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MyspaceWith our economy in crisis and soaring food and gas prices, most everyone is trying to cut their costs, and pet care is no exception. Several Pet Chat readers have written to me asking for advice on saving money on pet care. Here are 10 simple things you can do:
Instead of going to a breeder or a pet store, adopt!
If your family has decided to get a pet, start off the right way — adopt. Not only will adopting a pet save you loads of money, you will help make a dent in the millions of homeless animals just waiting to find a loving home. Even if you want a purebred, studies show that 30 percent of shelter animals are purebred. If you don’t see what you’re looking for at your local animal shelter, you can go online. Visit petfinder.com, and you can search for an animal based on breed, size, age and gender.
Spay or neuter your pet.
Spaying (for females) or neutering (for males) will save you money in the long run. Neutering male dogs and cats lowers the risk of testicular tumors or prostate problems, both of which result in costly veterinary care. Spaying female dogs and cats greatly reduces their chances of developing mammary, ovarian, or uterine cancers, all of which are very expensive to treat. Spayed and neutered pets are also less likely to slip out of the house or yard to find mates. Each year, thousands of roaming animals in search of mates are hit by cars or are attacked by other animals. If they survive these accidents, the vet bills will pile up quickly. You can also check your local humane society for discounts on spaying and neutering.
Keep your pet healthy and fit.
Extra pounds on your pet will increase the likelihood of problems such as arthritis, diabetes, and cancer, all of which result in expensive veterinary care. Pets are overweight for the same reason many people are overweight — too many calories consumed and not enough exercise. Talk to your veterinarian about reducing the amount of food your pet consumes. You will also want to keep treats to a minimum. Of course you will need to increase exercise, for both your overweight dog and cat.
Fire your expensive dog walker, and hire your neighbor’s child to walk your dog.
Experts say that dogs should be walked twice a day, for a minimum of 30 minutes. Understandably, not everyone has time for this and that’s where dog walkers come in. But instead of hiring an expensive dog walker, see if there is a responsible teen in your neighborhood that can walk your dog instead. Not only will your dog get the much needed exercise, but the teen will as well. Plus it will teach him or her responsibility and love of animals. And best of all, the teen won’t charge as much as your professional dog walker!
Learn to do things yourself.
Next time you have your pet’s nails trimmed professionally, ask if you can watch. It’s a simple procedure once you see how it’s done, and you can start doing it yourself. You should also learn to brush your pet’s teeth to lengthen the time between expensive cleanings at the vet’s office. If you are ambitious, you can learn to groom your pet yourself, saving loads of money at the groomers.
Prevent accidents.
Keeping your cat inside and your dog on a leash will help keep them out of trouble outdoors. But many pets have accidents indoors as well. Make sure your home is pet-proofed and hazards are out of reach. For more information on dangers in the home, such as poisonous plants and foods, read a previous Pet Chat column on protecting your pet from household dangers.
Save money at the vet.
Prevention is key when it comes to saving money at the vet. Annual wellness exams can catch small problems before they turn into big issues, so skipping exams won’t save you money in the long run. Also, talk to your veterinarian about tri-annual vaccines in lieu of annual ones. Many vaccines, especially for cats, don’t have to be given every year particularly if your cat stays indoors. You should also ask your veterinarian about ordering certain costly medications for your pet online through 1(800) PETMEDS. For more information, visit: http://www.1800petmeds.com
Shop wisely.
When it comes to buying food for your pet, the more you can buy in bulk, the more you save. If a big bag is too much for your dog or cat, consider splitting the bag up between other pet owners that feed the same food. You should also check your Sunday paper for discounts on pet products at places such as Pet Smart and Petco. If you aren’t already members at these stores, consider applying. As a member, you will be eligible for discounts when available.
Keep pet sitting between friends.
Instead of hiring a pet sitter when you’re out of town, trade services with another pet owner. If you don’t have a friend with a pet, you could exchange services. If you are an accountant, for example, offer to do your friend’s taxes in exchange for pet sitting services. Get creative!
Consider pet insurance.
There are many different types of pet insurance on the market, and depending on your pet, it may be beneficial. When I managed the Michigan Humane Society in Detroit, the most popular insurance was Sheltercare. The pet owners who found this coverage most rewarding were those who had puppies or outdoor cats, as most plans cover accidents such as foreign body ingestion and motor vehicle accidents. To read a previous Pet Chat column on pet insurance click here.
Start the New Year out right by keeping your pet healthy and happy while saving money!
Adoptable Pets of the Week
Katie
Previous Month
Comments
As a breed rescuer of nearly 40 years, I beg to differ with the allegation that 30% of shelter pets are purebreds. The reality is nowhere near that, and I'd like to see the source of this allegation.
Blaming breeders for pets in shelters is also inaccurate. The animals in shelters are there due to a variety of reasons; lack of training, lack of commitment, landlord discrimination, the economy, death, divorce, birth of a baby, new spouse doesn't like the dog. Again; decades in rescue have given me a very clear window into this particular reality.
None of this is as sexy or politically correct as bashing those folks who breed dogs. It feels good to blame someone. Breeders are the current villains as designated by various radical animal rights militant organizations who have millions in donation dollars at their disposal with which to run nonstop commercials on TV and print ads in the papers. Money which does NOT go to your local shelter or rescuer, by the way. Much of which also goes to the bloated salaries and pensions of the folks running these organizations. NOT to the shelter. NOT to rescuers. Advertising, indoctrination, salaries, pensions. All public information.
Whether you buy your pet at a shelter, from a rescue or a breeder is irrelevant. One is not "better" than the other, language and special terminology notwithstanding. One may be more politically correct than the other, but the fact remains that you have an obligation to obtain the RIGHT pet for your family, and not to be guilted into purchasing from a shelter or rescue because someone told you to.
Do your homework, make sure that big boisterous Lab really IS the right dog for your family and that you have the time for him and will commit to him for the rest of his life. The right dog might be something smaller, or more quiet, or a female. Do your homework. Know what you are getting and why.
Deal only with breeders, shelters & rescuers who are actually involved in the process, who get to know you, who are there for you, who carefully screen you, your references and your family, who do a home check, & who will be there for you and that dog for the rest of his life, no questions asked.
Holly (anonymous profile)
January 9, 2012 at 1:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Additionally, surgical de-sexing does not correct issues caused by lack of supervision and training. Removing body parts doesn't fix your flimsy fence, or stop your dog from soiling in the house. You have to put the time into the dog and forge/maintain a string relationship with her/him. Surgery is not a "quick-fix" (pun intended) for these problems. Surgical de-sexing IS surgery, there ARE risks and there can be complications. Be informed, and run far & fast from any vet who pooh-poohs your questions/concerns. There is no such thing as "routine" surgery. Again, do your homework.
Breed, age, gender, place of origin, surgery. Know for yourself what is true, and what applies to your situation. Get to know home hobby breeders, private rescuers, and your local shelter. If you are thinking of a purebred, go to www.AKC.org and research the breeds there. Get in touch with the Parent Club of the breed you're interested in. Ask for information and a list of breeders and also their rescue list. If the dog you buy doesn't have to be purebred, check out the local shelter and also all-breed rescue groups.
There is a pet for everyone, but you need to put forth effort to make that relationship last and be a happy one for all involved.
Holly (anonymous profile)
January 9, 2012 at 1:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)