Saving Money without Compromising Pet’s Health

Along with owning a pet for the first time are expenses beyond expectations. Foods, toys and medical expenses may cost the owner thousands of dollars every year just to make sure that the pet is healthy and happy.

Pet owners should have a monthly budget for their pets. It may seem expensive, but there are ways to save money without compromising the pet's need.

According to The Kansas City Star, regular visit to a veterinarian may save a lot of money in the long run. It may sound expensive but it would be a lot cheaper compared to a trip to emergency room. Prevention is better than cure and less hassle as well.

Choose high-quality food with vet-recommended ingredients. It does not have to be too expensive, just look for a well-respected brand. Pet owners may save from pet food if they buy in bulk from Costco, Amazon, Sam's Club or petfooddirect.com, which are known for their low-cost wholesale products.

Do not overfeed pets. This will not only cause the pet to go through its food quickly but it may also cause obesity that may lead to diabetes. Both may cost the owner a lot of money and unnecessary pain to pet.

Take advantage of coupons, sales and loyalty programs from well-known animal supply store like PetSmart and Petco. These stores offer monthly sale that may help the owner save more money on their pet needs.

If the pet needs medication, the owners should be careful when buying pet's medication for other sources aside from the pet's veterinarian. If the medication is to be purchased online, always choose a reputable online pharmacy with license, AVMA suggested.

"When you purchase your pet's medications from your veterinarian, you will usually get manufacturer's rebates, coupons or even free products that can cut your costs down to those low online prices while ensuring you're receiving a quality product," said Dr. Nan Boss, who owns the Best Friends Veterinary Center in Grafton, Wisconsin.