Tips For Saving Money On Pet Care
At PolicyScout, we understand the desire to provide for our pet family members in a cost-effective manner. Here are some tips for saving money on pet care.
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Your pet is a beloved member of your family. You want to do everything in your power to ensure they are healthy and well-loved. You feed them high-quality food, take them for several walks a day, and snuggle up with them in the evenings.
Let’s face it, though. Owning and caring for an animal can be expensive. Whether your pet needs food, flea and tick prevention, or vaccinations, it always seems like you have to spend money. Then, if an emergency arises, the costs for pet care add up even more quickly.
Pet ownership is expensive; however, there are ways to save on some costs.
Pet-Proof Your House
If you have children, you already know the importance of making your home a safe environment. It’s no different with pets. Animals are curious by nature and don’t necessarily know what items in your home could cause harm.
Many everyday household items are potential hazards for pets. It would be best if you learned what things in your home could be dangerous and take steps to ensure that your pets can’t access them. Consider these tips for pet-proofing your home:
Learn what is considered toxic for cats and dogs
Store chemicals and cleaning supplies (including anti-freeze) out of reach of pets. Clean up any spills immediately
Do not set candles anywhere where your pets can reach them or accidentally brush up against them
Never leave a curling or flat iron on without supervision
Keep medication, vitamins, and other pill bottles (for humans and animals) where your pets can’t reach them
Place lids on trash cans or place bins in latched cabinets
Make sure all dangling wires from electronics are out of reach
Taking the time to pet-proof your home helps to reduce the risk of accidental injuries, which could result in expensive emergency vet visits or worse.
Groom Your Pet at Home
Regular grooming is an essential part of keeping your pet looking its best. It’s also important for the health of your animal. In addition to keeping your pet clean, grooming also helps to prevent matted fur and allows you to check them over for fleas, ticks, and other injuries that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Professional grooming is convenient, but the cost can quickly add up. While it takes more time and effort on your part, you can save a significant amount of money by learning to groom your pet at home:
Bathe your pet using a pet-friendly shampoo
Brush your pet regularly. Long-haired breeds typically benefit the most from daily brushing while short-haired breeds can get by with brushings every few days
Trim nails regularly to prevent breaking and pain while walking
Trim fur around eyes, ears, and in between toes
Clean ears gently with a cleaning solution
Brush your pet’s teeth regularly to prevent dental health issues like gum disease and tooth loss
Exercise and Play
Sedentary pets are at a much higher risk of becoming overweight, which can lead to a myriad of health complications like arthritis, diabetes, kidney disease, and more. Between tests, medications, and potential medical emergencies, these conditions are expensive to manage.
Take your dog for regular walks around the block. Play catch outside. Roll a ball across the floor for your cat. By keeping your pet fit and healthy, you reduce their risk of developing severe health problems, saving you from having to pay for expensive medical treatments.
Staying active also helps to stave off boredom, which keeps your pet from getting into things they shouldn’t. Not only can this save your shoes or furniture, but it can also keep them from chewing on or ingesting something potentially dangerous.
Schedule Routine Vet Visits
Like humans, pets benefit from preventative care in the form of annual physical exams. Your vet looks your pet over and can check for signs or symptoms of severe conditions that you might otherwise miss.
Spotting issues early allows your vet to provide treatments that can stop the condition’s progression. Typically, the earlier problems are spotted, the easier they are to treat. Treatments for health issues also generally cost less in the early stages. Your pet avoids the pain and suffering associated with advanced health issues while you prevent stress and save money.
Keep an Eye Out for Special Deals
Your pet’s veterinarian may offer exclusive promotions throughout the year that can help you to save money on necessary treatments. For instance, many vets observe dental health month in February and offer discounts on dental cleanings.
Your vet may also offer deals on spaying or neutering, heartworm, flea or tick prevention, or pet food. Keep an eye out on your vet’s website or sign up for newsletters if your vet offers them. You can also call the office to learn more about upcoming deals and promotions to help you plan your pet care and save money at the same time.
Share Pet Sitting Services
While you might love the idea of bringing your pet on a fun family vacation, it’s not always possible. Boarding for pets can be expensive. The cost alone can cause some families to cancel trips or keep them from planning excursions.
Fortunately, you have options other than boarding that are far less costly. Ask your neighbors to check up on your pets a few times a day while you’re gone. Find a friend to take your pet into their home for the week. You can also try websites or apps to find qualified pet care in your area.
Set Up and Emergency Fund
Even with high-quality care and prevention, accidents still happen. Taking your pet in for emergency pet care can have a severe impact on your overall budget.
You can help to protect your finances by setting up an emergency fund for your pet. Should you need emergency pet care, taking money from that fund will help to protect your budget and avoid unnecessary setbacks.
Purchase a Pet Insurance Policy
In addition to an emergency fund, a pet insurance policy can be an invaluable asset for any pet owner. If your pet is diagnosed with a health issue and needs treatment, the care you need for that issue can be covered. While you do need to pay a monthly premium, the savings you receive when a health problem does arise makes pet insurance a worthwhile investment.
Several companies offer pet insurance policies. Finding the right plan can be challenging. PolicyScout can help you compare your options and find the best one that meets your needs and the needs of your pet.
Caring for your pets doesn’t mean that you need to spend a small fortune. You can give your pet a happy life and keep them healthy while saving money without sacrificing the love and care that you provide. If you’re looking for a pet insurance policy for your family’s beloved companion, Policy Scout can help. Contact us to learn more and find the best insurance policy for your pet today.