Save On Pet Expenses

Owning a pet can bring can bring so much joy to an individual and family it makes it difficult to measure the added costs associated. A pet is another member of the family and is taken care of in the same manner. There are ways to save on this cost and still maintain quality care for your pets health and happiness. Here are a few suggestions.

Finding Your New Family Member

• Research First - When deciding your new pet, first determine which will be most suitable to fit your needs. Such things may include breed, size, temperament, intelligence, etc. This will narrow your search, and give you an idea of things you could expect. So do your research.
• Avoid Pet Stores - They say you get what you pay for. This is not the case when choosing your pet from a pet store. It may hold true if buying fish, hamsters, or other inexpensive pets, but not for a cat or dog. For cat or dog you will be overpriced, get an animal from a disreputable source, or both. I would not even consider this as an option. 
• Check Your Local Animal Shelters - You can find a wide variety of animals at these shelters at a fraction of the cost. In a lot of cases no cost at all. These shelters also have specific breeds, if that is what you are looking for. Petfinder is a good website to search for breeds.
• Get An Adult Dog or Cat - If you do not want to deal with housebreaking, teething, spay and neutering, and vaccinations associated with puppies and kittens, an adult pet may be the way to go.
• Choose a Reputable Breeder - Some breeders are only in it for the money. Choose a breeder that is active in the pet community. Finding a local breeder could get you an invitation to a site visit. I would suggest taking them up on the invite. This would enable you to see the conditions, parents of offspring, commitment of breeder, etc. Some reputable breeders may also allow you to return pet should things not work out.
• Size to Cost Ratio - The bigger the pet, the bigger the cost. Bigger animals require larger costs for food, medicine, vet bills, and kennel charges when you are away.
• Don't Rule Out Mixed Breeds - Through close breeding of purebreds it can sometimes effect animals health and disposition. Mixed breeds often make better companions at a fraction of the cost. Everyone loves the mutt.

Pets Health and Happiness

• Research - Find out as much as you can on ways to keep your pet health and happy.Search for specific breed requirements, as they may differ from one to another. This can be achieved online, pet forums, or at your local library. Some helpful topics to look at could be health, diet, appearance, and obedience training to get you started.
• Vaccinations - Check with your veterinarian about which vaccinations your pet requires and how often. Some of the core vaccines can be done every three years as opposed to yearly. According to the American Animal Hospital Association over vaccinating can cause health issues for your pet down the road. Save the money and your pet at the same time. Look for low cost clinics, animal shelters, or any other sponsored clinics for your pet vaccinations. Whatever your choice may be the most important thing to remember, is not to skip vaccines to save the money. It's not good for your pet and could cost you much more in the future.
• Heart Worm - Heart worm medication is monthly maintenance medication for your pet to prevent them from contracting it. You can save by purchasing in bulk. If you have a smaller size dog you can purchase heart worm pills for a larger dog, and break pill in half. For example, one dose rated for a dog 60 lbs. can be two doses at 30 lbs.
• Fleas and Ticks - There are different methods one can use in controlling fleas & ticks for your pet (medication, baths, collars, drops). Choose the method for your dog or cat that best suits them. Ask your veterinarian for options that are on the market, and some good manufacturers. If you search the manufacturer online you can often get pretty good coupon discounts. Medications for fleas/ticks and heart worm can be purchased at Pet Care Rx or 1-800-Pet Meds.
• Dental Health - Regular brushing of pets teeth should be part of your routine. Make it part of grooming. This will save you expensive dental work in the future. There is no need for special toothpaste, baking soda and a little water is all you need. Your pet may not like this at first, but the more you do it, the more they seem to enjoy it. 
• Grooming - Grooming your pet at home will save you hundreds of dollars a year. Don't be afraid of getting your hands wet. Seeing the excitement in your pet after a good bath makes it all worth while. Check with your vet on recommended washing intervals. Washing your pet too often could cause dry skin. Generally washing every few months is recommended. You should also learn how to properly trim pets nails. Here is video to get you started. If your pet is prone to ear infections ask your veterinarian how you can properly clean ears.
• Spay or Neuter Your Pet - The cost of this procedure will save you in the long run. Find local animal shelters which may offer this service at no charge or greatly discounted. This procedure will also keep them from roaming (Getting hit by a car), and certain cancers (Ovarian, prostate, mammary, etc.).
• Pet Insurance - I know this can be beneficial for some, but personally haven't checked into it. One could go online to investigate. If you or someone you know has used this option, would like to get your comments.

Diet and Exercise

• Keep an Eye on the Weight - Do not over feed your pet.Overweight pets will have more health issues. They don't know any better, and some will eat till they burst. If Garfeild were real he would have bigger issues than Odie. If your pet seems to be losing weight, I would contact your vet as a more serious problem could be happening. Keeping an eye on your pets weight will save you the cost of food and uneeded vet bills.
• Watch the Treats - Treats are expensive, and while giving your pet one as a reward is good, to many can cause them to become overweight. Try a more healthier treat such as fruit and vegetables.
• Check the Ingredients - Look at what you are feeding your pet. Food with alot of fillers can cause digestive problems. You want to get a high quality food with real meat. Ask your vet go online to determine a balance diet for your pet. You may get a certain brand name of a good food. Look at what is in it and try to find the same ingredients in a generic brand. It will be the same quality but cost you less.
• Buy in Bulk - Buying in bulk can save you over 50% on your pets food bill. For example, a 8 lb. bag costs $13.00, and 40 lb. bag cost $33.00, or $1.62 p/lb compared to $0.82. Places such as Costco's or other warehouse stores offer good prices when buying bulk. Pet food should be stored in an air tight container to preserve nutreints. Manufacturer coupons can be found via internet, newspapers, magazines, etc. for additional savings. If you are a cat owner you will want to buy your kitty litter in bulk also. It won't go bad and savings again are more than 50%.
• Keep the Water Bowl Full - Ensuring your pet always has enough water is a key to its overall health. You would only want to regulate water when you are housetraining your puppy, as accidents could happen, and setback training. So keep an eye on that water level.
• Exercise Your Pet - All pets need to be exercised regularly. Take daily walks. It will benefit both you and your pet. There may also be dog parks in your area. If so, take advantagwe of the opportunity. It can be a great place to let your dog socialize with other dogs, and get exercise at the same time. As the owner of the pet, it gives the opportunity to meet other pet lovers like yourself. This in turn could lead to sharing of services, such as boarding when out of town, or sharing expenses when buying in bulk.
• Obediance Training - There are many facilities which offer courses in dog training. Check with your vet or local animal shelters/pet stores for more information. There is usually a charge for this service. Another way is home training. There is a great deal of books and online information available. They will supply you with the information you will need, and at no cost to you, but your time. Online forums are also a great way to get answers for specific problems you may encounter.

Toys and Other Misc. Items

• Bedding - Make use of old comfortor, blankets, or sheets to supply your pet with bedding. Buying bedding could cost up to $50.00 where using old linen is free, and easy to clean. As long as they are comfortable they won't care.
• Crates and Car Carriers - Buying used will save you more and works just as well. Check local classifieds or Craigslist to find some great deals.
• Play Toys - Many pet owners feel the need to spend money by purchasing toys for their pets. Everyday home items work just as well if not better. Here are just a few examples:
• Dogs - Old tennis balls, Slippers, Sock with knot tied in it, Empty water bottles, Old stuffed animals.
• Cats - Rolled up paper,Tinfoil,Old golf balls, Paper bags, Catnip in an old sock,(Try growing your own catnip)
• Make Your Own Treats - Check for recepies on line at Dog Treat Recipies. This save money and gives you a sense of knowing their eating healthy.

Owning a pet is both a big commitment and cost. By utilizing some of these tips could greatly reduce your spend without jepordizing pets health and well being. May everyone enjoy and share the moments in life which comes from having a pet as a freind.