Owning a pet in the United States is an expensive responsibility. This is a real shame considering the joy pets bring. Unfortunately, the cost of owning a pet has skyrocketed in recent years. According to the latest American Pet Products Association (APPA) National Pet Owner Survey, from 2013 to 2021, average pet spending per household increased by 67%, from $460 per year in 2013 to $770 per year in 2021. has increased to.
Maintaining pet prices can be a tragic struggle, with many Americans surrendering their fur babies to shelters, which are already at full capacity. All this leads to the next question. How can money savers cut down on the hefty costs associated with caring for a furry friend?
Preventive care practices
Just like with humans, investing in prevention as well as treatment can go a long way toward lowering high costs and extending your pet's lifespan.
“Preventative care, such as flea and tick treatments, dog tooth brushing, pet insurance, and regular veterinary visits, can be very beneficial for your pet's health and your household finances in the long run,” says Katie, Senior Veterinarian at Chewy. Dr. Nelson said. “While prevention may have some initial cost, it is far less expensive than the disease or condition that is being prevented.”
take the annual exam
Anyone who has their pet cared for by a veterinarian is probably used to receiving an email or text message telling them it's time for their pet's annual checkup. It's easy to give up if there's nothing visibly wrong with your pet, but don't put it off.
Nelson points out this fact presented by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AMVA): I became healthy. It can also save pet owners money by reducing or eliminating the risk of health problems that can be expensive to treat. ”
Investing in pet insurance
Americans already pay a lot of money for their health insurance, so why add on the monthly cost of pet insurance? Answer: It can really save you money in the long run.
“I've always advised my clients to invest in pet insurance, ideally from when they're puppies, but it's never too late to get insured,” Nelson said. “According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association, the average cost of pet insurance is $44 per month. But that's just an average. In reality, the amount you pay can vary significantly depending on your pet's breed, age, and where you live. We expect it to be cheaper or more expensive.”
But again, the monthly fee is worth it.
“If you look into how much emergency expenses such as sudden illness, injury, or surgery will cost, [and] “The upfront investment is much more manageable than the potentially $5,000 to $10,000 medical bill for hospitalization,” Nelson said.
Talk to your veterinarian about low-cost food brands
Rather than searching the internet for cheaper pet food alternatives, talk to your veterinarian about your options. It is important not to choose a food that becomes junk food or does not meet your pet's needs.
“Your veterinarian can help you choose the right food for your pet's health, taste, life stage, lifestyle, and budget,” Nelson says.
Get quality toys
Pet toys are so cute! very cute! very interesting! But again, you need to be frugal and use good judgment.
“When looking for toys, checking customer ratings and reviews can help you decide what's best for you and your dog,” says Nelson. “For more information about the materials used and the construction of the toy, please see the product description.
“Also consider what type of player your pet is to find the best toy. If they are quiet and prefer 'nose work,' a hide-and-seek toy or a toy that hands out treats may be a good option.” It might be an option. If your child is an aggressive chewer, a Kong or something more durable may be the best quality toy for them. ”
groom yourself
While it's definitely easier and more convenient to send your pet, especially a dog, to a groomer for a bath and general grooming, it's not cheap. Let's try DIY!
“For short-haired pets, home grooming can be a significant cost savings,” Nelson says. “Bathing, cleaning ears, and trimming nails are all easy things to do at home. However, injuries can occur by inexperienced but well-meaning pet parents, so things like dematting and anal gland trimming are Leave it to the experts.”
If you are DIYing a pet with a long coat, it may take a little longer.
“For long-haired pets, if you decide to tackle grooming at home, take the time to do your research and learn proper grooming techniques,” says Nelson. “You'll need good tools like clippers, a matte brush, and a Dremel for long nails. If your nails are too short, keep a hemostat on hand. Cotton balls or ear wipes for ear cleaning, eye wipes, and water. It's a good idea to always have shampoo on hand that you don't need.
Explore telemedicine options
Is your dog acting a little strange but not really cause for concern? Consider a telemedicine veterinarian visit.
“You don't necessarily have to go to the vet, so consider consulting with your vet virtually first,” Nelson says. “Chewy's free Connect with a Vet service allows you to easily and quickly chat or video call with a veterinary expert and is available 7 days a week, 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. ET. Yes, Chewy's Symptom Checker is also a great tool to get veterinarian approval in seconds, day or night.”
Find a lower-cost veterinarian and consider salary subsidies
When searching for a veterinarian, understand your options and focus on finding one that offers competitive or below-average prices for routine care.
“Many shelters and rescue facilities also provide veterinary care to people with limited funds,” Nelson said. “If you're struggling to pay for your pet's medical bills, there are options like his CareCredit and his ScratchPay that can help you with short-term loans for your pet's care.”
Pet spay/neuter surgery
Some people don't like to immobilize dogs and cats because they think it's unnatural or because they're for breeding purposes. If you want to protect your pet's health and your wallet, reconsider not spaying or neutering your pet.
“Spaying or neutering your pet is not only beneficial to your pet's health and the pet population as a whole, but it can also save you money down the road,” Nelson says. “Intact female dogs go into heat every 4 to 8 months, which can be a big problem. They can also become pregnant during this time, which can result in medical expenses for the mother and puppies. Intact male dogs are more likely to get lost or injured as they wander around looking for female dogs to breed with.”
Ask for coupons and cashback
“When shopping for pet essentials like food, treats, shampoo, etc., search for applicable coupons and discounts before checking out,” says Samantha Landau, consumer expert at TopCashback USA. “Use cashback sites to optimize your online shopping experience. If you're not using them, you're essentially leaving free money on the table.”
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