Ultimate Pet Owner Savings Guide: 21 Ways to Save as a Pet Owner

The Dealhack Pet Owner Savings Guide is the ultimate list of advice for dedicated animal owners. Keeping a pet is one of the best ways to make your life at home happier. It doesn't matter what animal you keep as a companion, as long as you're willing to invest your time, money, and emotions!

This guide will help you manage your resources better when it comes to pet care.

Learn as much as you can so you'll know the most cost-efficient methods of keeping your pet healthy and happy!

Go to: Pet Food Savings, Pet Supply Savings, Veterinary Care Savings, Pet Services and Acquisition Savings.

Pet Food Savings

Buy pet food from discount stores. Never underestimate the cost of pet food, especially when you order online or purchase at pet specialty stores. It's more cost-efficient to buy animal food from discount stores such as Walmart, Target, and Sam's Club, among others. Online orders also include shipping fees, which add more to the total cost.

Choose generic brands. Just because you watched an advertisement about a big-name brand doesn't mean that it's better! Pet food from generic brands usually have the same nutritional value, sometimes maybe even more. That's why you should be smart in choosing which ones to buy. Read the label, compare the ingredients, and choose one that costs less without compromising its quality!

Check for coupons. It's never a bad idea to search online for coupons for discounts or even free items. Petco and PetSmart frequently give away plenty of coupon codes that can be used for online orders. If you want to save more time, download the Dealhack browser extension! Coupons will automatically show up in your Google search results whenever you browse for pet food discounts.

Purchase in bulk sizes. If you want to save money in the long run, consider buying a 40-lb bag instead of a 10-lb bag. The amount of food your pet eats depends on its size. So if you buy in bulk, you don't have to worry about animal food for a few more weeks. Just make sure to repackage or refrigerate the excess food properly to avoid spoilage.

Sign up for customer loyalty rewards programs. Plenty of stores and retailers have rewards programs or special discount days. Also take note that many businesses offer regular discounts to veterans, first responders, teachers, seniors, and other groups. Just make sure to bring a valid ID or other documents that help you qualify for a discount!

Research on supplements. Pet nutritional supplements can either be beneficial or a waste of money depending on your pet's diet and physical condition. Don't let advertisements influence your decision! Do your research, use your common sense, and consult a trusted veterinarian. Websites like  1-800-PetMeds and PetCareRX offer coupon discounts for pet vitamins and supplements.

Avoid overfeeding your pet. Avoid spoiling your pets with food and treats because they are prone to health problems just like us! Overfeeding your pet can lead to obesity, which can cause chronic degenerative diseases like diabetes and arthritis.

Learn how to make home-cooked pet food. Consult with your veterinarian on the ideal diet for your beloved critter. You can actually save money on animal food when you supplement your pet's diet with healthy homemade meals. Instead of spending money on expensive treats, use fresh fruits and vegetables like carrots, melons, berries, and broccoli. Make dehydrated treats by drying small slices of meat in the oven. Your pet might also enjoy your usual breakfast meal, so try feeding them a few servings every now and then. Research online for healthy meal suggestions or ask from your friends who are dedicated animal owners.

Go to: Pet Food Savings, Pet Supply Savings, Veterinary Care Savings, Pet Services and Acquisition Savings.

Pet Supply Savings

The best prices are found online. While pet food is generally cheaper when you buy at physical stores, you can save more money on animal medicines and health-related products when you order online. Instead of relying on advertisements, you must always read the ingredients in case they might contain components that are not safe for your pet. You should also take note of the manufacturer's country of origin to make sure the brand is legal and not a knock-off or a duplicate. Visit Dealhack for coupons and special offers from online pet supply stores.

Spend wisely and creatively on pet supplies. Do you think it's worth buying that $8.99 chew toy when you can buy three tennis balls for a dollar instead? Pet owners who are smart shoppers know that animal-specific products are more expensive than the generic item. Some dogs even ignore their new tug toy because they prefer gnawing on an old sock or shirt. What's important is that you spend time, not money, with your pets if you want them to become happier.

Find used pet supplies for bargain prices. Used pet supplies are not always safe, but they're cheaper. Visit local yard sales and thrift stores for items that you can still clean and reuse. Your nearest dollar store might have the same stainless steel bowl that costs $25 in other shops. The potential savings here can definitely justify the time it takes to stop and look. You also can search online at stores such as Chewy, or local sellers found in OfferUp and Facebook pages because items are usually sold for less than their original price.

Go to: Pet Food Savings, Pet Supply Savings, Veterinary Care Savings, Pet Services and Acquisition Savings.

Veterinary Care Savings

Prevention is always better than cure. A healthy pet with no complications means that you won't need to schedule frequent visits to the veterinarian. So make sure that your adored animal receives the proper vaccinations, exercise, and vaccinations to reduce the risk of illness. Sure, food and vaccines may not be cheap, but medicines are way more expensive.

Price shop for a veterinary practice. Ask around for the best local veterinarians. There are plenty of online forums for dedicated animal owners, or your friends might have some recommendations. Whatever method you choose to find an animal care provider, make sure that he or she has a good pet-side manner and offers reasonable service fees. PetSmart and Banfield Pet Hospital have partnered to offer a free examination to new clients.

Price shop for prescriptions. It's always a good idea to ask for recommendations from your trusted veterinarian or your friends who are also pet owners. If you are a member of organizations such as AAA or AARP, you can also check their website for exclusive savings on pet medicine and insurance. Shopping for animal medicine online is the best way to save money. Some examples of reliable retailers are Allivet, PetCareRX, and 1-800-PetSupplies.

Do your research on vaccinations.** Always ask your preferred veterinarian for guidance, but it’s also important for you to know which animal vaccines come in extended formulations so that they don’t need to be administered annually. Based on the AAHA guidelines for feline and canine vaccinations, some vaccines such as Distemper and Parvo can be administered every 3-5 years. This kind of information goes a long way in helping you plan and budget the vaccination expenses of your pet.

Consider applying for pet health insurance. Unless you can afford to pay up-front, you can save more money in the long run if you sign up for an animal insurance plan. Petplan does not charge you any sign-up fees, and even offers free online veterinarian visits to its subscribers. Petmate is also a good choice because of its low monthly fees, wide coverage, and exclusive perks. Whatever insurance provider you choose, make sure that they cover chronic diseases and specific illnesses that are common to your pet's breed.

Veterinary schools can provide significant savings. You're lucky if your local animal clinic is operated by a veterinary college because you most likely can get quality care at discounted prices there. Students of veterinary medicine are always professional and responsible during hands-on practice, so you don't have to worry about the mismanagement of your animal's medical needs. If you need more reliable advice, your local animal rescue shelter or humane society most probably keeps a list of the best animal clinics in your area.

Go to: Pet Food Savings, Pet Supply Savings, Veterinary Care Savings, Pet Services and Acquisition Savings.

Pet Services and Acquisition

Adopt a pet. It's way more expensive to purchase an animal from a breeder rather than adopting from a rescue shelter. Most adoptable animals are already trained and can easily adjust to a new family. And if you're looking for a purebred animal, there are usually plenty of them at your local rescue shelter.

If you decide to adopt a cat or dog, make sure to choose an animal rescue shelter that is reputable. A good rescue organization knows the temperament of their animals, and they keep a record of any chronic medical conditions that need to be addressed. They also make sure that these animals are spayed or neutered, and also updated on their vaccinations. The animals kept in rescue shelters are usually healthier than the ones sold in stores. That means you can save more money in the long run.

Learn to bathe and groom your pet. Put in the effort to fulfill your favorite animal's hygiene needs. That way, you do not need to pay frequently for professional services. It also helps keep the bond between you and your pet stronger. There are plenty of educational materials available to help you get started. Even if you take your beloved animal to a groomer, you can stretch out the time between visits by regularly bathing and brushing your pet’s coat in-between.

Pet-proof your house to reduce the risk of damage and injury. If you decide to keep an animal at home, especially a puppy or a kitten, treat them as if they are a toddler. That means you must use childproof latches, keep trash cans covered, keep the toilet lid closed, secure all poisons and possible choking hazards, and so on. This is especially important when you leave your curious animal to wander anywhere indoors when no one is at home. Make sure that they are not able to reach any breakable items, footwear, pillows, laptop and phone chargers, other items that your cat or dog might end up chewing.

Do Your Own Training. Pet stores and local organizations offer animal training services, but they’ll also charge a hefty fee. By training your own, you’ll strengthen your relationship with your animal friend as well as save money along the way. It’s easy to find books and videos to lead you through the training sequences. An in-between option is for you and your four-legged friend to attend training classes together.

Go to: Pet Food Savings, Pet Supply Savings, Veterinary Care Savings, Pet Services and Acquisition Savings.

Start Saving on Now!

Taking care of a pet is generally expensive, but if you follow the tips in this guide then you can at least minimize the amount of money that you need to invest in food, supplies, and medicine. Always remember to do your research and spend your money wisely because there are plenty of ways to keep your animal friend healthy and happy without breaking the bank!

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