Skip to main content

Start saving money on your pets with these 10 life hacks

Whether you’re a lifelong pet parent or you’ve recently adopted your first fur baby, you know that pets can be incredibly expensive. Between food, vaccinations, toys, bedding, piddle pads, miscellaneous medical expenses, litter, and treats, it’s no wonder that one out of every four pet owners struggles with pet debt. Managing your spending habits is an essential life skill, and it becomes even more important when you’re feeding extra mouths on a budget. From cutting initial costs to improving long-term cash flow, we’re here to help you save money on your furry friends with our list of life hacks.

Two cats, a corgi, and a poodle against a pink background.
huoadg5888 from Pixabay

How to save money on pets

Grooming costs and pet sitters can break the bank. Here are a few tips that can help you save in the long run.

Recommended Videos

1. Adopt, don’t shop

Purebred pets are expensive, sometimes costing several thousand dollars. Even if you have your heart set on a purebred German shepherd or Russian blue, there are ways to get your dream pet without spending so much money. Check out the AKC Rescue Network or Petfinder’s Breed Rescue. Many people buy a certain breed only to realize their new dog or cat isn’t a great fit with their lifestyle. You can also contact your local shelter and ask them to keep an eye out for the breed you want. Adopting saves an unwanted fur baby from a tragic end and saves you a ton of money.

2. Buy in bulk

From food and supplies to medication and supplements, most items are cheaper if you buy in bulk. If you can’t possibly use up everything you purchase before the expiration date, ask a fellow pet owner to go halves with you on your purchase. You’ll save money and cut down on waste.

A gray kitten sitting outside.
Susann Mielke from Pixabay

3. Research your food

You want to feed your pet the best diet you can afford, but pet food is costly. However, once you’ve found a food they like, you can start looking for the best price. Look for coupons and website deals, and consider shopping through a portal website like Swagbucks, which gives you cash back on purchases.

4. Get into DIY

With the advent of YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, learning new skills is as easy as entering a search term and watching a video. You can learn how to groom your pets at home thanks to myriad free tutorials. Some dollar stores offer pet grooming supplies, which can also save cash.

5. Ask a friend to babysit your pet

Leaving town? Boarding your pet can be expensive, especially if you have more than one. Consider asking a trusted friend or family member if they’ll keep an eye on your pet while you’re away. You also can find budget-friendly help on sites like Rover. Don’t be afraid to ask your friends whom they use to watch their pets. You could even swap help with friends — you’ll help them repaint their bedroom if they watch your dog for a week.

6. Save money with subscriptions

Once you’ve found your pet’s favorite food, you can sign up for auto-ship with Chewy, which saves you up to 10% on recurring orders. You’ll also save up to $20 on your first auto-ship order. Chewy’s prices are also lower than most big-name pet supply stores, and their responsive customer service means you never have to worry about your delivery getting lost in the mail.

7. Ensure you store your food properly

Most of us buy the largest bag of food we can carry and dump it into a food bin. Turns out, we’ve all been doing it wrong. You should store the food bag inside the container, and the reason makes a lot of sense. If you’ve been dumping food into the same container for months without cleaning it out properly, your pet’s new food is coming into contact with crumbs from old food. Yuck! Make sure your storage bin has an airtight seal to keep your pet’s food fresh. When the bag is empty, wash and dry your container to get rid of old crumbs and oily residue.

8. Save money on pet insurance

If you’re going to insure your pet, make sure to do your research. The best time to insure your pet is when they’re young and healthy with no preexisting conditions. You’ll pay lower premiums, and your pet is almost guaranteed to qualify.

A tan pug puppy sitting on a wooden floor.
Free-Photos / Pixabay

9. Spay and neuter as soon as possible

Nothing is more costly than having an unexpected litter. You can search for low-cost spaying and neutering options in your area — or ask your veterinarian if they know of any affordable clinics. Yes, there is an upfront cost associated with spaying and neutering, but you’ll save a small fortune in the long run.

10. Keep your pet healthy

One of the easiest and most effective ways to save money is simply by keeping your pet healthy and active. A sedentary lifestyle makes pets susceptible to a host of medical issues like obesity, arthritis, diabetes, and heart problems. Your pet will live a longer, healthier life on a nutritious diet with plenty of exercise.

Being a pet parent is rewarding and full of fun, but it can also be costly. Make smart purchases, don’t be tempted by fancy toys and gadgets your pet doesn’t need, and do plenty of research to make sure you’re getting the best deal. With a bit of coupon hunting, bulk buying, and creativity, you can keep your pet happy and healthy without breaking the bank.

Topics
Mary Johnson
Contributor
Mary Johnson is a writer and photographer from New Orleans, Louisiana. Her work has been published in PawTracks and…
Yes, your Persian cat is indeed a prince or princess and needs special care
Caring for your Persian's fur, face, teeth, and more
Gray Persian cat lying down

Before you bring home any cat, you'll want to be familiar with their care requirements. While there are some basic needs that all cats share, the amount of effort and time you're going to need to put into caring for your cat mostly depends on your cat's breed and individual needs. Some short-haired breeds are low-maintenance pets, for example, but long-haired breeds often require a more demanding grooming schedule.

That's especially true when it comes to the Persian cat. This beautiful breed of cat is known for its long coat and short, smooshed-in face, but those characteristics also bring some unique care requirements. Be sure to learn all about Persian cat care so you can keep your Persian happy, healthy, and looking beautiful.
Are Persian cats high maintenance?

Read more
How to find the shelter dog that fits your lifestyle
Choosing the perfect shelter pup
Young woman choosing dog at a shelter

So, you’ve decided to welcome a shelter dog into your heart and home. Good for you! Too many people buy into the myth that if you adopt a pet from a shelter, you’re inheriting someone else’s problem. The truth is that most dogs end up in shelters because of human problems such as divorce, abandonment, or families having no time for the dog.

Most shelter dogs are happy, healthy, and well-behaved pets. They're just waiting for someone like you to offer them a loving home! Finding a shelter dog that fits your lifestyle does take time, but in return, you get to share your home with a devoted companion. But how can you know which shelter dog is the one for you?
Why you should adopt a dog from a shelter

Read more
How to help your new cat settle in
Here are the steps you should take to help your cat feel at home with you
Tiger cat lying on a rug

Bringing home a new cat can be stressful for both you and your new furry family member. Fortunately, there are many ways you can help reduce your cat's stress and make the transition period easier. As your new cat settles in, he'll need some support from you, but he'll also need you to be patient with him. He's undergoing a big life change, and as excited as you are for him to be around, the best thing you can do is to give your kitty some time and space while he adjusts. He'll be roaming the house and hanging out with you soon enough if you follow these tips.
What is the 3-3-3 rule for cats?

If you have ever adopted a cat before, you may have heard this often-cited rule for settling in. The rule says that cats take three days to adjust to being in a new place at all and may seem especially hesitant and skittish.

Read more