Money Saving Tips

Saving Money on Pets and Pet Supplies

More money saving tips? Yes! I don't know anyone who isn't interested in saving money. Well, maybe there are a few spendthrifts with endless bank accounts out there. But, even those fortunate enough to be in that position should be using their money wisely and saving money whenever possible.

When you decide to enter the realistic world of budgeting, and living within your income, you'll find that each and every purchase requires some thought and consideration. It's no different when it comes to the beloved family pet.

The money saving tips in the following article can help you make an informed decision about getting a pet or, meet your current pet's needs on a tight budget. Is your pet begging for a slice of your budget pie?

How Much Is that Doggy in the Window?

Probably too much if you have to ask. Right? Reality is, that pet will cost more than the price in the window.

Your pet will, or has already, become like one of the family with needs and expenses like every other family member. When we commit to pet ownership we make a commitment to love and care for them. However, when finances get tight, pet needs can be one of the first expenses to get put on the back burner. Depending on what kind of pet your have, expenses can really take a bite out your personal budget.

If you're thinking of acquiring a pet, don't do it if you can't afford to take care of it. Unless, the poor thing is found lurking outside your backdoor, looking up at you with starving eyes, and now has worked it's way into your heart. You're stuck with it after that, trust me. If you're serious about getting a pet, and you've analyzed your budget to ensure that you can handle the extra expenses, then by all means go for it. Here are some expenses you might incur and some money saving tips to help reduce them.

Supplies: You'll need supplies or tools for feeding, cleaning, housing and possibly walking at the very least. How expensive these supplies will be depends on your choice of pet, your willingness or creativity in recycling goods and, in some cases, your environment and/or location.
Money saving tips: Recycle whenever possible. For example: Use old bowls, buckets, etc for pet dishes. Our pets doghouse is an old child's playhouse that the kids have outgrown.
Recycle fabrics to make your own pet bedding.

Veterinary: I assure you that saving money on veterinary expenses will be your main goal once you pay that first vet bill! It can't hurt to check out pet insurance if you have a high maintenance pet. Be sure to analyze cost of insurance, coverage, necessity, and actual savings before making a decision.
For dogs and cats, you can get required rabies vaccine for free, or a small donation, at your local shelter. Some locations may warrant additional vaccines (i.e. lyme disease). Puppies will require a regular vaccination schedule, similar to the process children go through, to ward off various known fatal diseases. Call a local veterinarian to get some idea what is required and how much it will cost.
Money Saving Tips: Does your veterinarian need a service or product that you can supply? Don't forget your bartering leverage.
If you live near a veterinary school, or college that offers studies in vet medicine, you should check to see if they have a pet clinic. You could get services for a reduced rate.

Maintenance Medications: Some pets require preventative medications. This could depend on your location and type of pet. Ask you local vet what medications may be important for your location. Try to get some idea how much you will have to include in your monthly budget. Also, inquire about ways to save money on services and medications.
Money Saving Tips: Sometimes pet pharmaceutical companies run discount campaigns available at your vet office.
Check all resources for best pricing on pet medications, including online supply shops.

Pest Control: Flea control can be a big issue with dogs and cats especially. The cost of ridding your home and pet of fleas will far out weight the cost of preventative medicines. I highly recommend you invest in preventative flea and tick control if they are a problem in your area. Read the instructions on the medication. Veterinarians will almost always tell you to use monthly. If you read the instructions you will see that in some cases you may only need to apply every 2 to 3 months. This could mean substantial savings.
Money Saving Tips: Pests (ie. ants!) getting in the pet's food dish? Try placing a metal pie plate under the dish, fill with at least 1/2 water and creeping crawly pests will be deterred.
Ear mites can be wiped out and itching relieved using a cotton ball dipped in 1 teaspoon of baking soda mixed with 1 cup warm water.

Boarding: If you travel often or enjoy a yearly vacation, you'll want to consider the costs of traveling with your pet or boarding your pet. Both options can be expensive. Many travel accommodations require extra funding for the inclusion of pets. Some locations will not even consider housing animals. Inquire about fees at local boarding kennels to get the best rates.
Money Saving Tips: Saving money by choosing a pet-sitter, with good references, could be an option. Check local newspapers, phone books, and veterinary bulletin boards for contacts.

Acquiring A Pet: How much is that doggy in the window, again? Truth of the matter is, you can acquire a nice pet at your local animal shelter for much less. The animals have had complete check ups, de-bugged, and vaccinated before they are offered for adoption. In most cases, you will have to pay a fee to cover licensing, vaccinations, and neutering or spaying of the animal. If you find a pet that was neutered or spayed before arriving at the shelter, you can save money. Fees are only charged for services the shelter has provided. Not a bad deal. I paid under $20 to acquire our family dog a few years ago.

Visit our money saving tips directory here - Save money everyday on everything you do and buy!

More Pet Money Saving Tips and Tidbits

Boarding
If you're traveling, opt for a pet sitter to come into your home or take your pet to their home. You'll save loads of money as compared to the alternative boarding kennel.

Medication
Always read maintenance medicine instructions carefully to see what application schedules apply to your location.

Frugal Shopping Strategies
Use sale, coupons, discounts, or a combination of savings strategies whenever possible to reduce costs for pet supplies.

Veterinary money saving tips
Ask for multiple pet discounts from your veterinarian if it applies.

Kitty Litter Savings
Save, using bargain brand litter products instead of expensive deodorizing litter. Spread a thin layer of baking soda under bargain litter to deodorize. Or, mix in with bargain litter while changing.

Doggy Deodorizer
Sprinkle baking soda on your doggy and brush it through hair to deodorize your doggy.

Flea Control money saving tips
Add the juice of 4-5 lemons and lemon rinds to 1/2 gallon water and wash floors with the mixture. Your guests will love the lemony fresh smell but the fleas won't!

Spice up your dog or cat's water dish with 1 teaspoon of Apple Cider Vinegar. You'll be giving them needed nutrients, adding shine to their coat, and deterring fleas at the same time.

Spray a solution of equal parts vinegar and water directly on your dog's coat and rub in for natural flea prevention.

De-Skunking
Deskunk a dog by rubbing with tomatoe juice. Let sit for a few minutes. The acid in the tomatoe juice will nuetralize the smell. Bathe as usual and repeat over the next few days if necessary.

Cleaning money saving tips
Cat hair from upholstery: Put on a rubber glove, wet slightly, and run across upholstery to pick up cat hairs easily.