Save Money by Shopping! Don’t Let This Economy Tax Your Pet’s Health

Whether times are tough or you are just looking for additional ways to be frugal, the best ways to save money is by shopping. This doesn’t mean spending money every place you go, but price hunting for one that fits your budget. Where many people go wrong is by accepting the recommendations from veterinarians as an End All solution. However, these offices are businesses and as we know all to well - businesses revolve around making money. Another great way to keep your wallet fat and bills lows is to find out best bargain and even to DIY (do-it-yourself). It may take a little while to develop a savings plan, but once you have it in place, you’ll be glad you took the time and made a little effort. Here are a few ways to save a little money without cutting corners with your pet’s health.

Veterinary care: Never sacrifice veterinary care to save money! But also don’t think that just because one office prices an item (including mediation) at a certain prices that it is set. As you will hear from every dog in the park “a healthy lifestyle prevents health issues.” But it is not always the case that you pet falls ill and you weren’t taking care of them. Many times they get sick even with a healthy lifestyle. How do you save money then without sacrificing their health? There are numerous ways you can save on that dreaded trip to the vet. More than likely, you have a few veterinarians in your area. For whatever reason, you have probably chosen one specific vet that you are faithful to. The way this should be approached is that if you are loyal to a vet, then shouldn’t they be loyal to you? Many people are turning to online stores to get their pet’s medication for a lower price, which has spiked offices price matching avenues. If you think about it, a price match is the best way to keep a steady stream of income in an economy that is presently unpredictable and their earning constituents trust. If anyone knows that medications and other procedures can be expensive it is the one in the White Coat that see’s everything.

An untapped practice for saving money is to purchase the necessary vaccinations from your vet, but to give them to your pet at home. Vet’s charge a set fee for administering a vaccination just like an auto shop charges for changing your oil for you. But if you were to change your own oil (Save $100.00) giving your pet can see that same savings at a minimum. Don’t expect every vaccination to be handed to you, since some are controlled. But, also do not trap yourself in the mindset that there is no other solution for saving money and your pet’s health. On that same note, don’t assume that you have to go to a vet’s office for your pet to receive the attention. Throughout the year, animal shelters and similar organizations will offer discounted vaccination days. You can even find discounted spay and neutering procedures through these organizations, which can keep your savings in the high hundreds.

Food: There’s no doubt that high-quality food is better for your pet and easier on your wallet in the long run. However you should look for money-saving coupons to purchase the food and find ways to save money on an expense that can take its toll. Often, you can find such coupons by visiting the manufacturer’s website or contacting a competing manufacturer for incentives to “switch”. Grocery stores may run sales on foods, but it is not practical to sit around and wait. There are great ways to start saving now. Buying pet food in bulk can also save money in the long run. Not only does buying in bulk reduce the number of trips you need to make to the store (saving time and gas), it also gives you more for your money. Be careful though, and do your math at the store. Not all bulk items are cheaper than their smaller counterparts! Also use common sense: how much can you save by making your pet’s food at home? Homemade dog food recipes are on the rise and a popular avenue for dog trainers and professionals. This enables you to know exactly what is going into your pets meal (for health reasons) and to save bundles on your monthly credit cards bills.

Toys: Instead of going out and buying expensive dog toys, rotate the toys that you already have. If you leave out all the toys all the time, then your pooch will get bored. Rotating two or so every week will keep the toys fresh and interesting. How many times have you bought a cute toy at the store and found that your house items pique your pet’s interest more? For cats, many household items can make great toys. Just roll up a piece of aluminum foil and watch your cat entertain herself! Grab that ragged sheet in the closet or old shoe box in the basement and let them transform it into whatever retreat they wish.

There are many ways you can cut back your pet’s expenses. However, you should never sacrifice their health of your pet just to save a few dollars. You can shop around for veterinary care; negotiate for offices to keep your business; search for coupons and even put in some elbow grease. By administering your pet’s vaccinations on simple medications, making their food and using old items for toys can keep you saving thousands of dollars. Shop around and save your hard earned cash in an economy that is anything but predictable.

This article was provided by Pet Super Store and written by Collin Walker. Visit his website for all of your pet’s supplies. Featured items include: pet car seats and pet carriers. Please share your ideas with me by leaving a comment about how you are saving money in these troubling times.