Having a pet brings immense value to a family – bonding, lessons of responsibility, and plenty of fun. However, our four-legged family members bring expenses, too.
If you’re looking for ways to streamline the expenses of pet ownership, check out this list of seven ways to save.
Food, training pads, or treats – if there are items you know you’ll need regularly, you can often save by setting up subscriptions through major retailers. In addition to saving money, you also get the convenience of these items being delivered to your door just when you need them.
To keep this a convenience instead of a hassle, check your subscriptions regularly. Make sure you adjust them when your pet changes food or an item becomes unnecessary.
Just like the human members of your family, your pet will need medical attention. Regular wellness examinations with their veterinarian can help prevent health problems from developing, however, sometimes the unexpected happens. To save on expenses, consider purchasing pet insurance to lower the cost of vet visits.
You may find savings on the insurance itself through group policies, such as those offered by your employer or other groups you are a part of. You can also consider bundling pet insurance with other policies you already carry.
If you’re a PSECU member, you can save on pet insurance, among other things, through PSECU Protect.
If you have a furry friend who’ll head to daycare each day, ask about buying bundled packages rather than paying a daily rate. Some doggy daycares will offer discounted rates if you pay for more visits upfront.
If your pet’s on maintenance medication, shop around for the best price. While purchasing your pet’s prescription at the vet may be the most convenient, you can often get lower prices at grocery stores, warehouse stores, or online pharmacies.
If you have the time and knowledge, you can save money by making your own pet treats and toys. Just as with human food, sometimes making treats from scratch can be cheaper than buying premade. And some toys can be made from repurposed household goods – just be sure to avoid creating any choking or other safety hazards.
Boarding a pet can be one of the most expensive parts of pet ownership, so if you have neighbors, friends, or family members who are willing to watch your pet instead, it can add up to substantial savings. If you feel uncomfortable asking for the favor for free, seek out those who also have pets and set up an arrangement to trade pet sitting services when one of you is on the road.
While you can cut down the costs of having a pet, you can’t eliminate them completely. Save on every pet purchase by paying with a cash rewards card, like our Founder’s Rewards Card. You’ll get 2%* or 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every time. Apply today.