| Savings & Tips
Three dogs thinking about treats, food, and toys they want (their owner to buy them).

The joy that pets bring to so many people is priceless. However, caring for one can come with a hefty price tag. According to a survey, Americans spend about $126.19 per month on their pets. Woof! Of course, your furry or feathered friend is worth every penny, but they won’t know the difference if you cut some costs. Here’s how to save money on your pet expenses.

  1. Adopt a Pet

Adopting an animal is almost always less expensive than buying one from a pet shop or breeder. Buying a pet can easily cost $500 to $1000 or more while adoption costs range from $50 to $200, says Vetstreet. Often the spay/neuter, vaccinations, and sometimes microchip are included in the adoption price. You could also potentially save on housebreaking and training expenses depending on the animal.

  1. Clip Coupons

Already use coupons for your regular grocery shopping? Great! Simply add on pet-related coupons too. But if searching for coupons feels like a hassle, here are a few ways to make it easier. Visit your favorite pet food brand’s website and sign up for their mailing list, or “like” their social media page to let the coupons come to you. Then print or show them at checkout from your smartphone. Plus, look for coupons stuck to the bag of food. You could also shop in bulk at your local discount store, find the best price online, or sign up for a subscription service that offers a lower cost.

  1. Groom at Home

It can be intimidating to bathe and groom your pet, especially when it comes to things like trimming your pet’s nails, cleaning their ears, and brushing their teeth. For example, you don’t want to clip their nails too short or accidentally snip their whiskers and hurt them! However, with the proper tools, products, and training it can be done. Simply find an inexpensive grooming class, talk to your veterinarian and groomer, and research what your specific breed of animal needs, and practice, practice, practice.

  1. Do It Yourself (DIY)

You don’t always have to buy things for your pet. Instead, make a few things yourself with things lying around the house and save a few bucks! Got a sock that’s lost its mate? Make a sock toy for your cat by stuffing it with packing paper. A shipping pallet you never threw away? Turn it into a doggy bed! Have leftovers in the fridge? Create a dog-friendly flavorful trail mix treat for your pup! There’s no shortage of DIY pet projects that could help you save money.

  1. Skip the Pet Hotel

Going out of town? The average cost to board a dog in a kennel is $25 to $45 per night depending on the location, and dog hotels typically start at around $50 per night and go up to hundreds of dollars, according to Rover. If a family member, friend, or neighbor can’t watch your pet while you’re out of town, consider hiring a dog sitter through a company like Rover or DogVacay which usually costs a bit less at $30 to $35 on average. You’ll be able to read reviews, see the walker’s location, and select the price point that is right for you.

  1. Locate Veterinary Care Assistance

Veterinary care can be pricey. Fortunately, The Humane Society of the United States aims to help pet owners find affordable solutions. Visit their website for a list of national organizations that help pet owners with financial assistance, including dog breed-specific veterinary care assistance programs and assistance for working/service dogs. Petfinder also has a list of local animal welfare organizations that offer low-cost vaccinations and routine care. Plus, search online for pop-up clinics near you that offer affordable pet care and vet services, like vaccinations.

Did you know that most people spend as much money on their pets as they do on their car insurance each month? With our multiple discounts that could save you up to 25% on your car insurance, you and Fido won’t have to pay more than you have to. Call, click, or come in for a quote!

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