Five ways you can save money on your pets

How to cut the costs of looking after your dog or cat while keeping them happy and healthy.

 

Pets bring boundless joy, but it’s no secret they can also nibble away at your bank balance. The good news? With some smart swaps and a bit of DIY, you can cut costs while still giving your furry friend everything they need.

1. Cut costs on food

Switch your pet food

Premium packaging and high price tags don't necessarily mean better nutrition, so it's worth exploring whether there's a cheaper option that still meets your pets' needs. Look out for the word  'complete' on the label which means it meets all the nutritional requirements of your pet.

 » Be sure to change your pet's diet in stages to avoid upset tummies. Read here for more information.
 

Buy in bulk

Buying pet food online in bulk – either in big bags or crates of tins/pouches – almost always works out cheaper. If the upfront cost feels steep, why not team up with a friend and place a shared order? You'll also both save on delivery charges and make sure the food gets eaten while it's in date.

Make DIY pet treats

Making your pet's treats at home will save you money too. Just be sure to use pet-safe ingredients – read the articles below to check what's safe for your pet, and what isn't.

» Learn which foods are safe for dogs

» Learn which foods are safe for cats

 

 » Homemade cat treats

 » Homemade dog treats

 

 

 

2. Keep on top of your pet's health

Health checks catch issues early

Learning how to do simple home health checks can help you spot potential medical problems early and avoid bigger bills down the line. Check for signs of tenderness, swelling or bleeding, and contact your vet if your pet seems to be in pain or you find anything unusual.

If your pet struggles with being handled, these handy articles can help:

» Learn how to train your pet to accept being touched

» Learn how to teach your pet to accept being checked over
 

Give basic care at home

Learn how to give at-home treatment for simple procedures such as giving medication and removing parasites – this will save you unecessary trips to the vet's.

Groom your pet yourself

Grooming your pet at home will save you money by spacing out professional grooming appointments. Don't forget to clip your pets' nails, too – long claws can lead to issues (and potentially extra vet costs) if ignored.

 

3. Shop around for your pet insurance 

If you don't already have pet insurance, taking a plan out can help you with unexpected costs and save you money in the long run. Check pet insurance schemes that cover necessities such as vet consultations, initial vaccines, and parasite treatments, and get multiple quotes as prices vary by provider. As a starting point, look at Pet Health Club through Bath Vet Group, or ask your local vets if they have a scheme.

 

4. Buy repeat medication online

Websites such as Pet Drugs Online and VioVet offer prescription medicines for less than you'd pay at the vets. Ask your vet to write you a prescription that can be used to purchase your pets' medicine online.

It's also worth checking if the same medicine is sold under a different, cheaper brand. Just check the PL number on the side of the packaging – that's the unique licence number given exclusively to a particular drug made by a particular manufacturer. If the numbers match, it's the same drug.

 

5. Make your own toys

Keeping your pets entertained doesn't have to mean breaking the bank. There are plenty of creative ways you can upcycle things you already have at home, giving them a new lease of life as your pet's favourite toy!

Crinkle socks

• Find an old sock, or a piece of fabric
• Stuff the sock/fabric with some crinkled paper or any soft material
• Tie the sock/fabric to seal it
• Throw it to your pet and let them play!
   

Toilet paper treat rolls

• Fold both ends of a toilet roll to seal it
• Cut a hole in the centre
• Add a few treats or dry food
• Let your pet try and find their treats

 

Toilet paper string toy (for cats)

• Attach a string to a toilet roll
• Drag the roll along the ground for your cat to chase and stalk

Note: Play involving string should always be supervised.

Cardboard destruction box - for dogs

• Grab an old parcel box
• Fill the box with treats and crumpled paper 
• Let your dog play with and destroy the box as they search for treats

 You can also use an old parcel box as a small space for your cat to lay or to play peek-a-boo in.

 

More DIY pet toy ideas

» Toilet roll pet toys

» Video: DIY Dog Tuggy Toy