Having a dog is one of the best relationships you’ll have. When raised right, dogs are loving and loyal creatures, and they will be there for you through thick and thin without judgement. What most people don’t account for when opting to get a dog is the cost. Dogs can cost a lot of money, especially as they get older. This doesn’t make owning a dog impossible for those on a limited budget; it just means you need to find the right ways to budget. The following are five ways that you can save money on your dog.
1. Choose a Shelter
Buying a dog from a pet store or breeder will be very expensive, and if you’re trying to save money, then this is not the way to go. Instead, you should adopt a dog from a shelter. These dogs are just as loyal and attractive as pet store and breeder dogs, and they come at a fraction of the cost. In addition, these dogs need a home more than any other dog, as some of these may be facing euthanasia if not saved. Do some research at shelters near you to find a dog that suits your lifestyle, and then rescue that dog to enjoy a lifetime of companionship.
2. Look for Coupons
You probably use coupons when shopping for yourself, so why not use them for your dog too? For instance, be sure to check out your local paper or online coupon stores for dog food coupons or even treats and accessories. If you’re looking to save money on dog boarding or other amenities, you can also look for pet Groupon coupons, as they have pet-friendly options. There are plenty of ways to save a few bucks on the things you need most for your dog, so do the research. You can look for coupons at couponcodehut .
3. Think Long-term
Your dog needs certain medication and to visit the vet regularly for their health and well-being. However, every time you go to the vet, you will dish out more than $100 on preventative heartworm and flea & tick medication. Instead of limiting yourself to what you need, choose a little more. The cost for this medication goes down per treatment if you buy more. So instead of buying a three-month supply for $35, consider buying the 12-month supply for $100.
Also, be sure to keep a lookout for foods that might be dangerous for your dogs. These foods might be suitable for us to eat, but could result in expensive visits to the vet. Do check out this “comprehensive list of foods that dogs should avoid provided by The Goody Pet“.
4. Choose Vet Insurance
Some people think it’s crazy, but your pet insurance will pay for itself after a few visits to the vet. This works similarly to your own health insurance, where your provider will pay the vet a certain amount and you will only be responsible for another portion of the bill. This is also beneficial on your dog’s medication and surgery too. Look into pet insurance and find the one that makes sense for your budget.
5. Find Cheap Help
If you regularly need to board your dog or bring them to daycare because of your work schedule, you will find yourself paying a fortune. However, you can knock this bill down a bit by finding cheap local help. For instance, reach out to a local vet or vet school and see if anyone there does dog sitting or boarding on the side. You can also ask friends and neighbors for help or for references. You’d be surprised at how much you can save this way.
Having a dog will brighten up your world. If you’re worried about cost, use these tips to find the best ways to save money on your dog so you can enjoy each other’s company for years to come.
Tammie~