The ASPCA estimates that the average cost of food, basic supplies, medical care and training for a dog or cat is between $700 and $875 a year. Over the lifetime of a 14-year-old dog or cat, the cost of pet ownership can total more than $12,000. Depending on the health of your animal and other factors, some estimates are as high as $38,905.
Luckily, there are several smart ways that you can help reduce pet expenses without skimping on your furry friends health and well-being. Consumer savings expert, Regina Novickis, shares these purr-worthy tips:
1. Buy in bulk (without bulking up your pet) - To maintain the health of your pet and the health of your wallet, avoid overfeeding, but do purchase larger quantities of food. Usually the larger the bag, the less expensive the item is per unit. Consider buying in bulk and splitting the costs of food and treats with a friend or neighbor. Purchasing more may also qualify you for further discounts.
2. "Paws" to find a promotional code before you buy - Prices for pet supplies are often cheaper online than in stores, and many sites offer promotional codes to increase your savings. If you leave the promotional code box blank on a retailer's checkout page, you could be paying more than necessary. Check out PromotionalCodes.com, CouponWinner.com and PromoCodes.com, which all organize thousands of online coupons for pet retailers like PetSmart, PetCo, SitStay.com and others.
3. Do your homework: The key to saving money is comparing prices. When shopping for flea and tick medications, for example, always compare money-saving codes among brands that offer the same or similar products to find the best value. CouponWinner.com features a unique coupon-comparison tool called the CouponScout that allows you to easily compare coupons from up to five retailers.
4. Avoid buying pet prescription products from your vet: Buying prescriptions at the veterinarian's office can bite into the budget, particularly if your pet has a chronic condition or requires ongoing treatment. Unless your pet needs immediate medication, shop for prescription medications online. Visit sites like 1-800-PetMeds and PetCareRX.
5. Groom your own pets: A one-time investment in a few high-quality grooming tools can pay off in the long-run. Professional grooming can run upwards of $50 per visit, so a do-it-yourself approach can amount to significant savings. Some pets that are more sensitive to being handled (i.e. rescued pets) may also fare better with a hands-on approach at home instead of a being exposed to a potentially stressful, foreign environment.
Source http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/pets/detail?entry_id=86813
Luckily, there are several smart ways that you can help reduce pet expenses without skimping on your furry friends health and well-being. Consumer savings expert, Regina Novickis, shares these purr-worthy tips:
1. Buy in bulk (without bulking up your pet) - To maintain the health of your pet and the health of your wallet, avoid overfeeding, but do purchase larger quantities of food. Usually the larger the bag, the less expensive the item is per unit. Consider buying in bulk and splitting the costs of food and treats with a friend or neighbor. Purchasing more may also qualify you for further discounts.
2. "Paws" to find a promotional code before you buy - Prices for pet supplies are often cheaper online than in stores, and many sites offer promotional codes to increase your savings. If you leave the promotional code box blank on a retailer's checkout page, you could be paying more than necessary. Check out PromotionalCodes.com, CouponWinner.com and PromoCodes.com, which all organize thousands of online coupons for pet retailers like PetSmart, PetCo, SitStay.com and others.
3. Do your homework: The key to saving money is comparing prices. When shopping for flea and tick medications, for example, always compare money-saving codes among brands that offer the same or similar products to find the best value. CouponWinner.com features a unique coupon-comparison tool called the CouponScout that allows you to easily compare coupons from up to five retailers.
4. Avoid buying pet prescription products from your vet: Buying prescriptions at the veterinarian's office can bite into the budget, particularly if your pet has a chronic condition or requires ongoing treatment. Unless your pet needs immediate medication, shop for prescription medications online. Visit sites like 1-800-PetMeds and PetCareRX.
5. Groom your own pets: A one-time investment in a few high-quality grooming tools can pay off in the long-run. Professional grooming can run upwards of $50 per visit, so a do-it-yourself approach can amount to significant savings. Some pets that are more sensitive to being handled (i.e. rescued pets) may also fare better with a hands-on approach at home instead of a being exposed to a potentially stressful, foreign environment.
Source http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/pets/detail?entry_id=86813
