Pets
"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." ~Anatole France
GENERAL SAVINGS
TIPS:
Be Your Pet’s Trainer: Consider training your pet on your own instead of hiring a professional trainer. This will help you save money in the long run and boost your own skillset while you’re at it 1.
Buy in Bulk and Store Properly: Buying pet food and other products in bulk can save you a lot of money. Just make sure to store them properly to avoid spoilage 1.
Keep Your Pet Fit and Healthy: Taking preventative measures to allow for fewer vet visits is always the right move. Even if your pet is a bit older, be sure to make an effort to ensure they’re getting enough movement in their day 1.
DIY Grooming: Grooming your pet at home can save you a lot of money in the long run. You can find many tutorials online that will help you get started 2.
Make Your Own Toys and Treats: Making your own toys and treats is not only fun but also budget-friendly. You can find many recipes online that use simple ingredients 2.
Use Social Media: Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter are great places to find deals on pet products, services, and even adoption fees .
Sign up for loyalty programs at pet stores.
Take advantage of free or low-cost vet services.
Ask your veterinarian about discounts.
Find a dog-friendly friend or family member who can watch your pet while you are away.
Keep your pet up-to-date on vaccinations.
Brush your pet's teeth regularly.
Clean your pet's ears regularly.
Trim your pet's nails regularly.
Check your pet for fleas and ticks regularly.
Keep your pet at a healthy weight.
Spay or neuter your pet.
Microchip your pet.
If buying pet insurance is better to get one that covers 90% of invoice instead of 90% of reasonable and customary which could be very arbitrary.
Find a pet for less money even a purebred at a local shelter like www.petfinder.org . This is a list of pet rescue organizations were you can even find groups that focus on a particular breed. Other shelters: www.pets911.com or www.1-800-save-a-pet.com,
At www.petsfortheelderly.org you can get up to $50 of the adoption costs (fees, medical exams, spaying or neutering) when people 60 and older adopt a cat or a dog from one of 58 animal shelters in 31 states.
www.About.com , has a section on veterinary medicine with a subsection about health insurance and wellness plans for animals. There are interviews with numerous veterinary health insurance carriers, asking all of them the same questions, so you can go onto the site to read and compare the different plans that are available. With the ever-increasing cost of pet healthcare, this is a topic you may want to investigate, too.
Two very good websites for ordering meds and supplies are www.EntirelyPets.com and www.Petdirect.com . They will even get in touch with your vet to obtain the prescription, and the orders are delivered quickly. In addition, there are sometimes sales and reduced shipping costs, which will save you even more money.
Ask your vet what insurance pet policy he/she has found works best for his/her customers.
Ask your vet what store bought dog treats can be replace with human snacks
Sign up for Walgreens Prescription Savings Club (www.walgreens.com) a discount medication program that allows your pet as a dependent and receive discount on commonly pet medications.
In some states there is a pet food bank for people that lost their jobs. You can come in and get a month's supply of pet food up to 2 pets every month in exchange for hours of volunteer work in your community plus other requirements. They also help you get your pet fix. Their website is Daffy's Pet Soup Kitchen
1) TRAVEL
What Should I Do With My Pets When Traveling?
Flying With Your Pet? Here’s What You Need to Know First
Information on travel friendly websites:
2) FINDING EXTRA MONEY
Simple Ways to Find Extra Money to Spend On Your Pet
Are you having trouble affording your pet? Help is out there!
The Many Ways a Pet Can Save You Money
13 ways to save money on pet costs
3) PET INSURANCE/Healthcare
Is Pet Insurance Really Worth It?
Reduce the Cost of Pet Healthcare
10 Best Pet Health Insurance Companies – Plans for Your Dog or Cat
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BUYING PET INSURANCE
Should You Get Pet Insurance? Here's What Vets Say
6 Things to Know About Insuring Your Pets
4) Veterinary/Pet care
15 Ways To Make Veterinary Bills More Affordable
9 Ways to Get Cheap or Free Vet Care for Your Pet
5 Ways to Save on Veterinary Care (Without Sacrificing Quality)
5 Smart Ways to Keep Vet Bills Affordable
Easy Ways To Reduce Pet Care Costs
15 Ways To Make Veterinary Bills More Affordable.
4 Low Cost Flea Control Solutions
Affordable Natural Flea Control for Your Yard and Home
Save Money on Vet Bills with These Ideas
5 Clever Ways to Save Money on Pet Care
Inexpensive Ways to Keep Pets Flea Free
5) CLEANING
Removing Pet Urine Stains from Carpet on the Cheap
6) PET PRODUCTS
getting an AirTag collar for you dog could save you untold stress and heartache (REDDIT)
7) PET FOOD
9 Ways to Find Affordable Healthy Pet Food
7 Simple Affordable Pet Treats
8) ESTATE PLANNING
Estate Planning for Pets: How to Protect Your Furry Friends
What Happens to Your Pets When You Die? - Estate Planning With Cats & Dogs
9) ADOPTING A PET
Thinking Of Adopting A Pet? Here Are Tips To Help You Find A New Furry Friend
QUOTES:
Humane Society Shampoo: Our Humane Society makes their own shampoo. It is made with equal parts of Mrs. Murphy Oil soap (the original formula) and Lemon Joy dish washing soap. It mixes into a thick shampoo that leaves the dogs silky and clean. No skin allergies occur, as this is so gentle! Nancy B. from Dollar Stretcher Tips
"Shots for Pets: Does your cat or dog require insulin, B-12 or other regular shots? Ask your vet/vet tech to teach you how to give them. I've successfully given insulin shots, B-12 shots, and Cytopoint (allergy medicine) shots to my pets over the years, and all it took was instruction from the vet. One pet, a Nervous Nelly, is calmer if she sits on my lap while I give her the shot while my previous pets never even noticed their injections. I learned to do this decades ago for a diabetic cat who needed daily insulin. That vet told me I needed to learn how to give the shots at home. Now I can avoid the $60/shot my current vet charges for each of my dog's allergy medicine shots (the allergy medicine is an additional cost). This saves $720 per year! The vet gave me a box, nearly full, of their smallest syringes when I asked about swapping the large ones which came with the medicine. I didn't ask for free ones, but they gave them to me. It might have helped that I donated unopened medicines, canned food, and medical supplies after some of my pets passed away. It won't hurt to ask if you can get a lesson in how to do this yourself. Bonny from Dollar Stretcher Tips"
"Become a "client" of every vet near you and then call to price check procedures. In my area, two vets wanted $200 for an extraction of one tooth. A third wanted $50, and a fourth wanted only $25. However, when our cat passed away, it was less expensive to cremate our cat at the first vet." Donald from Dollar Stretcher Tips
"With such tight money times, it can be stressful to provide the care needed to keep our pets healthy. If you are anywhere near a Humane Society animal shelter, give them a call. Vet checkups, spay and neutering services, shots and even flea and heartworm preventative medications can be purchased for about half the price of the neighborhood vet (at least where I live). Support your vet when you can, but if the choice is find a cheaper way or neglect your pet, call the Humane Society. I have also heard that many food banks are now providing dog and cat food. If you are really in a bind, give them a call and get some help to keep your loved ones healthy." Beth from Dollar Stretcher Tips
Cleaning Pet "Spots" : I have five pets and have carpeting throughout my house. I frequently find "spots" left on the carpets. I used to buy expensive spot treatments for the carpet, but I created a homemade version that is safer and works even better than store brands. The ingredients include:
16 oz. bottle
1/2 cup white vinegar
1 tsp. Dawn® dish soap
hot water
Shake bottle to mix ingredients together. Wipe up as much of the mess as you can with paper towels, then soak the spot with this homemade spot treatment. Let it sit for at least ten minutes, and then wipe the spot with a damp rag. The spot should be gone. The bottle can be stored at room temperature, and the treatment still works. Victoria from Dollar Stretcher Tips
A Solution for Problem Pet Hair From a Professional: With two children, four dogs and three cats running around our home, I was chasing myself in circles with all the cleaning. Our 154-year-old home has restored hardwood floors everywhere, so you really see the pet hair piling up fast. I was going through several disposable electrostatic cleaning cloths daily, and it was still a mess! I finally invested in a package of 25 microfiber towels. (They were only $10 at the time, but I am sure they would cost more now). I soak them down, wring them out and put them on the duster instead of the disposables. This strategy cleans my floor with minimal water and removes a lot more dog hair and dirt than the disposable. Furthermore, I can change the towel as often as I want without feeling bad about throwing money in the trash. Just wash and it's done! It works so well that we've adapted the same strategy at my husband's veterinary clinic. If it works there, it will work anywhere! Cristen from Dollar Stretcher Tips
Before You Go To The Vet: My 14-year-old dog is a bonafide family member. She was a rescue and did not cost much until a few years ago when she began to experience some health issues. I had always taken her to the local SPCA vet and was shocked to realize that using a 'private' vet was considerably less expensive! My tip is to call around to check prices before just assuming that things like teeth cleaning, routine check-ups, and wellness visits are the cheapest at your local animal protection agency. JD from Dollar Stretcher Tips
CATS
TIPS:
Be Your Cat’s Trainer: Consider training your cat on your own instead of hiring a professional trainer. This will help you save money in the long run and boost your own skillset while you’re at it 1.
Buy in Bulk and Store Properly: Buying cat food and other products in bulk can save you a lot of money. Just make sure to store them properly to avoid spoilage 1.
Keep Your Cat Fit and Healthy: Taking preventative measures to allow for fewer vet visits is always the right move. Even if your cat is a bit older, be sure to make an effort to ensure they’re getting enough movement in their day 1.
DIY Grooming: Grooming your cat at home can save you a lot of money in the long run. You can find many tutorials online that will help you get started 2.
Make Your Own Toys and Treats: Making your own toys and treats is not only fun but also budget-friendly. You can find many recipes online that use simple ingredients 2.
Adopt Instead of Buy: Adopting a cat from a shelter is not only more affordable than buying one from a breeder but also helps reduce the number of animals in shelters 3.
Use Social Media: Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter are great places to find deals on cat products, services, and even adoption fees.
Get Free Samples: Many pet stores offer free samples of cat food, treats, and other products. This is a great way to try out new products without spending any money 4.
Use Natural Remedies: Natural remedies like apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, and chamomile tea can be used to treat minor ailments in cats without having to spend money on expensive medications.
Make Your Own Cat Bed: Making your own cat bed is easy and inexpensive. You can use old clothes or blankets to create a cozy spot for your furry friend.
Use Homemade Cleaning Products: You can make your own cleaning products using simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. This will help you save money on expensive cleaning products while keeping your home clean and fresh.
Take Advantage of Loyalty Programs: Many pet stores offer loyalty programs that allow you to earn points for every purchase you make. These points can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases.
Buy Secondhand Supplies: You can find gently used cat supplies like litter boxes, toys, and scratching posts at thrift stores or online marketplaces like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.
Tips for First-Time Pet Owners of a Dog or Cat
9 Cheap Cat Litter Alternatives
Cheaper Kitty Litter Alternatives
What Happens to Your Pets When You Die? - Estate Planning With Cats & Dogs
Affordable Homemade Cat Food Recipes
QUOTES:
Cheaper Kitty Litter : Ground corn works beautifully as kitty litter. It clumps well, has a soft texture, and is non-toxic. Adding a shake of baking soda after filling the litter pan increases odor absorption. After scooping out the waste, the remaining corn litter may be put into the compost or tossed around the yard for fertilization. Ground corn makes an excellent fertilizer with anti-fungal properties. It can also be mixed with water to make a soothing dip for pets with flea or skin allergies. Ground corn may be purchased at feed stores, farm and ranch supply stores, and many nurseries. Be sure to ask for ground corn, not corn meal. Kristie from Dollar Stretcher Tips
Mix and Save on Kitty Litter: Cat owners purchase expensive kitty litter to control odors. An easy way to save money and keep the odor under control is to buy cheap off-brand litter and mix 25% of the cheap stuff with your expensive stuff. It works for scoopable clay litter and regular clay litter. It's more affordable to get the off-brand, but if you need the odor control, then mixing would help with the cost. Linda (and a happy kitty) from Dollar Stretcher Tips
Have a cat and need a cheap litter enclosure? Buy a tall plastic storage box at a dollar store, cut a round hole in one end, and put your litter pan inside. This works like a charm. This idea also works well for bedding inside the plastic container for cats to snooze in private comfort. C.A. from Dollar Stretcher Tips
Hairball Remedy: I am a vet technician. A cheap method for hairballs is using petroleum jelly. Place a teaspoon of petroleum jelly on the front legs. Press it into the fur so the animal has to lick it off and can't shake it off. If you look at the ingredients of hairball laxatives, the majority of the product is petroleum jelly with some flavoring.
Janine from Dollar Stretcher Tips
DOGS
TIPS:
Compare prices on dog food and treats. Look for coupons and discounts, and consider buying in bulk.
Make your own dog food or treats. There are many healthy and affordable recipes available online.
Cook scraps for your dog. Leftovers from your meals can be a nutritious and cost-effective addition to your dog's diet.
Buy generic or store-brand dog food. Generic brands often contain the same ingredients as name-brand foods, but at a lower price.
Look for deals and coupons on pet supplies. Many pet stores offer coupons and discounts in their weekly flyers or on their websites.
Sign up for loyalty programs at pet stores. You can earn points or rewards that can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases.
Take advantage of free or low-cost vet services. Many veterinary clinics offer free or low-cost services, such as vaccination clinics and spay/neuter programs.
Ask your veterinarian about discounts. Some veterinarians offer discounts for senior citizens, students, or low-income pet owners.
Consider pet insurance. Pet insurance can help cover the cost of unexpected vet bills.
Groom your dog at home. Grooming can be expensive, but it is relatively easy to learn how to do it yourself.
Make your own dog toys. There are many DIY dog toy tutorials available online.
Take your dog to the park or on walks instead of paying for doggy daycare. Exercise is important for dogs, and it can be a great way to save money.
Find a dog-friendly friend or family member who can watch your dog while you are away. This can be a more affordable option than hiring a dog sitter or boarding your dog.
Train your dog. A well-trained dog is less likely to get into trouble, which can save you money on vet bills.
Keep your dog up-to-date on vaccinations. Vaccinations can help prevent serious illnesses, which can save you money on vet bills.
Brush your dog's teeth regularly. This can help prevent dental problems, which can be expensive to treat.
Clean your dog's ears regularly. This can help prevent ear infections, which can be expensive to treat.
Trim your dog's nails regularly. This can help prevent injuries, which can be expensive to treat.
Check your dog for fleas and ticks regularly. Fleas and ticks can cause health problems, which can be expensive to treat.
Keep your dog at a healthy weight. A healthy weight can help prevent obesity-related health problems, which can be expensive to treat.
Spay or neuter your dog. Spaying or neutering can help prevent unwanted litters, which can be expensive to care for.
Microchip your dog. A microchip can help you find your dog if it gets lost, which can save you the expense of replacing your pet.
Be prepared for emergencies. Having a pet emergency fund can help you cover the cost of unexpected vet bills.
Do your research. Before you buy anything for your dog, do your research to find the best deals.
Be patient. Don't feel pressured to buy the first thing you see. Take your time and compare prices before you make a purchase.
Be willing to compromise. Sometimes, you may have to compromise on quality in order to save money.
Be creative. There are many ways to save money on pet care. Be creative and think outside the box.
Ask for help. If you are struggling to afford pet care, don't be afraid to ask for help from friends, family, or local pet organizations.
Remember, your dog's love is priceless. No matter how much you spend on your dog, it will always love you unconditionally.
Enjoy your dog! Being a dog owner is a rewarding experience. Don't let the cost of pet care prevent you from enjoying your furry friend.
1) DOG OWNERSHIP
Ready To Become A Dog Mom? Here’s How Much It Really Costs
The Unexpected Costs of Dog Ownership
A New Dog for Christmas? Carefully Consider the Costs
Tips for First-Time Pet Owners of a Dog or Cat
How Much Does a Dog Really Cost? - Where to Save & Where to Splurge
Four Surefire Ways to Train Your Dog at Home
How to Find the Perfect Dog for Your Personality and Lifestyle
2) DOG FOOD
Here’s the Food Clark Howard Feeds His Dogs
Homemade Longer Lasting Dog Chews on the Cheap
Affordable Homemade Dog Food Recipes and Tips
5 Simple Ways to Save on Dog Food
3) MONEY SAVERS FOR DOGS
Simple Money Savers for Dog Lovers
4) DOG CARE/GROOMING
Cheap DIY Natural Dog Shampoo Recipes and Tips
Try these cheap DIY natural dog shampoo recipes.
5) ESTATE PLANNING FOR DOGS
A Plan for Rover After You're Gone
What Happens to Your Pets When You Die? - Estate Planning With Cats & Dogs
QUOTES:
Bulk Dog Food Savings: We save some money on dry pet food by purchasing the larger bag and freezing part of it until we need it. The larger bags are often less expensive per pound than the smaller bags. We put excess dry food in zipper bags or plastic freezer containers. It stays fresh for months. When we need it, we just take it out and let it thaw for an hour or two. A. from Dollar Stertcehr Tips
A Cheap Pet Urine Antidote: The most wonderful antidote for urine stains and to totally have your dog reject any area, use as follows: Take two cups of rubbing alcohol and add four drops of lemon grass oil. Place in a spray bottle (plastic is fine) and voila. It's the best solution I have ever used and it's so cheap to make. This makes a supply that will last for several months. Shirley from Dollar Stretcher Tips
Free Dog Sweaters: When it gets cold, my little beagle starts shivering and doesn't want to go outside. I don't want to spend $20 or more on a sweater for her, and I don't know how to knit or crochet. I took an old sweatshirt and cut the sleeves off of it. I pulled the sleeve over her head, and the wrist band acted as the collar. I felt through the sleeve until I felt where her shoulders started and cut two holes for her front legs and pulled them through. I trimmed the back with pinking shears until it fit perfectly. She loves her new sweater, and I even made one for her larger brother out of a leg of a pair of old sweatpants! T. from Dollar Stretcher Tips
Puppy Biscuits: We've been baking our puppy's biscuits. It is such a simple recipe. We know what she's getting, and we make them bite-size because we use them for frequent training. When she is getting into something she shouldn't be, we simply say drop it. I have a biscuit and she comes running. Here's the recipe: Mix 2 cups whole wheat flour, 1/2 cup rolled oats, 2/3 cup broth (or 1 bouillon cube with 2/3 C water), and 6 Tbsp. oil. Roll out, cut strips about 1/2 inch wide. Then cut the other way to make biscuits approx. 1/2 inch by 1/2 inch. Use a butter knife to lift off the counter. Bake on parchment paper at 350 degrees 10-15 min. until firm. I store mine in an empty cardboard box from bought biscuits. Your puppy will love them! TS, Greece, NY from Dollar Stretcher Tips"
Puppy Chew Toys for Less: If you have dogs, you know how expensive and short-lived dog toys can be. Instead of purchasing new, consider your local Goodwill or Salvation Army. We can buy a large box of children's stuffed animals for the price of one pet store dog toy. Our box will last all year and the dogs love the suspense of a "new" toy. Best of all, the money spent goes for a good cause. If you don't have a thrift store nearby, consider freecycle.org. Just be sure that there's nothing that could be chewed off of the toy that would be dangerous for your pet. Mary from Dollar Stretcher Tips
Safe Frugal Flea Spray : Last year, my puppy had a real flea problem. We couldn't get rid of them no matter what we did. I mentioned it to the vet who suggested that I use a pump sprayer filled with 1/3 Ivory dish soap and 2/3 water. I sprayed the yard where our dog played. Then I gave her a bath in the same solution. In just a few days, she was free of fleas. Stella from Dollar Stretcher Tips
"Sometimes dogs, like people, need blood transfusions. Everyone who works at my vet's office knows that they are always welcome to call me whenever a patient needs blood. From what I understand, all dogs have the same blood type; the real issue is the amount. Since my dogs are large, they can donate to any other dog. And, although this isn't why I let them donate blood, I always get a nice credit on my next vet bill, usually between $50 and $80. So for readers who have dogs (I don't know if this works for cats, but I suspect it might), they may want to let their vets know that their healthy dogs are available for donation." Rebecca from Dollar Stretcher Tips
Cheap Doggie Bath Additive: When bathing your dog, put a couple of tablespoons of baking soda in your hand before adding the shampoo. Rub the baking soda and shampoo together and it will make the shampoo into a richer lather and works into your pet's coat much better. It also works as a conditioner to make their coat softer and smell fresh. Letha from Dollar Stretcher Tips
A Cheap Moist Dog Food Trick: Our vet suggested we mix our old dog's dry food with a little water to make it easier for her to eat, to make it more appetizing, and to get more moisture into the dog. I use a little liquid from her favorite vegetables - green beans and carrots (both salt-free). I let the food sit for a minute or two before giving it to her. Not only does this help her appetite, her chewing ability, and her digestion, but she behaves as if she's getting a treat because she's getting our food. Bonny from Dollar Stretcher tips
Easy Flea Cure: When I got my dog from the local shelter, he had fleas and ticks. I took him to the vet, who recommended the cheapest flea shampoo - Ivory dish soap, the liquid kind. Bathe the animal with it. Let the soap sit for five minutes before rinsing. It will kill the fleas. Depending on the size of the animal, it might take you five minutes to soap them down. And of course I also put the dog on a flea prevention medicine, which does save money on getting the house and yard sprayed. Heidi from Dollar Stretcher Tips
Cheaper Doggie Toys: Just like a toddler, my dog prefers the boxes his toys come in over playing with the toys. To save money and sanity, I now give him cheap toys. I made a retrieve toy by knotting a pant leg I cut off a pair of jeans I was turning into shorts for the summer. I tie treats in old socks for him to tear up instead of stuffed animals. (Monitor your pet while they play if they are prone to eating their toys.) It still satisfies his needs without costing money on toys he destroys or won't play with for more than a few minutes. Yesterday, he was determined to bring a stick in the house. I gave in and he has another free toy. LR from Dollar Stretcher Tips
Bigger, Cheaper Dog Beds: I have an Irish wolfhound and couldn't find a large dog bed that I could afford. I went to the local thrift store and bought a used crib mattress for $10. It's perfect. It wipes clean and uses crib sheets. And she loves it! DeeAnn F. from Dollar Stretcher Tips
Humane Society Pet Shampoo: Our Humane Society makes its own shampoo. It is made with equal parts of Mrs. Murphy Oil soap (the original formula) and Lemon Joy dishwashing soap. It mixes into a thick shampoo that leaves the dogs silky and clean. No skin allergies occur, as this is so gentle!
Nancy
Secondhand Clothes for Small Dogs: Do you have a small dog that needs clothing during the cold winter months? If so, don't buy the expensive dog outfits. Instead, make a trip to your local Salvation Army or Goodwill store and find the infant's clothing bin. Buy some baby sweatshirts and/or t-shirts. Try those on the small dog, and do whatever minor stitching needs to be done for the apparel to fit the dog. I have a miniature dachshund and usually only need to taper the bottom of the garment with minor stitching to fit snugly over his belly. Sometimes, depending on the size of the dog, you may not have to do altering.
Beneficial Homemade Dog Food: I have three dogs. After having a $3k bill from the vet to remove two quarter-size stones from our French bulldog's bladder, I started researching dog food. I looked into what dogs can and cannot have. When I make our dinner or cut veggies like cukes, I cut the ends off and put them into a bag. When I'm trimming chicken, I add it to that bag. Then, when I get enough, I grind it up and make my dogs their food. I also made nice with people at the food pantry. They throw out food that is freezer-burned. So, I take the meat for dog food. It's been three years. My dogs are so healthy. No more allergies for two dogs and the one with bladder issues has no more problems. Plus, there is zero waste with food. Cat, Copake, NY from Dollar Stretcher Tips
Considerable Dog Kibble Savings: We signed up for the rewards card at our local pet store. I comparison-priced the brand I chose for the dogs, and this store has frequent sales. They also have 25% off coupons they mail occasionally. We used the coupon at the same chain a few miles away because they had several bags available. Not only did we save $100 with one coupon, but then they sent us a coupon for a large free bag ($89 value!), probably because we bought so much. We stored the bags in a dry, colder area of the house. The other thing we do to save on dog food is to use a proper-sized cup to feed our dogs. Once we knew how much they should be eating, we found a cup that holds that much. It’s an inexpensive plastic drinking cup. It stays right in the bag, which is in a Rubbermaid tote. Now, whoever feeds them will use the correct amount.
TSDS of Greece, NY from Dollar Stretcher Tips