5 ways to cut the cost of caring for your pet

Owning a pet is a joy, but the bills for food, flea prevention, and vet visits can quickly add up. If the cost of living is squeezing your budget, shopping around for pet essentials is an easy way to claw back some cash. This guide covers five practical ways to keep your pet happy without breaking the bank. 

1. Smart food shopping

Good quality pet food doesn’t come cheap but there are ways to reduce the cost without sacrificing your pet’s diet. 

• Join a rewards program or subscription service: These programs let you unlock discounts, earn loyalty points to put towards future purchases and often offer exclusive rewards.  
• Buy in bulk: Generally speaking, the bigger the bag, the lower the price. Check the unit price when purchasing to make sure you’re getting a good deal.
• Make your own pet food: If you have the time to spare, make your own pet food at home. Remember to consult your vet before making any changes to your pet’s diet. 

2. Keep up with preventative care

They say the best care is preventive care, and staying on top of your pet’s regular medical care can help reduce the risk of illness and injury, with the added bonus of (hopefully) saving on vet bills. 

• Annual wellness checks: Set annual vet visits to keep on top of routine care and catch any problems early.
• Regular treatments: Keep up with your pet’s vaccinations, flea and tick treatment and worm prevention. 
• Dental hygiene: Dogs and cats benefit from regular teeth brushing to prevent plaque build up, tooth infection and dental disease. Brush using a pet-specific toothbrush and toothpaste at least three times a week. If your pet doesn’t tolerate brushing, dental treats can also help with your pet’s dental hygiene. 

3. Financial safety net

Pets can be unpredictable and sometimes that means unexpected costs that can strain your budget. Having a financial buffer in place can help relieve that cost burden when it inevitably arrives. 

• Insurance vs savings: Whether you pay for pet insurance or set aside savings will depend on your budget. If you decide to use pet insurance, remember to compare prices and features between providers to make sure you’re getting the best value for money. 
• Community resources: RSPCA and the Animal Welfare League offer low cost vaccinations, desexing and veterinary care in select locations. Animal Care Australia also has a directory of free and low cost vet services and resources across the country.  
• Cheaper medication: Just like with human medication, generic brand medication for pets is typically cheaper than name-brand options. However, always check with your vet that this is the right option for your pet before purchasing. For further discounts, check out online pet pharmacies, as they may offer price matching or discounted medications.

Hot tip: If you already have pet insurance but think you’re paying too much, negotiate with your provider for a better deal. Even if they can’t reduce the price, they may be able to offer bonuses and additional features.

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4. DIY grooming and training

• The home spa: A trip to the groomers can cost upwards of $100. Invest in some quality grooming tools to wash, trim nails and groom your pet at home and you’ll have years of spa days sorted.
• Online lessons: If puppy bootcamp is putting a dent in your budget, consider training your dog at home using YouTube videos, free online courses or apps like Dogo or Pupford.

5. Second-hand bargain hunting

There’s no shame in being a thrifty shopper, especially when it comes to essentials that are sold at a fraction of the price. 

• Second-hand stores and online marketplaces: consider finding items like beds, toys and carriers from your local op shop, discount store or online like Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace.
• Make your own toys: old T-shirts or a blanket knotted together make a great tug of war toy for dogs. While a toilet roll with a few holes and treats placed inside can entertain cats and dogs alike.