Easy, don't have one! Just kidding. When we had a cat I bought him good quality food to save on vet bills long-term. Cheap pet food us penny-wise, pound-foolish. Same reason I don't feed myself garbage!
Spay and/or neuter to prevent additional costs of unwanted animals. Make your own toys by balling up paper for cats to chase around the house, or use an old ball to play fetch with Fido. Unless a vet prescribes specific pet food, purchase pet food on sale, but whatever you do don't give human scraps to pets-- chicken bones, hot dogs, etc. can get stuck in the animal's throat, and the vet bill or worse is too high a cost to pay.
I rescued my baby girl at the humane society so she was 80 bucks instead of hundreds of dollars at a breeders. That also covered her first vet visit and shots (about 50) and her spaying (about 100). She eats cheaper food right now but I want to return her to Science Diet to ensure she lives a long healthy life and save on vet bills. I also don't have her professionally groomed anymore as she will take showers with me (7 for a bottle of shampoo which will last many sessions vs. 20+ on one grooming visit). I don't buy toys anymore as she'd rather go to the dog-park or be petted and snuggled by people. She actually saves me money as I don't worry about my home being broken into and don't need security systems! Because she does have chronic ear issues I did sign her up for a vet insurance plan through petsmart. I can now take her into the vet whenever I want for free, and I get a nice discount on medications or any surgeries she might need. It might be overkill for a lot of dogs but I find her insurance plan gives me piece of mind and saves me money in the long haul because I would do anything to keep her for as long as she has decent quality of life and is happy.
Frankly, the stuff most people buy are for them and not really for the animals. Dogs don't need a wardrobe of clothing. Cats don't need a hundred mice and balls. In fact, the best toys for a cat are a paper sack, a too small box, and a string dangled from a human hand, and/or another cat or cat friendly dog. Dogs would trade a thousand fancy leashes and collars for regular walks, gentle handling, and kind voices. I'm on a restricted income these days but my pets don't know it...they get their meals on schedule, and taken to the vet (I won't skimp on getting them reasonable medical care), but I don't buy a lot of stuff for them. My cat prefers an old, soft towel to a fancy blanket, and my dog prefers my bed to any I would buy for her. Keep it simple and you have a happy kitty or doggy. They want your love and attention...not stuff.
Great points. I've been traveling for 8 months, and for me, the work/life balance, and wifi need/addiction have been my biggest pain points.
I also have 4 boxes of stuff stashed, but I haven't missed one thing that I've gotten rid of. Kudos for your years of travel. It's inspiring--in spite of the realities you outlined here.
Great tips! Who would have thought of vodka as an air freshener? I'm a huge fan of vinegar and baking soda as air fresheners. They're as cheap as can be and work great!
We have been on doggie hiatus since our lab (Star) passed in 2007. We are grand puppy parents since May and I love buying the Chloe (another lab) toys. Oh yeah, we get to puppy sit too when Chloe's mommy and daddy go on vacation.
I buy higher quality dog food (Buffalo Blue). I've noticed less visits to the vets this year for mysterious stomach issues since I've switched. Also, I bought pet insurance at the beginning of the year for my cat (Embrace Insurance) and it cost $500 for the year but that included teeth cleanings, one check up and %80 coverage of her vets bills. Even emergency.
We get all their shots for $6 each @ a local feed store where a vet visits once a month.
When chicken (or beef if cheap enough) is on sale for .49 LB. I buy 20-30LBs, cook & debone it..then put in pint size freezer bags, up in the freezer. Between this & a good dry dog food, i can feed out 2 large dogs for around $20 a month.
I use baby shampoo instead of high priced dog shampoo with great results.
I buy tennis balls & durable "toys" at yard sale or tie a knot in a piece of rope.
When winter comes & they start getting knots in their fur, i use drier sheets to rub them down each day (their coats knot up due to the static electricity in the air) and brush them more often rather than pay for expensive grooming.
My pets are one area where I "splurge". Professional training was very important (they're adopted Jack Russell Terriers, so they have tons of energy, stubbornness, and some separation anxiety from being given up before. Their classes have helped tremendously!). I feed them quality food, make sure they get good veterinary care, and they need some toys to keep busy. I don't go overboard, but they're my babies, and I want them to live long, healthy, happy lives, so I don't cut corners when it comes to them.
I have 2 cats and have been able to save money towards their dry food with rebates and free samples, which are available online all the time. I'm able to use my wonderful family to help take advantage of these free items. Science Diet 'Ideal Balance' is having a great mail in rebate (up to $12.00) until the end of the year, and thanks to some supportive friends and families, I have been able to get a few bags of cat food for free. Also, Target and Walmart have free samples of Purina every few months, so again, free samples add up if you know where to look to find them.
I do all basic grooming care at home: nail clipping, ear cleaning, coat brushing. We bought all the initial equipment but we only had to pay once rather than the same cost over and over!
It's really sad that financial education has fallen off so sharply in the US over the past 30-40 years. I think it's the biggest reason that so many young families ended up losing their homes in the housing crisis. They had no idea of the risks they were taking with liar loans and balloon payments. Let's teach today's kids not to be suckers.
My loving passed away recently had her for 19 years. We saved money on her by keeping her on a steady diet which lowered our vet bills. Our dog LOVES squeaky toys and once he breaks the squeakers he is done. Luckily wal-mart sells some real cheap ones at .94 cents. So we stock up and give him a new one once a week instead of giving him one $8 toy from wal mart once a month.
i like wisebread on facebook
tweeted https://twitter.com/oshkoshbgosh321/status/245687597744152576
i don't have pets ;)
Thanks for the mention Amy!
Easy, don't have one! Just kidding. When we had a cat I bought him good quality food to save on vet bills long-term. Cheap pet food us penny-wise, pound-foolish. Same reason I don't feed myself garbage!
Spay and/or neuter to prevent additional costs of unwanted animals. Make your own toys by balling up paper for cats to chase around the house, or use an old ball to play fetch with Fido. Unless a vet prescribes specific pet food, purchase pet food on sale, but whatever you do don't give human scraps to pets-- chicken bones, hot dogs, etc. can get stuck in the animal's throat, and the vet bill or worse is too high a cost to pay.
I rescued my baby girl at the humane society so she was 80 bucks instead of hundreds of dollars at a breeders. That also covered her first vet visit and shots (about 50) and her spaying (about 100). She eats cheaper food right now but I want to return her to Science Diet to ensure she lives a long healthy life and save on vet bills. I also don't have her professionally groomed anymore as she will take showers with me (7 for a bottle of shampoo which will last many sessions vs. 20+ on one grooming visit). I don't buy toys anymore as she'd rather go to the dog-park or be petted and snuggled by people. She actually saves me money as I don't worry about my home being broken into and don't need security systems! Because she does have chronic ear issues I did sign her up for a vet insurance plan through petsmart. I can now take her into the vet whenever I want for free, and I get a nice discount on medications or any surgeries she might need. It might be overkill for a lot of dogs but I find her insurance plan gives me piece of mind and saves me money in the long haul because I would do anything to keep her for as long as she has decent quality of life and is happy.
Frankly, the stuff most people buy are for them and not really for the animals. Dogs don't need a wardrobe of clothing. Cats don't need a hundred mice and balls. In fact, the best toys for a cat are a paper sack, a too small box, and a string dangled from a human hand, and/or another cat or cat friendly dog. Dogs would trade a thousand fancy leashes and collars for regular walks, gentle handling, and kind voices. I'm on a restricted income these days but my pets don't know it...they get their meals on schedule, and taken to the vet (I won't skimp on getting them reasonable medical care), but I don't buy a lot of stuff for them. My cat prefers an old, soft towel to a fancy blanket, and my dog prefers my bed to any I would buy for her. Keep it simple and you have a happy kitty or doggy. They want your love and attention...not stuff.
Great points. I've been traveling for 8 months, and for me, the work/life balance, and wifi need/addiction have been my biggest pain points.
I also have 4 boxes of stuff stashed, but I haven't missed one thing that I've gotten rid of. Kudos for your years of travel. It's inspiring--in spite of the realities you outlined here.
tweet:
https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/245673184530153473
I like you on Facebook (Elena Istomina)
I have a dog and two cats. I save money on their food by using coupons. I buy toys for them at dollar stores.
Great tips! Who would have thought of vodka as an air freshener? I'm a huge fan of vinegar and baking soda as air fresheners. They're as cheap as can be and work great!
We have been on doggie hiatus since our lab (Star) passed in 2007. We are grand puppy parents since May and I love buying the Chloe (another lab) toys. Oh yeah, we get to puppy sit too when Chloe's mommy and daddy go on vacation.
I buy higher quality dog food (Buffalo Blue). I've noticed less visits to the vets this year for mysterious stomach issues since I've switched. Also, I bought pet insurance at the beginning of the year for my cat (Embrace Insurance) and it cost $500 for the year but that included teeth cleanings, one check up and %80 coverage of her vets bills. Even emergency.
Another question I just got asked - What are the top three things you are looking for in a new job or in this job?
We get all their shots for $6 each @ a local feed store where a vet visits once a month.
When chicken (or beef if cheap enough) is on sale for .49 LB. I buy 20-30LBs, cook & debone it..then put in pint size freezer bags, up in the freezer. Between this & a good dry dog food, i can feed out 2 large dogs for around $20 a month.
I use baby shampoo instead of high priced dog shampoo with great results.
I buy tennis balls & durable "toys" at yard sale or tie a knot in a piece of rope.
When winter comes & they start getting knots in their fur, i use drier sheets to rub them down each day (their coats knot up due to the static electricity in the air) and brush them more often rather than pay for expensive grooming.
For some reason, I can't find this post on Facebook. I do 'like' you on Facebook though!
Like you on FB.
Tweeted reply:
https://twitter.com/KelRo1/status/245643723499778049
My pets are one area where I "splurge". Professional training was very important (they're adopted Jack Russell Terriers, so they have tons of energy, stubbornness, and some separation anxiety from being given up before. Their classes have helped tremendously!). I feed them quality food, make sure they get good veterinary care, and they need some toys to keep busy. I don't go overboard, but they're my babies, and I want them to live long, healthy, happy lives, so I don't cut corners when it comes to them.
I have 2 cats and have been able to save money towards their dry food with rebates and free samples, which are available online all the time. I'm able to use my wonderful family to help take advantage of these free items. Science Diet 'Ideal Balance' is having a great mail in rebate (up to $12.00) until the end of the year, and thanks to some supportive friends and families, I have been able to get a few bags of cat food for free. Also, Target and Walmart have free samples of Purina every few months, so again, free samples add up if you know where to look to find them.
I do all basic grooming care at home: nail clipping, ear cleaning, coat brushing. We bought all the initial equipment but we only had to pay once rather than the same cost over and over!
It's really sad that financial education has fallen off so sharply in the US over the past 30-40 years. I think it's the biggest reason that so many young families ended up losing their homes in the housing crisis. They had no idea of the risks they were taking with liar loans and balloon payments. Let's teach today's kids not to be suckers.
My loving passed away recently had her for 19 years. We saved money on her by keeping her on a steady diet which lowered our vet bills. Our dog LOVES squeaky toys and once he breaks the squeakers he is done. Luckily wal-mart sells some real cheap ones at .94 cents. So we stock up and give him a new one once a week instead of giving him one $8 toy from wal mart once a month.