Blake, our Cairn Terrier, is due for his checkup. Our vet books him and Sydney (our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel) months in advance for their regular visits, so we can plan ahead for the added expense. Each time, I'm reminded that taking care of our four-legged friends isn't cheap. On average, dog owners spend $1,000-2,000 each year per pooch, while cat owners spend about $800 annually.
Have you seen the news about people giving up pets during the recession? Rising home foreclosures are forcing families to relocate—many can't bring their pets with them. It's so sad. In Boston, the ASPCA reported a 45 percent increase of pet owners surrendering animals due to housing and economic concerns, and the number of people giving up their pets from home-loss has doubled. It's not a just a problem in the Northeast, either. Recently, shelters in California and the Pacific Northwest have reported a huge increase of abandoned pets. My brother Ronic, who lives outside Seattle, just adopted a new dog. But, unfortunately, he's in the minority as animal shelters around the country are overflowing with abandoned pets.
Pets are such an important part of our families. We would all be very sad without Blake and Sydney. It's hard to imagine being in the place of owners who have to give up their pets and experiencing the pain they go through. In light of all this, I wanted to share ways to save money and avoid giving up your four-legged family members as the country braces for more economic troubles.
Save on Pet Care
If you use a pet sitter or dog walker, consider sharing their services with a neighbor as a way to split the costs and save money. If you can, try arranging your lunch break so you can go home for a quick "hello" and a walk.
Remember that you can be creative about reducing costs without sacrificing the quality of care for your pets. As pet owners, we have to balance saving money with making sure our animals still receive the exercise and attention they need.
Cutting Costs at the Vet
Pets need regular doctor visits, shots, and checkups, but you can save money while making sure your animals have all the medical attention they need. Ask your veterinarian if you can work out a payment plan to spread out the costs. You can also make sure your dog has a tailored health plan—not every pooch needs every shot, so make sure she's only getting what she needs. Going for regular checkups is not only good for your pet, but it also helps solve immediate health issues, while preventing them from building into bigger issues (and higher expenses) in the long run.
Also, there are local organizations, charities, and funds to help pet owners pay medical bills. This Care.com article on saving money on pet care gives great tips if you're coming up short on expenses.
Create a Pet Budget
Pet accessories, fancy leashes, and expensive toys can add up quickly. If you're feeling a budget squeeze, make sure your animals have what they need, then cut out the extras. Replace a new plaything with a little extra one-on-one attention and they'll never know the difference.
Make sure you're also scanning the supermarket circulars for coupons and sales. If you can get your brand of pet food at a discount, it'll go a long way toward helping make ends meet.
A "Petcation"
If you find it's too expensive to keep your pet in the home, why not find a friend or relative to temporarily care for them? Instead of giving them up to a shelter or stranger, someone you trust will look after your baby. This arrangement doesn't have to be permanent—think of it as a vacation for your pet. It can also be a chance for another family to experience the joy of pet ownership. Maybe they'll even adopt a companion pet, too!
Pitch in to Help
Shelters are losing funds as sponsorship and donor money dries up. Here in Massachusetts, three animal shelters just closed their doors. There wasn't enough money in the budget to keep them open. This problem will just get bigger as more families are forced to give up their pets.
You can help by supporting your local chapter of the ASPCA. Even better, have Care.com make a $20 donation to the ASPCA in your name—at no cost to you!
We love our pets and want to make sure the have the best care possible. I want to hear how you're saving on pet care these days. Leave a comment and share your tips, hints, and pet stories with the community!
I have 3 ferals that have lived outside for almost two years, they have dog houses which my husband and I keep heated for them in the winter, they get fed every morning at 6 a.m. and food comes in after dark til the next day; someone just tossed kittens in my yard one day; I have their brother inside, he is the only one who wanted to live indoors; DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE ANIMALS WHO LIVE OUTSIDE they need love and food and water too.
Posted by: Karen | February 17, 2009 at 09:48 AM
I live in Oklahoma City, OK and would love to find a way to help out with the animal shelters in this state. I have two small dogs and they are my kids. But I would love to help all animals in any way that I can. Please let me know if there is anything that I can do to help out at the shelters around here. THANK YOU.
Judy
Posted by: JUDY JENKINS | February 17, 2009 at 10:03 AM
I agree about caring for pets. If fact that I have two of my own. One from the Humane Society and another that was given to me.
Posted by: Ernestine Dancy | February 17, 2009 at 10:18 AM
Hi Sheila,
We participated in the October National Pet Adoption month in 08 by rescuing a dog from a local animal shelter. I encourage others to do the same as there's a small fee, plus they are spayed/neutered and come with shots before you even pick them up. If you don't have the time or money to own a pet, consider just picking up a bag of dog food or cat litter and donating it to a local shelter. Our dog has been the best addition to our family and none of us could imagine NOT having her now!
Posted by: Shannon | February 17, 2009 at 10:45 AM
Please consider being a foster parent. Many of the animal shelters and rescue organizations are in dire need of foster parents to keep the pet out of the shelter. This is a temporary agreement you arrange with the animal welfare organization. They usually hold adoption events and post the pet on the web. It is a great way to help out a pet in need. I do this frequently and it is very rewarding.
Please consider being a foster pet parent!
Posted by: Amy Beal | February 17, 2009 at 11:13 AM
I would love to adopt a dog but the adoption fees are just as bad as buying from a pet shop, upwards of 500 to 600 dollars and these are not purebreds. And then they some have the most bizarre rules like no children. In what world do we now live in where a child cannot have a pet?
I take care of my pets and get their shots and spayed and neutered but my goodness, if I can find state-run places to do it at a discount why can these places not and not expect to charge us what a vet would which is close to $150-250 per dog dependent on it's full grown size would be.
I take my pets to vets for all of their shots and vaccines and it costs me and I know it but I also know I can get that at a discount to at places like PETCO and PETSMART.
Where there is a will there is always a way.
My point is this, if these shelters want theses animals adopted then they need to start acting like they want them adopted.
Posted by: T | February 17, 2009 at 01:13 PM
I own a grooming spa in Valencia CA and would be glad to help by offering a discount on grooming to those needy dogs that are adopted. Some of these dogs are on the streets and in need of a good cleaning up for their health and new owner's enjoyment. You can call for an appointment. Just let us know that you are a new owner of an adopted dog.
Margo Michaels
Valencia's DogHouse
Valencia, CA
Posted by: Margo Michaels | February 17, 2009 at 01:30 PM
I have two cats that were adopted from rescue agencies. They are our "kids" and provide many hours of interaction and fun. I would never surrender my cats due to a financial downturn as another part of the budget would be designated for their care. As the cats are strictly inside I have no high vet fees as they are in a good environment. My donations to the ASPCA and other agencies are the only way I can help in this distressing situation of surrendered animals.
Posted by: Kathy | February 17, 2009 at 01:45 PM
Don't usually comment but wanted to share that we found a great rescue and have adopted 2 cats this year from them. They are from siameserescue.org. There are other chapters in different areas of the country but this part serves the East Coast. They are very thorough in their evaluation of the cats, kittens and the adoptive families. Their goal is to have a situation that works for both cat and family. These cats are a good addition to our family and we were happy to be able to help give them a home. They also accept donations! Ann
Posted by: Ann | February 17, 2009 at 02:37 PM
Pets are the cutest things in the world. They are like our families , so in this time of recession, we must take care of our pets as we are take care of our children. Hence, love them!
Posted by: Genie | February 21, 2009 at 01:20 AM
This is a very difficult time for the economy and we see the consequences everywhere. With home foreclosures up, it's a sacrifice some pet owners are having to make. Just a month ago I assisted with getting a very large Cane Corso that was a victim of foreclosure into a foster home. His owner had not been able to properly feed him for weeks prior to his surrendering his dog. I was just glad I could help. Hope he finds a happy forever home.
Posted by: Pat | February 21, 2009 at 06:47 PM
Personally, I have two rescues -- a 12 y/o Shih Tzu and a 2 y/o Bichon. I work with For the Love of a Lhasa Rescue. Anyone unable to keep a pet due to our economic times should contact any and all rescues in their area. Recently, we were able to place two labs in a new home. The original owners did not want the dogs to be separated. These dogs needed new homes due to their owners losing their home.
Posted by: Judy Carroll | February 23, 2009 at 01:19 PM
I have three dogs,two birds,five horses. I go to m.f.a to get all my supplies for my animals they are reasonable on their prices. I also give my horses,dogs there own shots. You can purchase those also at m.f.a. and worming meds, so I don't have to pay $25 for office visit at the vet.
Posted by: angela allen | February 27, 2009 at 08:01 PM
I am a pet sitter in Orange County, California and I have a friend who has 6 dogs, 1 mouse and 1 lizard. She originally had only her 3 dogs, then a friend moved away and was going to give her pregnant small dog to a shelter, so my friend took the dog instead and kept 2 of her 3 puppies that were born (the other one was given to a reliable friend.) Now she is going to lose her house to foreclosure soon because she got laid off of her job and she will probably have to get rid of at least 3 of her dogs to move into an apartment. I can't take them because I live in an apartment with 2 cats and they have a maximum pet limit of 2 to each apartment. I get so mad at people that buy their dogs from breeders or stores instead of adopting them from a rescue or shelter. Our nearby shelter is euthanizing them by the dozens each week because everybody is giving up their animals in this economy. I am going lots of places to try to place these dogs but so many are full. The mother is a Chihuahua, very afraid, one eye missing, about 4 years old, and the puppies are almost one year old Chihuahua/miniature Yorkie mixes, very sociable. Any ideas on how to place in great homes these dogs?
Posted by: Carolyn | March 09, 2009 at 02:02 AM
There are very good rescues around too if you research them. Make sure they require applications, vet and personal checks along with a home visit to check out the potential adopters home. Also check how long they keep a dog/cat in foster care before the consider adopting out. It takes at least two weeks for a moved animals personality to come out.
People are dumping animals on back roads because they are losing their homes. Its a very sad situation but there are great rescues out there that put the time and effort into re-homing animals.
Some pets have special dietary needs so buying the cheapest food is not always possible. Food pantries are handing out pet foods also. No one should EVER skip heartworm preventative if anything or rabies vaccines. Check you local shelters if they give discounts for shots, spay/neutering etc. Many are running programs to help with the pet over population problem. Especially cats...the shelters are over crowded with them.
Posted by: Pattie | March 21, 2009 at 08:01 PM
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Sarah
Posted by: Sarah | March 28, 2009 at 12:28 AM
Greetings all members,
I would just like to say hello and let you know that I'm happy to be a member - been a lurker long enough :)
Hope to contribute some and gain some knowledge along the way....
Posted by: FinancialServicesRenoNV | March 28, 2009 at 07:52 PM
I think it's a shame, more Apt Owner's need to consider letting people take their pets with them , we are in a crisis and giving up a pet is like giving up a child. They save us when we are falling apart , we need them more than ever in our lives now,Right? I'm a Dog Trainer and my goal is to keep these animals out of the pound !
Peace Love
angie :)
Posted by: Angie | April 06, 2009 at 08:33 PM
There isn't a high cost for pet health if you are doing the right things in the first place. Nutrition is the first place to start and you won't find good nutrition on the grocery store shelves !! The second thing is to treat them holistically, not with all the conventional drugs and toxins you put on and in them every time you make a vet visit. Years ago, the only time an animal went to a vet was an accident and they lived longer and healthier ! A cats normal life span is suppose to be btwn 20-30 years old, not ten or less!!! There are soooo many myths everyone has bought into b/c of the large pet companies pushing their products (same as with the pharm co's and people) Contact me through the website if you want to be educated and start to increase your pet's health !
peace and in health, jai holistic animal consultant
Posted by: Jai | May 07, 2009 at 02:04 PM
I have a cat that is all matted and needs to be shaved. where do i turn for help for that? it seems no one in conn. wants to help. When i got him i was healthy. I am a firm believer if you have a pet then u must take care of them. I got sick and i am not able to do that. I feel pretty guilty. I dont want to give him up. any info would be appreciated. Oh i cannot work either i am on disability.
lorial
Posted by: lori crotta | May 09, 2009 at 10:48 AM
I feel bad for those that have to give up pets, but what is worse is that humane society are trying to rip us off by charging so much to adopt. We have two dogs and a cat. Our cat was hit by a car 3 wks ago and we could not afford the operation so we are doing our best to treat him at home he is 13yr old. ($300) for the visit and 1mo ago Jack our dog cost us another $400 because of lime. We love our pets but Petco is where we do all our shots, mail order meds and depend on our great Vet to help us when in need.
I want to adopt a dog but will not pay $400. I want all my pets fixed and would pay out of pocket as I know of places to get a discount.
Posted by: Ela | May 19, 2009 at 09:14 PM
To caroline in Orange Co., CA, contact Best Friends, you can find them on the internet, they have national resources to help place animals, all kinds, good luck,my prayers are with you and your friend.
Posted by: Cindy in North Carolina | May 25, 2009 at 02:46 PM
Saving at the vet if your animal has been seen for a problem then a couple of months later they need vaccination. You can often make a tech appointment this will be cheaper than a vet appointment. As for supplies look for discount places for great prices on food can and dry or raw meet. I am a petsitter if you have neighbors going away in your time frame ask the sitter if they have dicounts i offer discounts.
Posted by: b eth piekarski | May 26, 2009 at 11:00 PM
To Lori In Conn: if one of my cats starts to get matted, I gently use a very sharp scissors for cutting hair & gently start cutting away. Generally you won't get it done in one day, but a little every day helps get the job done. I usually bathe them before & let them air dry for a day. Then I gently comb through getting loose hair out; cutting out very carefully not too close to the skin. It is imperative to get the mats out or they will cause sores. Good Luck!
Posted by: Debbie | June 15, 2009 at 12:51 PM
Thank you for writing on this very important issue. I am a dog trainer, and see the owners who need to re-home their dogs as well as the dogs that are lucky enough to be re-homed.
When we take on a pet to be a part of our family we have an obligation to do right by them. After all, we choose them. They don't choose us.
As a comment to the person who said that rescue dogs cost as much as pet store dogs-- They do, but the fees the rescue groups ask for are not even close to covering their actual costs for care of the animals. Those costs are offset by their fundraising events and efforts. The money you give to a pet store is for profit, not for animal care. This has to make you wonder what their care is like before they are bought. I can tell you from my experiences with many owners who have purchased their dog at a pet store, many of those dogs are not healthy and many have severe temperament issues. Not all, but many.
Posted by: Shari | June 28, 2009 at 11:19 AM