Penny Pinching Your Pet Expenses

Advertising Disclosure: When you buy something by clicking links on our site, we may earn a small commission, but it never affects the products or services we recommend.

Image Not Available

Most everyone is still looking for ways to cut that budget. For pet owners, one way may be cutting back on your four legged family member’s costs by prioritizing their necessities.

“You know we cut costs just as much as you do with your kids, you do with your pets. Not a ton, but every little bit helps.”
-Barry Appet, Pet Owner

Now a days, people are looking for creative ways to cut back on expenses. But the question is, are any of those cuts going to the dogs?

According to Business Week, Americans spend an estimated $41 billion on their pets every year. But in tough economic times, what are people doing to save?

Most pet owners spend money on things like food, toys, and vet visits. But the thing to remember is to prioritize your pet’s needs. Food is obviously a necessity. Toys aren’t!

Here are more tips for cutting down those pet costs…

Make sure to keep your pets up to date on their vet visits and check ups. A $30 dollar vet bill now is a lot better than a 300 hundred dollar bill down the road.

Also, shop around for your pet supplies. With all the major pet retail stores and the internet, you’re bound to find better deals if you take the time to look for them.

“We did some comparison shopping, especially with dog food in particular and we found that we could buy dog food here a little cheaper than we could buy it anywhere else.”
-Barry Appet, Pet Owner

And don’t be afraid to buy generic foods. You might be surprised.

“There’s some generic foods that are made by the more premium pet food companies and they just sell it under a different label. So the best thing is to take a look at the ingredients and if you need to consult with your Veterinarian they’ll help you pick out the right diet.”
-Dr. Robert D. Schachner, Veterinarian

Bottom Line? Of course our furry friends are part of our family. We want them to have the best of everything. But just like with any other part of your budget, you can find ways to cut back without sacrificing quality.

Get smarter with your money!

Want the best money-news and tips to help you make more and spend less? Then sign up for the free Money Talks Newsletter to receive daily updates of personal finance news and advice, delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for our free newsletter today.