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Before my husband and I decided to adopt a dog, we looked at our finances to make sure we could afford the extra cost. Many pet owners are caught off guard by the high cost of caring for a pet. And some, unfortunately, end up having to give up their pets because they can’t afford the costs.
In fact, animal shelters across the country have seen an increase in adoptions during the pandemic. But now, with inflation driving up the cost of living, many pet owners are finding they have no choice but to abandon their pets for lack of money to pay for their pets. care.
If you’re in a place where you love your pet but are starting to struggle with the expense of owning a pet, you’re not alone. Here are some steps you can take to lower your pet sitting costs.
1. Order your medications and supplies from the right place
There are some preventative medications that pets take that can really add up in cost, especially when you add in food, treats, and other supplies. That’s why it’s a good idea to do some research and see if there’s a way to cut your costs. Some services offer autoship programs that can really make your pet supplies cheaper.
Chewy is an option worth considering. Not only are its prices competitive, but you can get free shipping on orders over $49.
Another source of pet products worth considering is Amazon. In fact, there are various items you can set up to auto-ship through the Subscribe & Save program, and that too could get you a nice discount.
2. Look for an affordable vet
The first vet my husband and I used was recommended to us by a friend. Although we liked the clinic, we realized that it was very expensive. So we searched and found a vet who offered equally solid care at a much lower cost.
If you’re struggling with veterinary bills, you have a few options. First, you can try negotiating with your current pet care provider if you have a good relationship with them. But if that’s not an option, look at different clinics. You can find one with lower rates.
3. Choose the right pet insurance
Pet insurance can save you money in the event of a serious injury or illness. There are even pet insurance plans that will cover the cost of preventative care. However, plans that cover well visits can sometimes be very expensive, so much so that you’re better off paying for preventative care yourself and getting a cheaper policy to cover illness and injury only.
Either way, the right pet insurance policy could make your vet bills much more affordable, especially in extreme situations where your pet gets injured or sick. Shop around for options and pricing to find the right coverage.
Owning a pet can be expensive. But there are definitely things you can do to ease that burden.
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