Guide to Save Money on Pet Expenses and Care

Owning a pet comes with many responsibilities. Aside from providing food and shelter, you must ensure their health and care needs are met. These can lead to huge expenses.

By understanding the different types of expenses, taking preventive actions, choosing the right pet insurance plan and finding creative ways to reduce daily expenses, pet owners can save money while effectively caring for their pets.

Being a pet owner is a commitment. Before getting a pet, you must consider their food, shelter, vaccinations, training and veterinary needs.

There are various expenses needed over your pet’s lifetime. These will vary depending on the type of animal you choose as a pet.

The cost of caring for a dog depends on the breed, age and health of the dog. Generally, you can expect to spend around $1,400 or more annually. Keeping your dog healthy can help prevent huge expenses.

Regular check-ups may seem costly initially, but doing so will help you save money in the long run. You can detect illnesses, treat them early or even prevent your dog from developing a disease.

On average, a cat owner spends $1,200 or more per year. That’s about $100 or more every month.

There are many ways to save money while caring for a cat. Spaying or neutering is among them. Doing this will help prevent serious health problems and save you from possible large medical bills. You can find low-cost spay or neuter programs through the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Most pet birds are small. But taking care of one can still be costly. On average, a bird owner spends $185 or more annually for food, toys, treats, medications and housing.

The cost of owning a bird is way cheaper than other animals. But there are ways to lower your expenses further. For example, you can make simple toys instead of buying them. Look for DIY project tutorials online.

If you’re using a pre-cut cage liner, consider old newspapers instead. They work the same way and you can get them for free.

Having a fish may cost around $520 annually or $43.33 per month. This doesn’t include the initial expenses, including the aquarium, filtration equipment, test kits and heater, which can be around $150 or more. The cost of a fish averages $5–20.

Keep the aquarium water clean to avoid health problems, which can lead to huge expenses. Avoid using chemicals that may be harmful to the fish. Adding low-maintenance plants can also help.

Reptiles, including iguanas, lizards and snakes, have unique needs. The cost of owning a reptile varies, depending on the species and age. On average, it may cost you $190–450 per year to cover regular expenses.

The best way to save money is to understand your pet’s needs first. Know their nutritional needs and make sure you can provide them. Buying their food in bulk can help. However, you have to make sure they remain fresh.

Some reptile owners choose to breed feeders, such as bugs and mice, to reduce food expenses. If you do this, remember to conduct thorough research and get the right resources.

Pet insurance helps protect your finances against possible huge veterinary costs. Insurance isn’t required by law. That’s why some people are fine without it. In the U.S., only 3.9 million pets are insured.

Learning how pet insurance works and your options will help you decide if pet insurance is worth it. Finding the right plan can help ensure you get your money’s worth.

Finding the right resources can help you manage your finances and cover all your pets’ needs. MoneyGeek compiled a list of relevant resources you may find helpful.

• Animal Advocate Pet Hospital: Calculate veterinary expenses, including general exams, dental procedures and vaccines, using the Animal Advocate Pet Hospital’s cost calculator.
• First Coast No More Homeless Pets: Find low-cost or free veterinary services, pet food banks and other programs that help low-income pet owners.
• Hand on Banking: Learn about the different expenses related to pet care and determine if you can afford to own a pet.
• Pet Nutrition Alliance: Access links to various guides and tools, including nutrition plan calculators, guidelines for selecting pet foods and lists of pet food recalls.
• Waggle: Learn how Waggle can help you get financial help for emergency vet care or pet surgery. You may also find assistance for low-income pet owners.