Lowering Your Pet Care Costs

Lowering Your Pet Care Costs 

The economy is rough and most everyone I know are cutting costs. Just this past week a friend asked me what he could do to save money on pet care costs. It seems the alternative to saving money for some people is to turn their pet over to a local shelter. 

I went online to try and find some ideas on how the average pet loving family can save money and I found a few good ideas at ASPCA.com. Here is what they said: 

• Go to the Vet- “A number-one money-saver is preventative veterinary care,” says Dr. Stephen Zawistowski, Ph. D. Annual veterinary exams can catch health crises early on and can save you a lot of time and money. This includes heart-worm preventative treatment, flea and tick control, and a thorough check-up of your pet’s gums, teeth, heart, lungs and internal organs. If it’s been a year or more since your pet has seen a vet, make that appointment today!
• Give Your Pet Regular Check-Ups- Weekly home checkups are a great way to nip potential health problems in the bud.
• Vaccinate Wisely- “Although certain vaccines are required by law, there is no longer automatically one policy for all animals,” says Dr. Lila Miller, Vice President, ASPCA Veterinary Outreach. “Veterinarians are now advised to assess each individual animal's risk of exposure when designing a vaccination program.” So before subjecting your pet―and your wallet—to general vaccinations, ask your pet’s vet which vaccines he or she recommends.
• Spay/Neuter Your Pets- “Spaying and neutering your pet will have a dramatic impact on their health,” says Dr. Stephen Zawistowski, Ph. D. “For females, it dramatically reduces the potentiality for breast cancer, and ovarian and uterine cancer disappears.” Neutering also reduces chances of testicular cancer in males. Not only will spaying or neutering save you on future health care, but it will significantly diminish your pet’s desire to wander―and will save you the surprise of an unplanned litter.

 

• Invest in Training- “A lot of people don’t think about dog and cat training as a way to save money,” observes Dr. Stephen Zawistowski, Ph. D., “but a well-trained dog will be easier to walk, will be calmer in most situations and will be less likely to get into things he shouldn’t.” Teaching your dog to stay by your side and to come when he is called proves far cheaper than paying for expensive emergency care caused by his running off―possibly into the street―and eating items that he shouldn’t.

 

• Save Up for the Future Pet Emergencies- Invest the money you spend on toys and extra snacks into a fund for possible emergencies, and deposit a fixed amount into it every two weeks. If no emergencies arise, you’ll be all the richer, but if something does come up, money will not stand in the way of getting your pet the care she needs.

 

• Groom Your Pets at Home- Save the price of a visit to your groomer with regular brushings. While you’re at it, you’ll reduce the hair around your home and your cats will have fewer hairballs.

 

These are just a few thoughts that might help stretch your dollar when it comes to pet care costs. Before making too many changes concerning the health of your pet, always consult your pet’s veterinarian. 

The Humane Society Weekly Wish: Dry dog and cat food please.

Jack Fisher

Board of Directors

Comments

[Black and Tan Fan]

Investing in insurance for your pet is also a wise idea. Although most won't cover the cost of routine care, they will cover most emergency care issues that crop up. If you even have to go to the vet for one unscheduled visit, chances are the insurance will pay for itself. We have it and it's a load off your mind to know that if something comes up, it's taken care of.

[small dog fences]

This is something I have learned from you and and i am sure will certainly help.
Martina

[pet health]

Here is another way of lowering pet care cost. Generally pet dogs don't drink water from puddles. But I also recommend not to let them drink from them. It may also infect him with bacteria.

Secondly it is also recommended to have a pet insurance. With a good insurance you can have peace of mind. And can save money on costly medicines.

- Annabela