A pet fish in a bowl.

Money Saving Hacks To Make Pets Affordable

Pets are a wonderful addition to a home, but they come with a high price tag. If you are figuring out how to make pet ownership fit into your budget, we may be able to help. Take a look at some simple hacks that can make it more affordable to own a pet.

Pets are a major responsibility. They require a lot of attention and care. But, they are also great companions who provide unconditional love and support.

There are many benefits to owning a pet. They provide companionship when we need it most and give us unconditional love no matter what we do for them or how we act around them. Pets can also help reduce our stress levels by providing us with some much needed TLC when we need it most.

The cost of pet ownership varies depending on the type of animal you choose to own, the size of the animal, where you live, and how much money you have available to spend on your pet.

By far, the most expensive pet to own will be a dog. In the United States, the average cost of owning a dog is almost 2000 dollars per year. This includes food, vet care, toys and other items.

Choosing An Affordable Pet

Pets are expensive, but there are some animals that are more affordable than others.

In general, dogs will be the most expensive pet to own, but different breeds come with different costs. If you want to save money on pet ownership, you need to be selective on which breed you choose, being careful to avoid ones with common health conditions. A mixed breed pet will often be the best bet.

Second most expensive on the list will be cats. They are generally less expensive than dogs because they require less vet care and the care they receive generally costs less because of their size. Cats also eat much less than the average dog.

If you want to save even more over the cost of cars and dogs, you have a lot of options as long as you are not set on having a companion. Animals like birds, fish and hamsters are all viable options that will be cheap to own but still provide enjoyment.

Simple Hacks To Save Money On Pets?

So, you have a type of pet in mind that you think will work with your budget. Why not still try to save more. There are many ways to save money on pets. From cheap dog food brands to the cheapest way to buy a pet, here are some of the best ways to save money on pets.

1) Buy a Cheap Pet

Should a dog be the type of pet you are after, why not go with a cheap dog instead of spending 3000 dollars or more on a pure breed? If you’re looking for a cheap dog, then look no further than your local animal shelter. Shelters often have great deals on both dogs and cats, as they are often trying to find homes for their animals. The average adoption fee for a pet at a shelter is 300 dollars, but these fees are often waived during holidays or to alleviate overcrowding.

2) Buy Cheaper Food Brands

When it comes to buying pet food, you need to do your research. You never want to buy the cheapest dog food, but you also do not need to fall for the hype surrounding overpriced brands. Choose a good mid priced brand and look to save with auto shipping. Many companies like Amazon and even Chewy will give you discounts if you get food delivered on a schedule. This requires some planning, but the savings are worth it.

3) Get Cheap Pet Insurance

Pet insurance is a must for any pet owner, but there are some cheap options out there. Pet insurance companies offer low-cost plans that often come with discounts or coupons to get you into their service. Even a cheap insurance plan can save you a significant amount of money over going it without insurance. Without pet insurance, all it takes i one surprise vet bill to wreck your budget.

4) Shop Clearance Items

Your local pet store sells a lot more seasonal items than you might think. Christmas dog toys, Halloween based treats, etc. Once the holiday is over, you can pick these things up for a fraction of the cost of full retail and use them all year long. Trust us, your dog does not care if his chew treat is shaped like a candy cane, even if it is June.

5) Give Them Plenty Of Exercise

A pet with too much energy is a destructive one and an unhealthy one. Bot of those things will cost you money, so make sure that your pet gets plenty of exercise. That could mean a daily walk, interactive pet toys or just some good one on one play time.

What Are Some Alternatives To Owning A Pet?

What happens if you determine that the cost of pet ownership is just too high, what should you do?

The first thing that you should do is congratulate for making a financially responsible decision. Far too many people rush into these decisions without looking at how much money they need to take care of them. Just because you do not own a pet, does not mean that you can not get a pet fix from time to time.

One alternative to owning a pet is the joy of volunteering at an animal shelter. This is a great way to help animals in need, and you get the satisfaction of knowing that you are making a difference.

Another alternative is to take care of your neighborhood wildlife. If you have trees, bushes, or flowers in your yard, then you are likely hosting some wildlife that needs your help. Making sure they have food, water and suitable habitat.