Pet Care on a Budget Infographic

Pet ownership isn’t reserved for those with big wallets. Everyday people can have pets and be enriched. All that love and laughter can be used because you can budget for everything your pet needs.

Benefits of owning a pet outweigh the cons such as the price of their care but if you are smart about how you treat your pet, you can actually properly care for your pet on a budget.

Food, toys, vet and other expenses should be kept in mind before you think about getting a pet but you should also keep in mind that having a pet is actually not that expensive if you are conscious about the pet expenses.

Comparison Shop

Don’t buy the cheapest pet food you see at the store. Request generic medications from your vet. Don’t choose the least expensive vet, either.

If you choose to buy pet insurance, compare plans and premiums before choosing and make sure you read the fine print of every pet insurance company before you make a choice.

Which Vaccines are Needed

If your pet doesn’t routinely go outside, you don’t need to get every vaccine available. Not every vaccine is suitable for every animal. Keeping your budget in mind, ask your vet which vaccines your pet must have, such as rabies, then make your decision. Just remember, “basic” vaccinations are all she needs.

Always follow your vet’s advice about the needed vaccinations since sometimes a specific vaccine may be needed even if it is not among the basic vaccines.

Spaying and Neutering-Why

Altering your pet saves you in the long run. Not only will you keep her from engaging in negative behaviors, you’ll help her to avoid unwanted and unneeded illnesses. You’ll protect your bank account because you won’t have to take her to the vet for testing, diagnosis, and treatments.

Groom Her Yourself

You don’t have to pay expensive fees to your vet or groomer for grooming your pet!

Do it yourself. Ask your vet or a groomer how to trim her fur, brush her teeth, check her ears and trim her nails. If you start this while she’s a kitten or puppy, you’ll make it easier for her to learn to accept grooming activities.

Playtime

Playtime doesn’t have to be expensive. Buy a few inexpensive toys at a discount store; use old items in your home and make them into enjoyable toys for your pet. She won’t care that you saved a ton of money on them. She just wants to have fun!

Besides, you allow her to exercise her imagination with old items, such as boxes, water bottles, and even discarded socks.

Exchange Services

If you’ve become a good groomer, groom your friends’ pets for them, letting them know that you may need them to take care of your pet if you go out of town. You’ll both save money and time!

The Great Outdoors

Take your pet to the park for daily walks. You’re keeping both of you healthy. Getting her out of the house also allows her to socialize with other animals and experience the great outdoors, free of charge! Money—saved. Cha-ching!