Vet bills, pet food, litter trays, torn up carpets, ruined flower beds, fresh frisbees; pets can cost a pretty penny and seriously eat (sometimes literally) into your household budget. Even if you’ve found some great sites for free bingo with no deposit required, it can be tricky to make ends meet with a hungry mutt around!
However adorable our four legged friends may be, they can be a lot of work and cost a lot of money. If you’re a pet-owner in need of a few penny pinching tips, we’ve got some great ideas to help lower the cost of looking after a furry friend.
1. Don’t use kennels or catteries
If you’re going away, it’s normal to want to leave your dog or cat somewhere where you know they’ll be safe and cared for. However, catteries and kennels can be very expensive. Often the experience is very stressful for animals, especially if they’re not used to being around other critters.
Instead of shelling out on an expensive pooch “hotel”, trade in a favor with a friend of neighbor. You may even have a pet-obsessed pal who will leap at the chance to dog or cat sit. You could even find a (trusted) house sitter looking for free short-term accommodation in the area to look after Butch while you jet off to Barbados. You could even prevail upon the National Petsitter’s Association for a cheaper kennel alternative.
2. Recycle shredded paper
If you’re a hamster or guinea pig owner, don’t shell out for specially made bedding. Instead ask your boss very nicely to let you take home recycled shredded paper to use as a nice, warm, corporate bed for your fluffy little pals.
3. Buy in Bulk
Buy essentials like food, biscuits and litter in bulk to get more from your budget. Look for online deals or use cashback sites to recoup some of those hard-earned pennies that you’re spending on your pet.
4. Don’t buy pricey pet beds
Animals aren’t fussy and, although we know you love to spoil your kitty or pooch, they don’t know the difference between a fancy, specially bought pet bed and a few old towels and blankets. This goes for all sorts of pet accessories too – they’re often easy to make and far cheaper than the shop-bought alternatives. Here’s a tutorial for making a pet bed out of an old jumper.
5. Adopt your animal
If you haven’t yet picked up your pet, consider adopting them from a shelter instead of buying a brand new kitten or puppy. Not only are these rescue pets cheaper, they’re also full or love and you’ll be giving a deserving creature a good home.
Does your four-legged friend cost you the earth? How do you keep costs down in the pet food aisle? Share your ideas with our readers below.
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