Saving Money on Pet Expenses

When you buy a pet, you're investing in your future: a future of messes in the living room, chewed-up socks and scratched furniture. But you're also investing in warm feelings, companionship and new opportunities for viral YouTube videos.

The initial costs at the pet shop or shelter are only the beginning. Whether they're beagles or boa constrictors, pets cost money. Some expenses-food, toys, annual checkups-are easy to predict and plan for. But if your animal friend gets in an accident or comes down with a serious illness, the potential costs can be enough to break almost any budget. This guide will break down the true costs of pet ownership and provide tips for raising a healthy, happy animal without straining the family finances.

If you're thinking that you want a little company around the house, keep in mind that a dog will likely cost between $1,500 and $2,000 for the first year, while you can expect to spend roughly $1,175 in a cat’s first year, according to the most recent data from the ASPCA. That includes the animal itself plus all of the medical care, equipment and food that you'll need to get started. The ASPCA has a breakdown of the expenses available on its website.

And you should also be prepared for many more expenses down the road, some of which may be more than you'd expect. Suzanne Cannon of Westminster, Md., got a shock when a her 8-year old German schnauzer Liebe (that's German for "love") came down with acute pancreatitis in the early 2000s. The bill was $4,000, which was about $4,000 more than she had to spare. "I put it on a credit card, and it took me years to pay it off," Cannon says. Even at that price, she sees it as money well spent. "Liebe held on for another seven years," she says.

You can save on some key equipment, like a dog crate, by checking with your neighbors on apps like NextDoor or the "free" or "pets" sections of Craigslist, but be sure to check for product recalls before you buy. You can also purchase pet food in bulk or get discount food from brands being discontinued (just make sure they're high quality). And while it may be tempting to splurge on pricey squeakies or chew toys, most dogs are just as happy with an old tennis ball as they are with expensive toys.

Here are some things to think about if you want to save money on your pet. Most of these suggestions are courtesy of the ASPCA and the Humane Society of the United States

Pet owners who are looking to cut the costs of raising a pet have several places to turn for tips and advice:

• The American Veterinary Medical Association offers a wide range of money saving tips, with an emphasis on preventive medical care.
• Vetstreet, a website mainly aimed at vets and animal trainers, offers these 20 tips for saving money on pet care.
• You can shop for discounted pet food, toys and medications at Chewy.

Beyond obvious differences in the initial price tags, some dogs can be more expensive to raise than others. When choosing a breed, you should definitely be aware of common health ailments and the potential costs to treat them. Keep in mind, though, that no breed has cornered the market on a particular disease; bulldogs may be especially prone to hip dysplasia, but a poodle or mixed-breed can have that problem, too.

Pet care costs are on the rise, especially at the vet's office. Vet bills have more than doubled from $8.3 billion in 2004 to $17.1 billion annually in 2017, according to the American Pet Products Association (APPA). Treatment for cancer or a serious injury can easily run into the thousands of dollars, which puts pet owners in a tough spot, says Cannon, the pet owner who had to max out a $4,000 credit card to get her dog treated for pancreatitis. "A pet is like a family member," she says. "If you don't have insurance or any type of fallback position, you're faced with a gut-wrenching decision."

For pet owners who can afford the monthly premiums-which average $47 a month, or $5,640 total for a dog that lives 10 years-a pet insurance plan can bring peace of mind. Keep in mind, though, that insurance won't cover everything. And unless a pet faces a major health crisis, you may end up paying more for a policy than you ever would have in vet bills. A 2016 report from Consumer Reports found that the owners of a particular beagle who lived for a relatively healthy 10 years wouldn't have saved any money with any of nine different health policies. The same report noted that owners of a cat that received $9,000 in cancer treatment did save money through insurance.

Cannon, who now runs vetbilling.com, a payment plan service for veterinarians, says she's a believer in pet insurance, and she's glad she had coverage for another schnauzer who recently needed a $5,000 surgery after eating chicken bones out of the garbage.

Krista Magnifico, DVM, a veterinarian in Jarrettsville, Maryland, has mixed feelings about pet insurance. "It can be a critical need for many people," she says, but she also believes that many pet owners can do without it. Magnifico encourages clients who are interested in pet insurance to shop around for a monthly quote. Then, instead of sending that money to an insurance company, they can set aside that amount of money every month in a pet savings account to cover future expenses. "If you are not the kind of person who does a good job of planning and budgeting, pet insurance may be a good option for you," she says.

If you do opt to get pet insurance, be sure to comparison shop by price, breeds, pre-existing conditions and illnesses to determine what coverage makes the most sense for your pet.

Check your homeowner's policy to see whether it covers injuries caused by your pet. Some insurers exclude certain breeds; Farmers Insurance in California, for example, discontinued coverage for dog bites from pit bulls, Rottweilers and wolf hybrids in 2013. Always be honest about your pets and their breed - many insurers now check social media profiles of their customers, and they won't be pleased to find photos of you hugging your pit bull when your pet was listed as a Chihuahua. Legal experts suggest getting at least $300,000 in liability coverage for a medium-sized dog; if not, you could risk losing your home in a lawsuit by the victim of a dog bite. Shop around if your current homeowners policy does not cover damages or your pet’s breed. If you rent, make sure you have a renters insurance policy that covers your pooch. If you rent, make sure you have a renters insurance policy that covers your pooch.

Natural disasters can threaten an entire community, including pets. If you live in an area prone to flooding, earthquake or tornados, the ASPCA recommends putting together a pet emergency package, including a first-aid kit, several days' worth of non-expired food pet food and an extra collar and leash. This should be near an exit in case you need to leave your house in a hurry. Before a disaster strikes, think about friends, family members or shelters that might be able to care for your pet for while if needed. Make sure your pet has a collar with an ID tag. The ASPCA also recommends microchipping, a simple procedure that will greatly increase the chances that you'll be reunited with a pet that gets lost during an emergency.

It's usually the other way around, but many pets do outlive their owners. Even if you're in good health, it's smart to have a back-up plan in case you're no longer able to care for your pet. A promise from a friend or family member is one thing, but the Humane Society recommends working with an attorney to write up a will or establish a trust that specifies your plan for your pet. You should also carry emergency contact numbers for your pet in your wallet. If you're in a serious accident, your pet will be in good hands.

It may seem like just yesterday that your new puppy was licking your face or your kitten was stalking your shoelaces. But as your pet ages, you have to face the reality that your friend may not be with you much longer. Here's a guide for getting through these hard times.

• Get regular veterinary care as your pet ages. A vet can spot illnesses that can make your pet uncomfortable and unable to get the most out of the remainder of his life.
• Consider quality of life. Pet owners can sense when their companions have taken a turn for the worse. You may need to start having end-of-life conversations with your vet if your pet acts irritable or confused and starts avoiding his favorites pastimes. A lack of appetite or excessive thirst can also be red flags.
• Get serious about pain. Even if your pet can't play or run like he used to, he can still enjoy his later days as long as he's not in pain. "No dog should die in pain until we've tried one of many medications that can help," Magnifico says. Older pets may express pain by gasping for breath or being reluctant to move.
• If the end is near, and you want to keep your pet around as long as possible, ask your vet about how to provide hospice care at home. The vet can give you tips for keeping your animal comfortable and tend to her specific needs. In many areas, you can hire a professional to provide hospice care in the home. The International Association of Animal Hospice and Palliative Care (IAAHPC) has a searchable member directory for places that offer the service.
• Euthanasia by injection is a humane approach that won't cause your pet any pain or discomfort. Expect to pay $100 or more for the procedure. Some vets may be able to provide this service at home, which will cost extra. Euthanasia in a vet's office is covered by many pet insurance plans.
• Have an after-life plan. It's hard to think about now, but you should know what you'll need to do after a pet dies. Many pet owners choose to have their pets cremated, a process that can cost roughly $50 to $150, depending on size. Again, this may be covered by pet insurance.

The Humane Society has a list with state- or region-specific programs.

The Magic Bullet Fund
The Magic Bullet Fund is one of several organizations providing financial assistance to provide cancer treatment for pets.

The Brown Dog Foundation
The Brown Dog Foundation provides emergency assistance to those who can't afford the costs of life-saving emergency surgeries or prescription medicines for their pets.

Red Rover Relief Grants
Red Rover Relief Grants not only reach out to those who need assistance with medical care, they provide help to those who are displaced because of fires, natural disasters, and domestic violence crises.

For Veterans, Vets and Their Pets
For Veterans, Vets and Their Pets provides temporary housing, veterinary care, and food.