Groom Your Pet at Home
You’d be surprised how important grooming is to your pet’s health. Sure, it makes your furry mate smell like a delicious tropical fruit, but there’s more to it!
Grooming your pet regularly helps prevent shedding, fleas, ticks, and other health issues that can ultimately lead to a hefty vet bill.
If your pet has long hair or a coat that requires a lot of upkeep, grooming can be quite costly. For example, dog grooming in Australia might cost anything from $35 to $150.
Instead of paying a groomer monthly, you can save a good amount of money by grooming yourself. There are a bunch of online learning resources, such as YouTube, that can teach you how to groom your pet properly.
To make the job easier, you can purchase a grooming kit. These typically consist of brushes, combs, and nail clippers.
Buy Pet Food in Bulk
One of the most significant monthly expenses for pet parents is pet food. However, did you know that you can give your pets the nutrition they need without spending an absolute fortune?
Some pet food is so costly because it’s advertised as a well-known ‘brand’. There are, of course, much cheaper alternatives available.
If you’re concerned they won’t be of the same quality, look at the ingredients listed in the package. If they both contain the same ingredients, there’s no reason to believe the more expensive one is superior.
It’s best to buy pet food in bulk. You can find these at Costco or any other warehouse in your area. If that isn’t an option, consider stocking up on pet food while it’s on sale.
Yes, we realise this will cost you more money upfront, but it will give you more time between purchases to save cash.
Make DIY Toys
Who says you can’t craft your adorable DIY toys? Instead of spending money on a brand-new toy every couple of months, you can make cute DIY toys for your pets using simple household items.
After all, whether homemade or purchased, it’s only a matter of seconds until your dog begins chewing the toy’s life away. You can find plenty of fun DIY ideas for kitties and doggies on Pinterest and other platforms.
If you don’t feel like you’re up for that, you can buy secondhand toys from the Facebook marketplace or your local charity shop.
We know you want your babies to have the finest things on the market. However, your pets will be just as entertained by a handmade toy as they will be by a store-bought one.
Take Care of Your Pet’s Health
This one might seem like common sense, but it’s worth mentioning. It goes without saying that the more you maintain your pet’s health, the better it will be in the long run.
You’ll be up to your neck in medical bills if you don’t keep your pet’s well-being in check. Here are a few things you can do to avoid costly bills and save money:
- Brush the pet’s teeth regularly.
- Exercise them.
- Make sure they’re getting their vaccinations on time.
- Feed them food with high-quality ingredients.
Create a Pet Care Fund
According to research, the average pet owner in Australia spends $3200 per dog and $2100 per cat every year!
Planning a budget and keeping track of your finances is the best way to go when money’s tight.
One idea we liked was making a pet care envelope. You can use a box, a piggy bank, or an old vegemite jar for all we care! The goal is to stow away a small amount of money each month or whenever you receive a paycheck.
This money may be used to help with your pet’s requirements, such as vet expenses, food, and pet sitters. Whatever you need, being able to rely on this small pool of money you put aside will save your budget.
This is especially important when unexpected expenses arise.
Save on Pet Medication
Giving your pets their monthly flea and worm medication is essential to avoiding significant health risks.
While there’s no doubt your vet will recommend the best treatment choices for your fur baby, there are many equally safe and less expensive over-the-counter alternatives.
You can find these at your local pet store or on third-party websites, such as Petcircle. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for discounts too!
Make Your Treats
Pet treats can be expensive; some even cost more than caviar! According to experts, pet treats are so costly because of how they’re marketed.
Even some pricey dog treats contain little to no meat and are instead loaded with grain fillers, colouring, and additives!
So, why not make your homemade pet treats? They’re far less costly and safer since you know exactly what’s in them. Who knows, maybe they’ll bring out the baker in you too!
Let’s Wrap It Up
From crafting your dog toys and treats to purchasing pet food in bulk, there are many ways for pet owners to save money. Some even offer a great bonding experience for you and your furry mate!
We put together a list of seven money-saving tips pet owners can use to stay on budget.
