Pets are our family – but that means they also come with a lot of expenses. Even the smallest pets, like hamsters, require upkeep like cages, toys, bedding, and of course food and medical care. The rise of the cost of living has had an impact on households across the country – with basics like groceries being more expensive than before, our money isn’t stretching as far as it used to.
And that sometimes means families have to consider cutting costs – which might include surrendering their pet to a shelter. It’s heartbreaking to do and terrible for our mental health to give up our furry friends. But with some savvy tips, you could save hundreds of pounds every year on your pet costs and prevent this worst-case scenario from happening.
Use cashback sites for all pet costs
My first tip is really easy to do. Use cashback sites like Topcashback or Quidco whenever you’re shopping for pet supplies. It’s a great way to earn money back on each purchase, and you could even use the earnings on more pet treats! More than that, cashback sites often have exclusive discount codes that work alongside getting cashback, so you get a double savings whammy.
Shop over the counter where possible
Vet costs can be extortionate. If your pet isn’t insured (or even if they are – see below!), this can prevent you from accessing decent healthcare for them. However, what many people are afraid to do is ask their vet for over-the-counter options.
A good vet will give you the option of a prescribed treatment first, of course. And that is often the best thing for your pet. But if money is tight this month, be honest with your vet. They would rather make sure your furry friend is cared for than put in a situation where their health worsens because you can’t afford it.
An excellent vet will understand your situation and give you alternatives that you can buy over the counter to help your pet. For example, some medications have a human equivalent, like Buscopan for stomach cramps – but you must always ask your vet which brand and dose to use.
Get a prescription and shop online
The halfway point between over the counter and prescriptions supplied by the vet is to buy online. Many prescription-only medications can be purchased much cheaper online – you just need to ask your vet to write up a prescription. There will be a charge for this, but the saving you make online is likely to outweigh the cost of getting the prescription.
Create a pet first aid kit
While this involves spending a bit of money now, you’ll find it could save you potentially hundreds of pounds in the future. Create a pet first aid kit with items such as a pet-specific probiotic, self-secure bandages, dissolvable butterfly stitches, styptic sticks to stop blood flow on nicks and scrapes, pet-friendly antibacterial solution, pet-friendly wound glue, appropriate eye drops, and electrolyte powder for tummy bugs. Powdered pumpkin (available online) is also fantastic for gastric issues of extremes either end of the scale in both dogs and cats and keeps for a long time.
This kit will help you stem the immediate need to visit the vet if your pet is a little under the weather. Gastric issues can be managed and monitored at home for a few days in most cases (and it’s very obvious when an emergency vet is needed). Cuts and scrapes are inconvenient but can be managed at home without stitches or prescribed bandages.
This doesn’t mean you should avoid the vet. It does, however, give you a chance to treat your pet at home for basic problems – which could mean avoiding an emergency weekend vet consult fee, or minimise the damage of an injury to reduce your long-term vet bills.
Check out pet insurance options
Pet insurance is increasingly common as vet costs rise – but it can be a monthly expense we can’t afford. Weigh up whether pet insurance is right for you before going ahead, as you might be better off putting the monthly equivalent into a savings account set aside for your pet’s health.
However, remember that you can also shop around pet insurance like you would for your car or home insurance. Use online comparison tools to find the best rate that suits your needs – and for an extra boost, remember to do this via a cashback site for some pounds back in your pocket!
Search for cheaper food
Mister Fluffkins might look like he needs the absolute best of the best food – but you could save a fortune each month by switching your pet’s food to a mid-range quality. For example, did you know that Chappie wet food is often recommended by vets for dogs with sensitive stomachs – and it’s one of the cheapest on the shelf?
Treats are often where the costs sneak up on us. It’s easy to feed more than our pet needs each day (those googly eyes will always do the trick on manipulating us into feeding them treats!) so the first step is simply to cut back.
You can also find cheaper, bulkier alternatives. For example, dogs often love veggies or fruit, like carrots and apples. Chop some up and freeze in water in ice cube trays. A cube feels like a treat to your dog, while the cost of the treat is almost nothing compared to the prepared treats from the pet shop shelf.
Swap sitting with friends
Our final tip is to avoid booking your pet into a sitting service or kennel when you go away. Find friends with pets who also sometimes need a hand with their animal, and offer to sit for them in return for them sitting for you. It can save you hundreds of pounds each year in pet sitting fees, and gives your animal a familiar home to be in while you’re away too.
Of course, there are ways you can make your pet earn their keep, too! From becoming a social media star to being a stock photo model, a little imagination is all it takes to earn money with your pet.
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