Care for Pets in a Down Economy
There are many ways to save money when times are hard--ways that may never even have crossed your mind--and pet care is no exception. The great part is--you don't have to compromise quality or even do without--when it comes to those beloved, furry family members. Here are ways to do it on a budget.
Instructions
1. Take your pet for low-cost vaccinations. There are mobile clinics run by veterinarians that can save you quite a bit of money on your pet's required shots. Check with local pet supply stores for schedules in your area. Some veterinarians also offer discounted shots at certain hours or on certain days of the week.
2. Look for a low-cost spay/neuter clinic in your area if your pet needs to be spayed or neutered. It's a relatively routine procedure, but it's still surgery, so try to get recommendations from people you know.
3. Purchase the basics such as flea control medication and heartworm preventative from an online pet pharmacy to save money. 1-800-Petmeds is a reputable online company that will beat the lowest price in your area for the same item (see Resources below).
4. Buy larger quantities of food to save money. Also, look for coupons online, in the mail and from pet supply stores. Certain pet food lines and some pet supply stores offer free food after you purchase so many bags or cans.
5. Comb your local thrift stores and discount stores for pet items. There's no need to splurge on high-end items that your pet is just gonna tear into anyway--plus, they couldn't care less what you spent. You'd be surprised what you'll find in the way of new, used and barely-used dishes, crates, cages, bedding, toys--you name it.
6. Research pet health insurance plans and compare. Depending on your pet's age, type of pet and various other factors, health insurance might be a viable option for saving money on preventative maintenance and supplementing the cost of treatment should your pet become ill. There are various other ways to save on vet bills as well (see Resources).
7. Love your pet, which is probably most important of all--and something you probably already knew--but may tend to overlook sometimes. No matter what the state of the economy, pets continue to love us unconditionally. So take some time out of your busy day to return their affections--it will benefit you both--as well as lift your spirits when times are tough.
8. If you are looking for a pet to join your family, look no further than a local shelter or animal rescue. Most shelters and rescues list their available pets online where you can see pictures and descriptions. Petfinder.com is a great website that lists pets for adoption at shelters and rescues throughout North America--and that includes your area! All you need to do is put in your zip code and the type of pet you're looking for. You can even specify breed, age and gender. By adopting a pet, you're not only saving a lot of money, you're saving a precious life.
Tags: your area, save money, supply stores, Care Pets, Care Pets Down