If you’re a seasoned pet parent, you know how much it can cost to care for your furry friends. And if you’re a first-time pet owner, you’re about to find out. Animals can quickly become a part of the family, and they are often treated as such. From vet visits to training, looking after your four-legged companions is time consuming and pricey. This week, we’re covering ways to keep those costs down.
Take Preventative Action
Similar to owning a car, it’s a lot cheaper to prevent issues than to treat them. When you take your pup or kitty for a well-check, invest in all preemptive measures your vet recommends. You can avoid expensive treatments and potentially life-threatening diseases.
This includes shots and treatments for issues ranging from fleas to heartworm. Staying up to date on these is equally important. Without a valid rabies vaccination, you won’t be able to board your pet or get them groomed.
You should also try to keep to a routine to prevent accidents. If you walk your dog regularly, they will be much less likely to cause damage in your home. Keeping your cats litter box clean will have the same effect.
The bottom line: be proactive and pay attention to your pets’ needs.
Pet-Proof Your Home
Kittens and puppies are curious, and sometimes a little naughty. If you’re bringing home a new pet, prepare for a few accidents. Even if it’s an older animal, it will take some time for them to get used to their surroundings.
While you’re training your new furry friend, protect your home from scratches and bathroom-related incidents. Roll up any nice rugs and cover your valuable furniture. If your new companion is proving especially tough to potty train, you may want to invest in a few pee-pads.
Taking steps to preserve your treasured possessions can save you big in the long-run. Replacing carpet and damaged furniture can set you back thousands of dollars.
The bottom line: plastic coverings or bare floors may be temporarily unsightly, but they’re worth it.
Emergencies, Big And Small
Like most things in life, pets are unpredictable. There’s no way to anticipate all of the things that may go wrong, but you can manage how you handle them.
A trip to the emergency vet can cost hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. The fee for after hours services alone is expensive. Always try and get in touch with your primary vet or someone at the emergency provider to make sure a visit is in order. Unless there are signs of severe distress, you may be able to wait.
Try and set aside some money every month to cover unforeseen expenses. If you have a pet with a congenital, chronic, or costly condition, look into pet insurance. The cost is often worth the coverage.
The bottom line: prepare yourself for expensive emergencies.
The Little Things
Owning a pet can cost more than a thousand dollars a year. It’s not just the emergencies and big ticket items that contribute. The little things, like food, litter, and toys, add up. There’s a lot of simple things you can do to cut back on these day-to-day expenses. Check out our infographic below and start saving!
