If you’ve recently found yourself a proud parent of a new puppy or older dog, rescued from an animal shelter, welcome to the wonderful world of pet ownership.
Dog owners really love their dogs, and many of them pay a great deal of money to keep their dogs healthy and happy. There’s nothing wrong with lavishing attention on your pooch, after all, they are part of the family. These extras can add up, however, and you may find yourself spending more than you bargained for.
Here are some money-saving tips to consider before you decide to own a dog and not break the bank:
Develop a doggie budget. You need to figure out how much you’re going to spend or are spending on your dog by tracking all expenses. Include the cost of dog food, toys, vet bills, grooming and training, and even any damage your puppy has done to your furniture or floors. This will help you understand the true costs of pet ownership and help you find a way to afford it each month.
Consider adopting a shelter dog. Purebred pooches can cost hundreds, even thousands of dollars. While animal shelters do require adoption fees, they are generally less than $200 for a dog. When you rescue a shelter dog, especially an older dog, you save a life – and save some money, too.
Shop around for an affordable veterinarian. Veterinary costs can vary widely between vet offices, as does the level of services they provide for pets. Instead of just sticking with the vet closest to your home, check out at least a few veterinary offices for their prices and any emergency service fees they charge. Ask your friends and neighbors where they go for veterinary care and what they feel about the vet, the prices and the atmosphere of the office. It’s a good idea to find a vet before you need one in an emergency situation.
Purchase only necessary pet accessories. The pet industry is big business for retailers. Take a trip through your local big box chain store and you’ll find a couple of aisles dedicated to pet food and accessories, including a wide variety of Halloween costumes for Fido. Your dog truly doesn’t need to wear clothing, unless you live in Alaska or other subzero climates. He’s got everything he needs right on his back.
Spay or neuter your pet. It costs money, but in the long run it is cheaper than suddenly owning a litter of pups who need their own veterinary care. By getting your dog spayed or neutered, you’re actually saving the lives of many animals that may otherwise be unwanted.
Brush his teeth. Dental health is a huge component of pet ownership. Tooth-related infections and tartar buildup can make your dog sick and ultimately live a shorter life. Fresh breath is always a plus for anyone in your family, especially your dog.
Keep him healthy. Keep your dog up-to-date on all vaccines and medications. If your dog does get sick or injured, talk to your vet about any payment plans to help you afford them. If you delay treatments, it could make a minor health condition worse if left untreated.
