Pet Care For Less

You don't have to spend $200 for a purebred puppy or kitten at the pet store. Visit your local Humane Society or the local animal shelter and adopt a new member of the family for free (plus a nominal, optional donation). There are thousands of dogs and cats in need of a loving home.

You know your dog or cat is going to eat it, so don't buy dry food in the little boxes or bags. Buy the 25-pound bags of chow and save a bundle over the course of a year.

Avoid buying special diet pet food from the veterinarian. Many of the special diet blends they'll recommend cost a lot more than if you stock up at discount pet superstores. While it is true that some pets will do better on specialized diets, if your pet is in good health, it's a waste of money to buy it through the vet.

When trying to decide on a pet, in most cases, the smaller it is, the less it will cost in the long run. Smaller pets such as fish, mice, hamsters, rabbits and guinea pigs will not only cost much less than dogs and cats, but also require less of your time. Larger pets will require that you spend more on medication, because most medicines require a higher dosage for bigger animals.

Indoor cats often live longer and cost less to keep. If you keep your kittens indoors (you really should), most vets will tell you to skip the regular vaccinations for rabies, distemper and feline leukemia since it's most unlikely your pampered pet will come into contact with these diseases.

Learn how to provide basic grooming and healthcare for your pet. Pets do need basic grooming care to keep them healthy, as well as looking their best. Many services can provide care such as nail clipping, grooming and dental cleaning for your pet. These are tasks that need to be done on a regular basis, but that you can easily learn how to do yourself and save a considerable amount of money. Check the Internet or local library for "How to" information.

Keep your dog close by to save on vet bills. Roaming pets are more likely to be injured or killed when out roaming that may lead to a lot of vet expenses. So walk your dog on a leash when taking him/her out for a walk. Your neighbors will appreciate it and you're pet may live a longer and healthier life.

Your dog will love a steak bone more than a rubber steak toy. But remember, never give a dog bones from poultry - they splinter. Your dog will think you’re the cat's meow when you give her a tasty steak bone to gnaw on.

If you can't afford the cost of spaying or neutering your pet, call your local animal control office for information on any spay clinics sponsored by local pet shelters or other pet groups. Many areas offer these clinics, which will be a cheaper alternative to what the veterinarian charges.

Those little catnip stuffed toys are expensive and your cat's only interested in the catnip, not the mouse covering. Buy a bag or box of loose catnip. Stuff an old sock with the nip and tie a knot in the open end of the sock. Rub the sock to release the catnip scent and save a lot on cat toys.

Going away on vacation? Putting your dog in a kennel for a week is pricey, and upsetting to the dog. Pay a neighbor a few dollars to feed and walk your pets while you're away, or better yet, swap services and take care of their pets when they travel.

Dogs and cats don't care what it says on the label. They eat bugs, for goodness sake. Buy the store brand and save.

If your dog suffers from repeated ear infections, trips to the vet and the special cleanser they prescribe can get expensive. You can make your own by mixing 1/3 rubbing alcohol, 1/3 white vinegar and 1/3 water. Squirt a few drops in your pet's problem ear, let set for a minute or so and then wipe out with a tissue. Doing this on a regular basis can prevent trips to the veterinarian and the high cost of the special cleansers.

Just about every municipality requires dogs to have rabies shots and boosters in subsequent years. Check with your vet, local pet store or animal control office to see if there are any low-cost rabies or other vaccination clinics available where you live. Areas prone to rabies outbreaks often sponsor these clinics to help offset the spread of this disease, and having your pet vaccinated at one can save you some money.

Don't buy those expensive, clumping cat litters. Buy the least expensive cat litter and sprinkle it with some baking soda to keep odors down. Add your own odor controllers and control your budget, too!