Put Pet Spending on a Tighter Leash

Owning and caring for an animal doesn't have to be a budget-buster. In fact, you can rein in a few costs and be a better pal to your precious pet by implementing the following suggestions:

Buy Cheaper Chow

Less expensive doesn't have to mean less nutritious. Check pet-food labels carefully, and look for the words "complete and balanced," which indicate the contents can satisfy your pet's sole nourishment. Also, look for a statement that the food's nutritional value meets standards set by the American Association of Feed Control Officials. Armed with this information, you can be confident about swapping expensive brand name labels for less expensive generic versions.

Try to buy in bulk, checking unit prices to ensure you're saving money, and preserve your pet food in airtight containers. Always comparison-shop, checking websites, supermarkets, big box stores, and pet shops, as well as utilizing manufacturers' coupons and loyalty programs. Also, consider splitting bulk purchases with a friend.

Some pet owners are making their own dog food. You can find many healthy recipes online. Your veterinarian can also recommend essential ingredients to ensure you safely meet all of your pet's nutritional needs.

Cut the Cost of Supplies and Toys

Garage sales are great places to find aquariums, birdcages, cat carriers, dog crates, rabbit hutches and other items for which their owners no longer have use. You'll find many of these same items for sale at deep discounts on websites such as Craigslist, eBay, and Freecycle. As for toys, buy just a few or make your own and rotate them every couple of weeks. Again, ask your veterinarian's advice for toys that are appropriate and safe.

Reduce Boarding Fees

Whenever possible, arrange for a friend to care for your pets when you're away, and be ready to reciprocate. Barring this arrangement, some veterinarian techs may do pet sitting on the side for less than you'd pay to board your pet. Another option is to take your pet with you. More establishments are becoming pet-friendly. Moreover, you'll be spared the stress and worry of leaving your dog with a stranger, while also saving on kennel or pet-sitting costs. Call ahead to the places you'll be staying to inquire about their specific pet policies, including any extra fees or deposits.

Save on Your Pet's Health Care

Just as humans do, pets benefit from preventive and proactive health care.

Remain current on recommended vaccinations, which can keep your pet from contracting common diseases. You can often find low-cost options for common procedures and vaccines though local humane societies and shelters, such as American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). You can visit www.Pets911.com and enter your zip code to find a list of animal shelters, animal control agencies, and other animal organizations in your community.

Put Your Pet on a Healthy Diet and Exercise Program

Our pets can suffer the same complications from obesity as humans, such as arthritis, high blood pressure, and diabetes, so don't overfeed them. Increase their activity by taking them on walks and trips to the park.

Keep Your Pet Well Groomed

Cut costs by bathing and grooming your pet yourself instead of spending money on a professional groomer. For what you'd pay for one trip to the groomer's, you can buy a quality brush, clippers, and other basic supplies to keep your pet looking and feeling its best. Routine grooming can stave off infections and other costly problems.

Good grooming includes regular dental care, as well. Instead of taking your pet to a veterinarian clinic, a mobile dental tech, usually working out of a local groomer's shop, will clean your pet's teeth for half the cost. Moreover, you can buy finger toothbrushes from your local pet shop to brush their teeth yourself.

Spay Now, Don't Pay Later

By spaying or neutering pets at a young age, you'll end their urge to mate and reduce their desire to fight or wander, thereby reducing their susceptibility to both injury and illness. Further, neutering reduces the risk of several types of cancer in dogs and cats.

Pet-Proof Your Home and Yard

Every year, thousands of dollars are spent on treating pets for preventable accidents and poisonings. Therefore, eliminate any possible access to rat bait, snail bait, ant bait, household medicines, and cleaning supplies. Similarly, inspect your yard for loose fence boards, faulty latches, and unsecured trash bins.

Limit Your Veterinarian Bills

No matter what you do, there might be times when your pet needs veterinary care. Many veterinarians offer discounts, including senior discounts and multi-pet discounts. Also, ask about military and law enforcement discounts. For a new puppy or kitten, your veterinarian may offer discount packages that cover all vaccinations, spaying or neutering, microchip identification, and other procedures. Likewise, shelters often include these services in their adoption fee.

Ask if your veterinarian can prescribe generic equivalents of name brand medications. Moreover, ask if there is a human equivalent, such as baby aspirin. Not all pet prescriptions are more expensive, but it's worth checking out.

Pet insurance can help defray veterinarian expenses and merits your consideration. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommends coverage for catastrophic expenses. Policies typically run between $10 and $20 a month. Petinsurance.com is a popular online resource for obtaining pet insurance information. If you're without pet insurance, ask your veterinarian to submit an assistance request to the AAHA's "Helping Pets Fund".

Your pets always deserve first-class care and attention, but first-class treatment need not be expensive if you implement some of these money-saving tips.

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