Ways To Save On Your Pet

Pets-dogs, cats, birds, fish-are wonderful additions to the family. They are loyal, fun, and can teach children a lot about responsibility and caring for something outside themselves. On the down side, pets can cost a fortune by the time they're neutered, vet-checked, clipped, fed and dressed. So can you even afford a pet?

The question is a good one to begin with-is the cost of a pet within your budget. It might not be, and that's a hard reality. But what you might be able to afford is to adopt a pet. With so many pets needing good homes and loving caretakers, and shelters overrun with trying to care for them all, you may be able to adopt a pet-sometimes for a long time. And most shelters will still pick up the costs of feeding, grooming, and caring for the animal in exchange for you providing a loving family environment.

If you can afford a pet, watch those vet bills, and be sure you need to see the vet at all. These days many of the services you might pay for a vet to give you-like pills-you can get much cheaper online. Your vet only needs to supply a prescription (the same way your family doctor might give you one) and you can price shop online to get the best price.

Watch pet clothes. They can add up more quickly than the ones your kids wear. And even though it seems adorable to put them in shirts and sweaters and booties, most animals are generally equipped to handle the weather.

Buy pet food at outlets, or make your own. By going online and googling your favorite pet, you'll discover that many people prepare their own food-and really cheaply. Or, make your purchases as discount outlets. Avoid the grocery store, though, where prices are often double what you'll pay at the outlet.

Beware the pet toys. Some toys are just too expensive. Your puppy will likely be just as happy banging around an empty plastic container (be sure it's clean) as very costly chew toys. For other toys, consider going to your local second hand shop where you can pick them up for pennies. But the best plaything you can give your pet is your company and affection-and you can provide that for free.

Pets can add a whole new dimension to your life, but make sure they don't also add a whole new line item to your budget.