6 Money-Saving Hacks for Pet Owners

Did you know that Taylor Swift’s cat Olivia Benson has a net worth of $97 million?! Unfortunately, most of our pets don’t have an income of their own. And there’s no doubt that being a pet owner can become costly. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to cut costs when it comes to owning a cat or dog. Here are six money-saving hacks for pet owners.

1. Save Time and Money With Subscription Pet Supplies Like Cat Litter

For most of us, subscription pet supplies are worth it. You can order cat litter on a monthly basis, as well as pet food. You might even take it a step further and invest in something like BarkBox, which offers toys and other goodies for Fido each month. Not only can subscriptions save you money in some cases, but they save you time at the grocery store each week.

2. Invest in Pet Insurance for Future Savings

You might think you don’t need pet insurance, but then you end up with a vet bill in the thousands of dollars. A devastating diagnosis of cancer or a car accident are both incidents where pet insurance comes in handy – and something that can strike any pet at any time.

An insurance plan that provides accident and illness coverage for pets costs approximately $29 per month for cats and $49 per month for dogs. Your plan will also cover preventative care. Most pet insurance plans will cover approximately 75 to 80 percent of vet costs.

3. Shop Around to Get Lower Prescription Costs

This is one of the best money-saving hacks for pet owners. If Fluffy takes a prescription medication, odds are the cost may be right up there with human medications. Consider asking the vet if a generic medication is available. If it’s a pricey med, you’ll also want to compare prices at different pharmacies. GoodRx is another option when it comes to reducing prescription costs.

4. Brush Your Pet’s Teeth to Save Money

You probably already know that brushing your pet’s teeth is good for its overall health, but did you know that this preventative care step can lead to long-term savings? This is because the treatment for periodontal disease in pets is tooth extraction, which requires you to pay for the cost of surgery, anesthesia, and bloodwork. It’s much more affordable to invest in a toothbrush for your dog or cat.

Dental chews, such as those offered from the Greenies brand, can also help aid in your pet’s oral health.

5. Consider At-Home Pet Grooming

There’s no doubt that the cost of taking your pet to the groomer can really add up. It can cost $80 or more per session, depending on where you live. You can shave or trim your dog’s hair at home, as well as take care of nail trimmings and ear cleanings for both cats and dogs.

While you’ll want to invest in professional grooming tools, such as clippers, you’ll be able to save money in the long run. Although it can be difficult for some pets (or their owners), it’s best to start at-home grooming at a young age so your dog or cat can adapt to the process.

6. Swap Pet-Sitting Services with Friends

Hiring a pet sitter can be really expensive. One way you can avert this cost is by reaching out to a network of family, friends, or co-workers. You can offer to pet sit for them when they go out of town as long as they’re willing to do the same when it’s your turn. This can help both of you save money in the long run.

You might consider creating a similar arrangement for walking your pets. If your neighbor lives nearby and works on days you have off and vice versa, you can offer to walk their dog when you walk your own – and ask them to do the same. 

These are just six money-saving hacks for pet owners. There are so many different ways to cut costs when it comes to your dog or cat. Focusing on preventative care can help save you from long-term costs.