Save Money on Pet Care

With gas and groceries taking an ever-bigger bite out of family budgets, we’re all looking for ways to economize. That means saving on pet care, too. You’ll want to buy smart, but most important, focus on prevention. Dr. Marty Becker, Good Morning America, shares ways you can slash what you spend on your pets without short-changing their health.

Keep pets fit and trim
Most dogs and cats in America today are overweight, and those extra pounds increase the likelihood of serious health problems such as arthritis, diabetes, and cancer.

To help your pet maintain a normal weight (you should be able to feel ribs), carefully measure its food, keep treats to a minimum, and be sure to work in a daily exercise session. If your pet is overweight, try to shed those excess pounds slowly, to avoid the health risk that can result from sudden weight loss—especially in cats.

Learn to do things yourself
Most people can learn to handle basic pet grooming at home, from bathing to nail trims. If nothing else, you can stretch out the time between professional grooming for high-maintenance pets with some at-home care. Check the library for grooming guides and look for breed-specific tips on the Internet.

Another do-it-yourself strategy: Brush your pet’s teeth to lengthen the time between expensive cleanings at your veterinarian’s office.

Minimize risk from accidents
Saving the life of a pet after it has been hit by a car or poisoned by hazardous foods, plants, or medications can cost thousands of dollars. Keep cats indoors to prevent injuries and protect them from communicable diseases; keep dogs on a leash or in a fenced area. And keep hazards out of reach.

Work with your vet to cut costs
Vaccinations are no longer recommended annually for most dogs and cats, but that’s no reason to skip a yearly vet check. “Well-pet exams” can spot little problems before they become expensive ones and also can make sure that your pet gets proper parasite control. If your pet needs a medication, ask the veterinarian to write out a prescription instead of filling it himself. You may find considerable savings by comparison-shopping at local pharmacies, especially if there’s a generic equivalent. Also ask if your vet offers discounts for senior citizens, multiple pets, and promotions such as Dental Health Month.

And when it comes to treating a sick pet, discuss all the alternatives before making a decision. There may be less expensive but equally effective options.

Buy smart
Shopping for pets can be great fun, but your furry friend probably doesn’t need that new designer collar. When it comes to toys, cut them back but not out—good chew toys have saved many an expensive pair of shoes.

You can save money by buying in bulk. Choose the largest bags of food or litter, and get case discounts on canned goods. Split your dry-food purchases with a pet-owning relative or friend, and store your portion in an airtight container. (But be sure to keep a copy of product info from the bag, in case there are questions or problems.)

Trade goods and services
Other pet-lovers are likely also feeling the squeeze, so look into bartering to get what you need. Remember, bartered goods and services don’t need to be the same. You can provide one thing—such as tax-preparation—for another, such as pet-sitting or pet supplies.

Be prepared for the worst
Health insurance for pets is a rapidly growing industry for a good reason: People want to know that cost won’t dictate decisions when pets need veterinary care. Pet insurance plans vary widely, from those that pay for preventive care to those designed for catastrophic care only. Because plans differ, do your research before buying to make sure the most common health problems are covered—and at the best price.