Frugal Pet Ownership: Is it Possible?

There’s no doubt that pet ownership can be expensive. Pet owners, as a whole, will spend an estimated $99 billion on food, treats, veterinary care, grooming, boarding, and more by the end of 2020. Saving money on pet ownership is possible, but it takes a proactive approach and a willingness to put in a little extra effort.

The team at Beverly Hills Veterinary Associates has a few tricks up our sleeve to help you achieve the goal of frugal pet ownership! 

6 Frugal Pet Ownership Tips

1. Adopt, don’t shop – It’s undeniably less expensive to adopt a pet from a shelter than to purchase one from a breeder, plus you’ll be saving a life! Have your heart set on a particular breed? Seek out a breed specific rescue organization – many will help to transport a pet to you at a free or reduced price.

2. Don’t skip the yearly wellness exam – Although you can’t prevent your pet from ever getting sick, catching an illness in its early stages through preventive care is far more cost-effective. Keeping up with routine vaccinations and parasite control will further reduce pet care costs by protecting your pet from transmissible diseases and parasites.

3. Spay or neuter – Think one cat or dog is expensive? Try a full litter of kittens or puppies. Spaying and neutering prevents unwanted pregnancy and can reduce future veterinary bills by protecting your pet against certain cancers and other conditions associated with being intact.

4. Make dental care a priority – Poor dental health can lead to painful and expensive conditions such as tooth loss and infections that spread throughout the body. Brush your pet’s teeth at home (ask us for tips if you haven’t started this habit yet) and make sure they are receiving a yearly professional dental exam and cleaning to prevent worse problems down the road.

5. Exercise daily – Without exercise, pets can become overweight, resulting in health problems down the road. Lack of exercise can also lead to expensive and upsetting behavior problems, such as destructive chewing or inappropriate urination. Making a commitment to exercising your pet will help them to stay at a healthy weight, keep arthritis at bay, and reduce behavior problems. T

6. Buy in bulk – Whenever possible, buy the products your pet uses in bulk. Items like pet food, litter, and parasite preventives are usually cheaper when purchased in larger amounts.

Do you have some favorite tips for frugal pet ownership? We would love to hear about it! Post to our social media or let us know the next time we see you. And as always, don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns about your pet.