Pets are great, but pet care can cost a lot of money. Fortunately, there are many easy money-saving tips that can keep the costs to a minimum. And the great thing: these tips are not only good for your wallet, but also good for your pet.
1) Buy in bulk
The price of pet food can vary considerably. Our tip is to invest in high-quality pet food in any case. Supermarket food is often cheap, but by choosing high quality food you ensure the health of your pet, which saves a lot or long-term veterinary costs! And don't buy the food in small quantities, but instead in large bulk bags . You might be able to save by ordering it regularly from a pet supplier online.
2) Make toys yourself
Resist the temptation to impulsively purchase cheap, plastic toys from pet stores as they are often poorly made and quickly broken. Your pet is just as happy with homemade toys! Cats have a special preference for cardboard boxes, crumbled up balls or paper and laser pointers. You can make your dog happy with old fleece blanket tied into a tug-o-war toy or an empty plastic water bottle tied-up in a sock. Easy!
DIY for cats
DIY for dogs
3) Visits to the fat
When you take your pet to the vet for their annual vaccination, have the vet perform a short check up on your pet. The fat can detect any underlying health problems early, so they can be treated and avoid ongoing (and expensive) veterinary costs.
4) Make your own furniture and scratching posts
Instead of those super expensive scratching posts in the store, have a D.I.Y weekend and make a scratching post with planks, pieces of carpet and sisal rope. Another fun D.I.Y project is creating new spaces for them to climb and explore by attaching shelves to a wall. You can make these into cosy nests by attaching a basket or pillow to the shelf with double-sided tape.
5) Earning extra money by taking care of animals
Taking care of animals is fun, rewarding and can fit in with your specific routine. For example, you might be able to walk your own dog with a new doggy friend by their side, take a sweet bunny into your home or pop out to feed your neighbour's cat. And, of course, you earn extra money from pet sitting! As a pet sitter at Pawshake you can determine your own rates and choose which animals you want to look after.
6) Adopt a pet
Shelters in Australia are overflowing with lovely animals just waiting for a family to care for them. You can give an adopted animal a nice new life for a lower purchase price than a pure-bred pet, but this tip is more than just saving money - it brings the fulfilment of knowing you may have saved a life too. Be sure to always adopt through a reputable animal welfare organisation or shelter.
7) Save on kennels and sitting services
Are you going on a holiday, a weekend away or an unexpected business trip? You don't have to use an expensive animal hotel or boarding kennel. Instead, simply contact a friendly Pawshake pet sitter from your own community. In many cases, a Pawshake pet sitter in your area is an affordable option, and their personal approach can be specifically tailored to your pet's needs.
8) Prevent your pet from being overweight
Animals that are overweight not only suffer from pain, exhaustion and low energy: they can also suffer from serious illnesses which can lead to higher veterinary costs. Prevent this by paying attention to your pet's nutrition and weigh their food quantities, give treats only occasionally and ensuring your pet gets plenty of challenging exercise. Do you need help walking your dog or playing with your cat? Book a pet sitter at Pawshake who can provide your pooch or feline with some extra exercise.
9) Search for second-hand items
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10) Create a piggy bank for your pet's needs
This is not so much a saving tip, but it does give you a lot of peace and space: lay a piggy bank for unexpected costs . A pet is always a continuous cost item. Keep in mind. An accident is in a small corner, unforeseen costs are always lurking. As your dog gets older you may be confronted with more costs. Are you not that good at saving? Then you can also take out pet insurance.
Which of these saving tips do you already apply? And do you have anything else to add? Share your tips in the comments!
