10 Ways to Cut Pet Expenses

If you're looking for ways to reduce expenses, the family pet can pitch in and help too. While Fido and Fifi are like members of the family, they don't have to cost a lot to maintain. Some simple tips for saving on food, toys and veterinary care may reduce the total amount you pay for your pet over its lifetime.

1. Mutts Are Marvelous

Consider adopting a dog or cat from a shelter. Shelter fees and donations for adopting pets are a fraction of the cost of buying a pedigree animal from a breeder or pet store. And pure bred dogs often cost more to maintain and keep healthy, too. Remember, your Cockapoo or Labradoodle will love you just as much as a pure bred.

2. Consider Investing in Pet Health Insurance

You may want to consider buying pet health insurance. With pet insurance, you pay a premium each month and your pets are usually covered for routine exams, preventive care and veterinary visits. More expensive surgeries are generally covered for a percentage of the total cost. Before you purchase an insurance plan, though, think about researching which procedures and preexisting conditions are and are not covered by the policy.

3. Payment Plans for Veterinary Expenses

You may qualify for a payment plan if your pet needs an expensive medical procedure. There are companies that offer a limited line of credit; they pay the medical bill, and you pay off the debt monthly like a normal credit card. In addition, consider asking your veterinarian if he or she offers financial assistance.

4. Shopping Around for Medication

Although buying prescriptions at the veterinarian's office may be more convenient, you may want to shop around for your pet's medication. Some human pharmacies are able to compound medication in doses specifically for animals. Try making some calls or consulting the Internet to search for less expensive pet prescriptions.

5. Bargain Grooming

You may be able to save money on grooming expenses in several ways. For example, you might talk to your friends or veterinarian about finding bargain groomers or searching online for groomers that offer coupons. Some groomers even offer discounts to first-time customers. You could even consider grooming your pet yourself. Many products such as combs, pet shampoos, scissors and nail clippers are available at pet stores and online. If you do not feel you have the skill or confidence to groom your pet safely, then you probably want to seek a professional.

6. Discount Training Supplies and Equipment

To avoid expensive dog training services you may think about training your pet yourself. One option is to consult your veterinarian or humane society for tips on training your dog. You could also take dog-training classes offered by shelters, buy training videos and books, get advice from a professional trainer and/or purchase discount or wholesale training supplies.

7. Buying in Bulk Could Save Money

If you have the storage space, you could buy cat litter in large quantities. When you buy in bulk, you often pay less per unit. Items like kitty litter, collars, toys and dog chews don't spoil and can be stored until they are needed.

8. Buying Direct from Companies

Many food, toy and pet supply companies offer their products at a lower price on their own Web sites. You can buy the products direct without the added prices from distributors and retailers. Some companies offer memberships and coupons to customers who buy online frequently.

9. Store Memberships and Coupons

Frequent shoppers to popular pet supply chains can take advantage of membership cards that offer savings on specially marked sale items such as food, cat litter and care products. You can also sign up to receive coupons in the mail or make a certain number of purchases to receive a free bag of food.

10. Playing and Cuddling Are Free

Rather than buying one more cat or dog toy that may be lost under the fridge within the day, consider getting the family together to play with your pet. He doesn't know you paid nothing for that crumpled ball of aluminum foil or the rag tied in a knot. If it's thrown at him or offered as a tug-of-war toy, he'll enjoy it just as much. A run around the yard, a tossed Frisbee or a friendly wrestle on the living room floor are all free for you but priceless to your pet. Physical activity may also keep your pet's weight down, and avoid boredom, thus contributing to his health and mental well-being.