Pet Owner Savings Guide: 18 Ways to Save on Food, Vet Care and Supplies

The biggest savings for pet owners come from food, preventive vet care and avoiding emergencies. Buy food in the largest size your pet finishes while it's fresh, use the free loyalty programs and repeat-delivery discounts at pet stores, keep up with vaccines and parasite prevention, and look for low-cost clinics for spaying, neutering and shots. Here are the ways to save on each part of owning a pet in the US.

Pet food savings

• Compare the price per pound. Larger bags usually cost less per pound, but only buy a size your pet finishes before the best-by date, and store it in a sealed container.
• Check store brands and discount stores. Walmart, Target and Sam's Club sell store-brand and name-brand food that often costs less than at pet specialty stores. Compare the guaranteed analysis on the label rather than the advertising.
• Join free loyalty programs. PetSmart's Treats Rewards is free and gives 10 points per $1, with every 1,000 points worth $2, which works out to about 2% back. Petco and Chewy run their own rewards and repeat-delivery discounts.
• Look for codes before you order. Petco, PetSmart and Chewy regularly offer first-order and promo codes.
• Measure portions. Overfeeding wastes food and leads to obesity, which raises vet bills later. Use the feeding guide on the bag and adjust with your vet's advice.
• Skip expensive treats. Small pieces of plain carrot or apple work for many dogs, but ask your vet first, because foods such as grapes, onions and chocolate are toxic to dogs.

Pet supply savings

• Buy generic where it doesn't matter. Plain stainless steel bowls, towels and basic leashes cost less at dollar and discount stores than in pet aisles.
• Buy used gear and clean it. Crates, carriers, gates and bowls are easy to find used on Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp. Check for damage before you buy.
• Compare pet pharmacies. Flea, tick and heartworm products, and prescription medication with your vet's approval, can cost less at online pharmacies such as Chewy Pharmacy, Allivet and PetMeds. Ask your vet for a written prescription so you can compare prices.

Veterinary care savings

• Keep up with preventive care. Vaccines, parasite prevention and dental care cost far less than treating the illnesses they prevent.
• Ask about the vaccine schedule. The American Animal Hospital Association's canine and feline vaccination guidelines allow some core vaccines to be given less often than once a year, so ask your vet which schedule fits your pet.
• Use low-cost clinics. Shelters and humane societies often run low-cost vaccine and spay/neuter clinics, and the ASPCA's low-cost spay/neuter page links to a national directory of providers.
• Check veterinary school clinics. Teaching hospitals at veterinary colleges may offer lower fees for some services, with care supervised by licensed vets.
• Compare pet insurance before you need it. Insurance generally doesn't cover conditions that existed before you enrolled, so compare deductibles, reimbursement rates and annual limits while your pet is young and healthy. Petplan, a common name in older guides, now operates as Fetch.

Adoption, grooming and training savings

• Adopt from a shelter. Adoption fees are usually far lower than breeder prices, and shelters often include spay or neuter surgery, first vaccines and a microchip in the fee.
• Groom at home between appointments. Regular brushing and baths stretch the time between professional grooming visits.
• Pet-proof your home. Secure trash, cords, medication and small objects; swallowed items are a common cause of costly emergency visits.
• Train with group classes. Group classes cost less than private training, and free books and videos cover basic commands.

Stack pet savings with other discounts

Some pet stores and vet clinics offer discounts to military members and veterans, first responders and seniors, so ask before you pay and bring ID.