For many people, pets are part of the family. According to the Humane Society, there are more than 77 million dogs in the United States, and more than 93 million cats. Fido and Fluffy bring a lot of joy, but they’re also not cheap. Annual dog expenses average $1,600, while it costs $900 a year to care for cats. Here are some tips on how to keep pet expenses to a minimum.
1. Pick a low-cost pet. Purebred cats and dogs can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, so the easiest way to save a lot of money on pet expenses is to get a mixed-breed dog or domestic shorthair cat from a shelter, often for less than $100. These animals tend to have fewer expensive health problems because they don’t have genetic disorders from inbreeding. Also, consider adopting an adult dog or cat, which may help you save money on training.
2. Invest in healthy food. On average, pet owners can expect to pay about $200 a year for food—remember, a large dog will eat more than a small cat. As with people, a poor diet can result in serious health problems for your pet—and higher expenses for you. So some pet owners argue that more expensive food, available through veterinarians or pet stores, can save you money on veterinary bills for problems such as obesity, kidney disease and urinary tract disease. Another option is making food for your pet rather than purchasing it.
3. Control medical costs. On average, pet owners spend less than $300 a year on veterinary care, but that amount can soar if your dog or cat gets very ill or injured. You can help avoid some of those costs with preventative care: visit the vet at least once a year for shots and check-ups, and whenever your pet shows signs of illness or injury. If you are considering insurance, research the costs of different plans and compare the protection they offer. Insurance often doesn't cover genetic disorders or pre-existing conditions, but it may save you both money and heartbreak if your pet needs expensive life-saving treatment for an injury or disease. Another option is to put some money aside each month for pet expenses and emergencies.
4. Do-it-yourself training. A well-trained dog can save you money since you won't have the expense of trying to fix behavior problems–or pay insurance claims. You can reduce the cost of training by doing it yourself: find books or DVDs from reputable trainers that use time-proven techniques.
5. Check liability insurance. If you have tenant's or homeowner's insurance, read through the policy or ask the company if you’re covered for liability in dog-related accidents.
6. Save money on pet sitters. Cats can be left at home during the day as long as they have access to food, water and a litter box. However, most dogs can only be left alone for a few hours at a time, so budget for a dog sitter or dog walker if no humans are home during the day. For all pets, look for affordable care when you travel. Friends and family are your cheapest option, or coordinate your vacations with your neighbors and trade pet sitting duties.
The best way to control pet expenses is to do your research first. Look for a healthy, friendly cat or dog, give it the food and care it needs to thrive, and you will have a happy, loving friend for years to come.
