7 Ways Your Pet Teaches You to Save – Pet Ownership on a Budget
By Garrett Johnson
Pet ownership on a budget doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your pet’s happiness—or your own. In fact, your animal sidekick might just be the key to helping you save money and stick to a budget. Whether you’re getting your budget ready for a new pet, or already have a furry (or scaly, or feathery) friend, your pet can teach you valuable financial lessons. From cutting unnecessary expenses to inspiring creativity, here’s how learning how to afford a pet on a budget can keep them happy—and your finances healthier too.
1. How to Save Money on Pet Food
Pets thrive on consistent diets, so consider buying in bulk and save money on pet food! If buying a large bag of food feels overwhelming, try splitting the cost with a friend who has the same type of pet. Many pet stores also offer coupons or rewards programs, which can help you stretch your budget further. But don’t stop at just your pet’s food—buying in bulk and meal planning for yourself can also reduce impulse buys and food waste.
For a fun bonding activity, try making homemade pet treats while you’re prepping your own meals. Simple recipes like peanut butter and pumpkin treats for dogs or tuna bites for cats are more affordable than store-bought options. Plus, you’ll get the extra satisfaction of seeing your pet enjoy a snack that you made with love!
Related: Deal or No Deal, When Is It Worth Passing Up a Sale?
2. Turn Your Love for Pets into a Side Hustle
If you’re passionate about animals, why not turn that love into a side hustle? Platforms like Rover allow you to offer services like dog walking, pet sitting, or even bird care. If you have space, you could create a private dog park using Sniffspot, where dog owners pay to use your yard for playtime. Not only can gig work help you earn extra money to cover pet expenses, but it also allows you to spend more time doing something you love—caring for animals!
3. Ditch the Gym: Let Your Sidekick Keep You Active
Dogs need walks, cats need play time, and even small pets like rabbits or birds can encourage movement. Building an exercise routine with your pet – or while your pet keeps you company – can double as your workout, reducing costs on gym membership or fitness classes while also bonding with your family friend. The internet is full of creative ideas to get active with your pet at home or outdoors—and it’s all free! Whether it’s a game of fetch, a DIY agility course, or some hide and seek at home, staying active with your pet can be way more fun than running on a treadmill.
4. Preventative Care Can Prevent the Biggest Expense of Owning a Pet
Regular vet checkups can avoid costly emergency bills down the line, which are often the biggest expense of owning a pet. Preventative care not only saves you money in the long run but also keeps your pet healthy and happy. Turn their vet visits into a positive experience with special treats and rewards. And while you’re at it, use your pet’s routine checkups as a reminder to prioritize your own health as well. Scheduling annual check-ups – including financial health check ups, can save big on (medical) bills down the road.
5. Save Money on Pet Expenses with Creativity
Grooming your pet at home is both healthy for your family friend and your wallet, allowing you to save money on pet expenses while keeping them looking their best. Learning basic grooming or niche care skills can help you avoid or space out professional grooming visits or vet appointments, depending on your pet’s needs. The same goes for you! Reducing the frequency of your own hair cut appointments by learning at-home grooming techniques can significantly lower your personal care costs.
6. Smart Spending Tips for Pet Owners
Caring for your pet forces you to separate needs from wants—a mindset that can spill over into your personal finances. Creating a pet budget to help track expenses like food, vet care, toys or equipment, and savings for emergency pet expenses can help you stay on track. You can even turn it into a game by setting savings goals and rewarding both yourself and your pet with a small treat when you hit the goal. It’s a win-win for your wallet and your pet’s happiness!
7. Build a Pet Community to Share and Save
Joining a pet community allows you to connect with other pet owners and share resources, like pet-sitting or hand-me-down supplies. Look for local pet groups or online forums where you can find free or low-cost resources. For example, Buy Nothing groups often have free pet supplies available. This sense of community can expand into other areas of your life, helping you save on everything from childcare to home repairs.
Bonus: Budget-Friendly Fun: Adventures Inspired by Your Companion
Pets don’t care how much money you spend—they just want to be with you. Low-cost activities like hiking, playing in the park, or having a cozy movie night can bring joy to both of you without breaking the bank. Look for free, pet-friendly events in your area such as markets and festivals. Create a bucket list of affordable adventures to try with your pet, like visiting a new park each month or even having a backyard picnic with your caged critter! Rethinking how you spend on entertainment can lead to big savings over time—and who knows, it might even spark a meet-cute with a fellow dog walker at the park. After all, the future is full of surprises!
Pet Ownership on a Budget: A Win-Win for Both of You
Pet ownership on a budget isn’t just about cutting costs—it’s about finding creative ways to provide the best care for your family friend while saving money. By following these low-cost pet care tips and learning how to afford a pet given your budget, you’ll not only keep your pet happy but also improve your own financial habits. After all, who knew your pet could be such a great household budgeting coach? If you’d like more help with your budget, check out our free online learning tools and our free webinars where we cover tons of #finlit topics, including budgeting.
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