Dog Ownership – Budgeting Tips
Dogs bring us so much joy to our lives. However, this comes with a cost. Having a pet is amazing, but it can get expensive. There is a study showing that Americans spent more than $95.7 billion on pet costs in 2019. The good news is that it is possible to care for your pet while sticking to a budget. Here are some things to think about when it comes to budgeting for pet costs.
Pet Food – You can buy healthy pet food that helps their overall well-being while still realizing that at the end of the day, your animal is just an animal. How can you save on food costs? Search for coupons, buy in bulk, and try not to overfeed your four-legged friend!
Medical Expenses – Much like humans, keeping up with pet health can save you a lot of money down the road. Do not skip out putting preventative care in the budget. Keep them up to date on their annual visits and vaccinations. When considering heartworm pills and flea medication, you can save more by ordering from an online distributor compared to purchasing from your veterinarian. You will also need to set money aside each month for any unexpected medical emergencies. These can be costly, especially if you do not have any money saved up.
Boarding – Paying for a dog sitter may be painful to your wallet. However, you must ensure that your dog is receiving the best care possible while you are away. One way to save money is to swap pet sitting with your neighbors. When they are out of town, you can watch their pet and when you are out of town, they can do the same. Talk about a win-win!
Pet Toys & Supplies – We are referring to things like dog beds and toys. It is perfectly okay to buy the things your pet needs, but it can also derail your budget if you are not careful! A lot of people do not think to do this, but you can easily find some of these supplies at thrift stores. After a good washing and disinfecting, this can save you a lot of money in the long run.
Being prepared for the costs of pet ownership makes you a great pet parent. You are saying that your pet’s needs are important enough to make it in your budget, which is a huge win!
