etc. as young as possible. Make it a fun game, with a super treat bonanza at the end.
4) Meds. In my area, we HAVE to keep dogs on flea and heartworm/parasite control year round. Carefully evaluate your options, and check online to see if they offer better prices than the vet.
Amazon, PetMedsDirect and a few others offer an additional discount if you sign up for an auto-ship option. Take advantage when practical.
Pets are expensive, that's why I don't have one!
Liked you on FB
I feed high quality home made food, groom them myself.
I feed high quality home made food, groom them myself. https://twitter.com/beskeie/status/245561780871507968
When I got my guinea pig, I adopted one that a family was giving away on Craigslist because they were moving. They gave me the guinea pig and for the cage, only charged half of what the pet store was charging. Adopting a pet someone wants to give away is a great way to save!
I recently rescued an abandoned pooch who was literally tied to a park bench and left in NYC. To save money, I:
1. Got him neutered at the Humane Society. It cost $75 compared to well over $300 at my vet.
2. Buy only DURABLE toys (e.g. Kong). I learned this one quickly, as although they're cute, he ripped through 5-6 squeaky animal toys.
3. Ask your local pet store (PetValu is a good one for me) for sample dog food so you're not only not wasting money on something he/she won't eat, but you're also getting free meals!
I try to get his food and doggie treats at the dollar store and I talk to the vet to get an estimate of how much his procedure and vet check ups are going to cost so that I can try to use cheaper treatment options
Our dog died last December, but before then we did all the grooming ourselves (he didn't need cuts), trimmed his nails and I shopped for pet food and treats with sales and coupons.
I like you on Facebook
First, my cat is worth every penny spent! He really doesn't cost too much. He is indoors only, so after his kitten shots, we've had no vet visits. I'm only spending on food and litter.
I responded on Twitter. https://mobile.twitter.com/#!/1bets1/status/245576798631510017
I trade volunteer services with the vet for shots, etc.
I like you on Facebook!
I buy dog food in bulk; saving a lot of money buying the 50 pound bad of dog food vs. (10) 5 lb. bags. Sometimes (during summer) I'll even shave him myself to save some dough. If I shave him short enough he never knows the difference!
I save money with my dog and two cats the same way that I do with myself. I feed them decent food, take them the vet yearly for wellness check-ups and vaccines (preventative medicine), and I buy things for them on sale and/or with coupons.
Have two small dogs, bathe and clip their toenails myself. Make their dog food, and dog biscuits. Pick up toys for them at goodwill, treats are carrot sticks and home made dog biscuits.
I purchase my pup's frontline and heartgard through my vet. Better prices than online.
I tweeted: https://twitter.com/islandsnoopy/status/245593581669203968
Sadly we can't afford the dogs we want right now and we're renting, so they aren't allowed. But my husband and I are saving for a house and pups!
Liked on Facebook! Thank you.
I save money by trying to keep my dog as healthy as possible. We also bought him from a rescue shelter.
Hm... I hang out with other people's pets, that's how!
I realize this answer might not fit the question exactly but, I think, the best way to save money on your pet is to first---never BUY a pet or companion. You would help everyone save money if you adopted a rescue animal. Shelters are so overcrowded and great. loving pet are having to be put down every day! So consider checking out sites online that will be able to find you a rescue. Even if you are looking for a specific breed only---with a little diligence you just might be able to find your "dream pet" in a shelter!
Thanks!
My loving passed away recently had her for 19 years. We saved money on her by keeping her on a steady diet which lowered our vet bills. Our dog LOVES squeaky toys and once he breaks the squeakers he is done. Luckily wal-mart sells some real cheap ones at .94 cents. So we stock up and give him a new one once a week instead of giving him one $8 toy from wal mart once a month.
I do all basic grooming care at home: nail clipping, ear cleaning, coat brushing. We bought all the initial equipment but we only had to pay once rather than the same cost over and over!
I have 2 cats and have been able to save money towards their dry food with rebates and free samples, which are available online all the time. I'm able to use my wonderful family to help take advantage of these free items. Science Diet 'Ideal Balance' is having a great mail in rebate (up to $12.00) until the end of the year, and thanks to some supportive friends and families, I have been able to get a few bags of cat food for free. Also, Target and Walmart have free samples of Purina every few months, so again, free samples add up if you know where to look to find them.
My pets are one area where I "splurge". Professional training was very important (they're adopted Jack Russell Terriers, so they have tons of energy, stubbornness, and some separation anxiety from being given up before. Their classes have helped tremendously!). I feed them quality food, make sure they get good veterinary care, and they need some toys to keep busy. I don't go overboard, but they're my babies, and I want them to live long, healthy, happy lives, so I don't cut corners when it comes to them.
Tweeted reply:
https://twitter.com/KelRo1/status/245643723499778049
Like you on FB.
For some reason, I can't find this post on Facebook. I do 'like' you on Facebook though!
We get all their shots for $6 each @ a local feed store where a vet visits once a month.
When chicken (or beef if cheap enough) is on sale for .49 LB. I buy 20-30LBs, cook & debone it..then put in pint size freezer bags, up in the freezer. Between this & a good dry dog food, i can feed out 2 large dogs for around $20 a month.
I use baby shampoo instead of high priced dog shampoo with great results.
I buy tennis balls & durable "toys" at yard sale or tie a knot in a piece of rope.
When winter comes & they start getting knots in their fur, i use drier sheets to rub them down each day (their coats knot up due to the static electricity in the air) and brush them more often rather than pay for expensive grooming.
I buy higher quality dog food (Buffalo Blue). I've noticed less visits to the vets this year for mysterious stomach issues since I've switched. Also, I bought pet insurance at the beginning of the year for my cat (Embrace Insurance) and it cost $500 for the year but that included teeth cleanings, one check up and %80 coverage of her vets bills. Even emergency.
We have been on doggie hiatus since our lab (Star) passed in 2007. We are grand puppy parents since May and I love buying the Chloe (another lab) toys. Oh yeah, we get to puppy sit too when Chloe's mommy and daddy go on vacation.
I have a dog and two cats. I save money on their food by using coupons. I buy toys for them at dollar stores.
I like you on Facebook (Elena Istomina)
tweet:
https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/245673184530153473
Frankly, the stuff most people buy are for them and not really for the animals. Dogs don't need a wardrobe of clothing. Cats don't need a hundred mice and balls. In fact, the best toys for a cat are a paper sack, a too small box, and a string dangled from a human hand, and/or another cat or cat friendly dog. Dogs would trade a thousand fancy leashes and collars for regular walks, gentle handling, and kind voices. I'm on a restricted income these days but my pets don't know it...they get their meals on schedule, and taken to the vet (I won't skimp on getting them reasonable medical care), but I don't buy a lot of stuff for them. My cat prefers an old, soft towel to a fancy blanket, and my dog prefers my bed to any I would buy for her. Keep it simple and you have a happy kitty or doggy. They want your love and attention...not stuff.
I rescued my baby girl at the humane society so she was 80 bucks instead of hundreds of dollars at a breeders. That also covered her first vet visit and shots (about 50) and her spaying (about 100). She eats cheaper food right now but I want to return her to Science Diet to ensure she lives a long healthy life and save on vet bills. I also don't have her professionally groomed anymore as she will take showers with me (7 for a bottle of shampoo which will last many sessions vs. 20+ on one grooming visit). I don't buy toys anymore as she'd rather go to the dog-park or be petted and snuggled by people. She actually saves me money as I don't worry about my home being broken into and don't need security systems! Because she does have chronic ear issues I did sign her up for a vet insurance plan through petsmart. I can now take her into the vet whenever I want for free, and I get a nice discount on medications or any surgeries she might need. It might be overkill for a lot of dogs but I find her insurance plan gives me piece of mind and saves me money in the long haul because I would do anything to keep her for as long as she has decent quality of life and is happy.
Spay and/or neuter to prevent additional costs of unwanted animals. Make your own toys by balling up paper for cats to chase around the house, or use an old ball to play fetch with Fido. Unless a vet prescribes specific pet food, purchase pet food on sale, but whatever you do don't give human scraps to pets-- chicken bones, hot dogs, etc. can get stuck in the animal's throat, and the vet bill or worse is too high a cost to pay.
Easy, don't have one! Just kidding. When we had a cat I bought him good quality food to save on vet bills long-term. Cheap pet food us penny-wise, pound-foolish. Same reason I don't feed myself garbage!
i don't have pets ;)
tweeted https://twitter.com/oshkoshbgosh321/status/245687597744152576
i like wisebread on facebook
I don't buy unnecessary toys, but I refuse to skimp on things like good food for them. You can only get the cheap/generic brand for certain things.
I buy my pets mess from online pharmacies. They are significantly cheaper than the vet. I also coupon and buy my dogs food when it's on sale. For instance target has iams on sale every few months and offer a gift card w purchase.
i order our dog food from amazon to save $!
https://twitter.com/DesMoinesDealin/status/245715530269487104
i like on facebook!
We opted for a Beta Fish. Goodness, they only require about $7 food a year and maybe 25 cents worth of water a year.
-Adopt! :) Most adoption fees include spay and neuter, first round of shots/or an initial vet visit
-while we take our dog to the regular vet for major things, we take her to a low cost nonprofit clinic for shots and tests, we got four tests for less than the cost of one heartworms screen at our other vet
-Old baby blankets from the thrift store easy to wash bedding (little dogs)
-clip nails/brush teeth/bath at home.
-a dog is also a great personal trainer, so nix the gym fees and go for a walk with your pal! :)
I saved money on my dog's neutering by using the humane society.
I like your Facebook page with my username Mary Happymommy.
I save money by buying in bulk for food and other supplies.
One big way that vets make money is by selling medications directly to you from their office (at a huge markup). However, many (not all) medicines (especially antibiotics) are exactly the same as those for people. So, a way to save money is to ask the vet politely whether the medicine can also be found in a regular pharmacy. Last time we were at the vet, my dog needed antibiotics (cephalexin); they were going to charge me $140 for it there, but I got her to write me a prescription, took it to Walmart, and had it filled for $10 (it's a generic antibiotic). We've saved hundreds of dollars over the years by doing this.
When we decided to keep pets we actually (briefly) discussed costs. Due to my allergies we couldn't have dogs or cats, however we chose to keep freshwater fish rather than saltwater because of the cost differences. We order our food, water treatment and filters in bulk from an internet warehouse at a savings of almost 60% over local pet stores. My DH has built several tanks - those he didn't build we bought from a commercial aquarium builder in state (saving money buying direct and picking up ourselves instead of shipping which is pricey.) We intentionally looked at the types of fish to get some that were visually appealing as well as hardy and "played well" with other fish we selected. The fish stock primarily was ordered from a commercial breeder and shipped in with guarantees on health and survival for a week.
I have a new puppy that's 15 weeks old. Already I have discovered that chain pet stores are WAY more expensive in terms of pet toys, collars, crates, and the like than superstores like Target and Wal-Mart. While I do spend more money on higher quality dog food purchased at the chain pet stores, dog bowls, collars, etc. will continue to be purchased at superstores to avoid the unecessary mark-up.
Also, I've found that my pup likes a variety of things to play with. Thus, I purchased 5 or so "dog toys" and occassionally let her play with an empty soda-bottle or cardboard box (supervised) for something new and different. I've also found that tying old socks together make a great alternative to a rope.
We do not pay for dog training and do it ourselves. It just takes a little time, consistency, and at times, a reliable search engine.
So far one of the biggest ways to save money is to set a montly budget. Figure out how much your dog eats a month, how much vet bills will likely cost per year, and set yourself a reasonable budget. If you're a new pet owner, you're going to have to tweak it until your purchases stabilize.
I take them for walks every day. It keeps them happy and healthy (which leads to less vet visits)!
I save money on pets by not having any (at the moment!). My roommate has a cat, which is great for me because I get all the love and entertainment without the cost!
We have various pets including mammals and reptiles. For the dogs and cats; we do the grooming and cut their nails. We take them to the vet for their annual checkups and vaccinations, and we try to keep them as healthy as can be with preventative measures. They exercise on a regular basis, are not over weight, and we feed them a good quality kibble.
As for the reptiles; we raise their own feeders so we don't have to purchase them. We have their lights on a timer and we give them our leftover greens to supplement their diet.
I had to cut out the Pet Insurance when it became obvious I was paying for something with no benefit - only $55 covered from an over $300 visit? I wasn't going to pay $40 a month for that privilege anymore... And since our bills and income have gotten worse, we have to comparison shop for food. Overall, though, my awesome Husky hasn't been terribly expensive or difficult - she eats dry food, is OK with a sitter or boarding at the vet instead of a "pet hotel" when we're out of town, and has not had much in the way of medical issues.
while i would love to spend tons of money on my cat, it's just not feasible. i make sure i get the club cards for the stores we shop at (both petco & petsmart) and try to use the coupons they send out (but only when it's things he really needs!). his nails are clipped at home and we make sure to keep up w/his grooming by brushing him & using spray on shampoo, so that's not a cost. also, for items the vet recommends, i look around online to find it for the cheapest price instead of buying it directly from there, as it's always much pricier at their office!
As the owner of three dogs -- a Cocker, a Beagle and a Foxhound -- the main way I save money is buying good quality dog food in volume at places like Costco. I train them myself, exercise them a lot to keep them active and healthy. I give them baths and trim their nails, and make sure they are all up to date on vaccinations. They all get regular preventive care at the vet. I feed my dogs just enough to keep them happy and healthy, but am careful not to overfeed them, a common problem with animal lovers who equate good care with giving them too much food, which can lead to overweight and disease. By just slightly underfeeding a dog, you can make up for it with healthful treats throughout the day, as long as the dogs do something to earn it. Dogs bring a lot of joy into your life.
I chose a dog I could groom myself. She' s s rescue pup with short hair. I trained her using YouTube videos for guidance and advice. She is a great companion,walking pal and guardian. Pets aren't free but I am happier with them than without them and my happiness is important. It's a win, win at our house.
My husband and I have 2 dogs and 10 cats. Other than getting them all fixed (so there are no more puppies or kittens coming!), we buy our clumping cat litter at Krogers for 40 pounds for $10. It is the cheapest litter that I have found out there. We also feed our pets high quality foods to avoid illness and vet visits.
We stay out of pet stores, everything is overpriced. We buy dog food at a local feed store in huge bags. It costs more up front compared to buying 20lb bags at a grocery store, but you get more for the money. My mother in law is an equestrian trainer, and when the vet makes a house call to check out the horses we bring our dogs by to be seen for vaccines. Country vets offer the same services but don't charge as much as vets with fancy offices.
I have 4 large dogs (between 70 and 100 pounds) and we do all of our grooming ourselves (luckily 3 have short hair).
I feed them a high quality dry food, but I also supplement with whole chickens deboned & bought on sale for less than a buck a pound, white rice and vegetables from our garden. I cook up a crockpot full of chicken with no seasoning and divide it into feedings and store in Ziplock bags in the freezer until I need it. That way I don't have to cook for them every day, I just make the rice, reheat the chicken and add veggies. This cuts down on their yard waste because their bodies absorb more nutrients = less poop. As long as I get the chicken on sale, it is actually cheaper to feed them fresh food versus commercially manufactured dog food. I feed them dry food once a day to help keep their teeth clean and to make sure they are getting the nutrients they need. They don't have a lot of toys because they have plenty of playmates and are walked daily.
we have always taken our four legged family members to "discount" vets, we are now using Vetco and are extremely happy with them. they do their services at places like Petco. we had our dogs shots, heartworm test and heartworm meds purchased for a total of $98... for what we had done it would have easily been double at the vet.
i also buy treats at the dollar store, i dont believe the products are that much different from what u would pay at pet stores or even walmart. i also cut their nails, they may not like it, but eventually they just say "ok, this isnt fun but ok" - it beats paying $10 - $15 at a groomer or the vet.
all of our dogs have had nice loving long lives with us. of course, if there is something seriously going on we take them to the vet, and even there, i have bartered with the price, especially meds (since alot of the meds are for humans anyway) - you can take a vets prescription and have it filled at a pharmacy.
i got dogs with short hair that way i dont have to pay for grooming and instead of buying expensive treats i give carrotts or vegetables.
I have saved money and vet visits on my 3 dogs (Am Staff,Black and Tan Hound and Mini Schnauzer) by making sure Their Rabies vax are 3 year and all other vax are now in the 3-7 year protocol period-also feed the best organic/natural food I can afford and avoid any treats or foods with artificial colors or flavors-also split one can of sardines in water 2x each month and give raw marrow bones 2x each month-bathe 4x a year or as needed and give vinegar/water rinse to keep fleas and mosquitoes away
we take our cats to the weekend clinic at pet stores to get their shots. Much cheaper than the vets.
I save the most money by grooming at home. A small investment in an assortment of brushes and nail clippers can save an enormous amount of money over time.
I also save money by using my own homemade pet shampoo, there are lots of recipes on the internet that are easy to make and affordable.
Buy my dog food when the supply place is having a % off everything sale. Groom my own dogs, including brushing teeth (Dawn dish detergent is a better choice than human shampoo, btw). Barter for free training.
How do we save money on our pet? Easy! I've worked in shelters and money is always tight in no kill shelters.
Saving with a vet: First, Keep them healthy and they won't need one, all the dogs and cats and even birds we have ever had always ate a healthy diet. Apple cider vinegar does wonders for them (even birds), a small splash in their daily water and it balances their PH, keeps them energetic and also keeps fleas and ticks at bay since they hate healthy flesh..Just 1 splash! Forget dog food its bad for them and it gets expensive, buy a small tub of chicken liver (cheap) and some brocolli and carrots. If you want look up a natural balanced diet for a dog (or cat) and steam it up and put it in a food processor. They only need a small amount and you can freeze the rest. If you really need a vet see if your local shelters vet can check your pet for a donation, cheaper than a clinic.
In the wild animals don't go to a store and buy their entertainment, animals are very simple! roll up a sock and play catch, teach them new tricks (they loove that), most of all just take them out fequently (yes even cats!) and give them lots of love and cuddles and you'll see that the way that modern sociaty has taught you to raise a pet is not necessary. They don't need trendy clothes, expensive toys, and dry manufactured food. If you want to give them all of that.. make it yourself, its cheap and easy!
When it is summer, making cheap nutritious dog treats that cool them down. For example, Mixing no-sugar added peanut butter, brown banana, and fish oil and stuffing it inside of her toy KONG and freezing it. She LOVES it.
I don't have any pets!
I take my dog to the grooming school where he gets reduced haircuts and I take him to the vaccine clinic at the vets where the vaccines are 1/2 priced. I like you on facebook.