How To Cut Down On Pet Expenses During The Pandemic

In light of the coronavirus pandemic, many homeowners have been left extremely concerned over the economic impact the virus could have.

The pandemic has, after all, already led to a significant number of redundancies and job losses, wreaking havoc on a number of industries spanning from large construction firms to much smaller veterinary practices.

It’s also created an unprecedented level of economic uncertainty, raising questions over how we – as consumers – are going to pay back the money used to fund many of the government’s schemes.

In other words, money has become a huge global consumer concern which – for many people – has made it more important than ever to save in any way possible, cutting back on the typical extravagant purchases and holidays they might normally splash out on.

So, with this in mind, we thought we’d run through a few quick ways to cut back on one of the larger home expenditures there is: pet expenses.

Whether it be costly veterinary bills, high-priced food or exorbitant products, pets can be a lot more expensive to look after than you might think so we’re here to highlight some of the key areas to cut back on if you’re looking to save yourself some money.

Keep Them Healthy

We start with a fairly obvious point – the healthier your pet is, the less likely it will be that you’ll need to take them to the vet with any kind of medical issue.

While you obviously can’t foresee what might happen to your pet, making sure they’re well-fed, well-exercised and well-maintained will not only substantially lower their risk of getting an infection or becoming unwell but it could help with a range of behavioural issues as well.

It’s important, therefore, to ensure their vaccinations, flea, tick and heartworm prevention tablets are all up-to-date. Similarly, if you have a dog, take it out for walks on a regular basis – the more tired out they are, the better.

Reconsider Pet Insurance

OK, so this point may be a little controversial but hear me out.

Pet insurance may seem like a great option on the face of it – a financial fallback against any high-cost veterinary bills – but it isn’t always the smartest financial route.

Certain insurers, for instance, can charge a premium on top of your monthly payments should your pet’s breed be particularly susceptible to medical issues.

Take English Bulldogs, for example. This breed of dog is well-known across the veterinary world for often developing a range of different issues. Therefore, if you decide to get one as a puppy, you could end up paying quite a lot to take out an insurance plan on their behalf.

So, why not think about doing it yourself?

Rather than paying a pet insurer specifically, you could always set up a savings account with a decent interest rate and simply pay money into that account each month instead. That way, you’ll avoid having to pay the premium and you’ll have a lot more control over how much you’re spending.

Get Them Spayed

While puppies and kittens may be incredibly cute to be around, they also come at a significant cost, largely in terms of veterinary fees, inoculations, food and general day-to-day maintenance. Therefore, to prevent this from becoming an issue, consider getting your pet spayed before it’s too late.

It may be true that this is an expense in itself, but the savings you could make over the long run make it a bit of a no brainer.

Similarly, spaying your pet can actually do a whole lot more than preventing pregnancies. It can also significantly lower their risk of developing certain cancers, improve their behaviour and make it a lot easier to find willing sitters and carers.

Groom Them Yourself

One of the most costly expenditures of having a pet cat or dog is the grooming they require when their hair becomes too long and too difficult to maintain.

However, rather than taking them to the same groomer over and over again, why not invest in a decent brush and a pair of clippers and try doing it yourself? You may be surprised at how easy it can be to do.

Alternatively, if you really don’t feel comfortable giving your pet a trim yourself, consider getting them cut to a shorter length next time they’re groomed. That way, you’ll be able to make your visits a lot less regular, which should save you some money at the same time.

Final Thoughts…

Pets can be expensive but, by utilising the advice listed above, you could help significantly keep your costs down.