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Money-Saving Tips For Pet Owners

A recent article about a frequent flyer programmes for pets made me pause to think about how much we spend on our furry friends. Midwest Airlines said that under its new scheme, pets can earn a bonus round-trip ticket for every 3 return air journeys they take!

Whilst most of us aren't likely to take our doggies and moggies on holiday with us, we do lavish lots of money on them. It is estimated that we collectively spend over £3b annually on our pets. Furthermore, that could climb as marketers find increasingly more ways to humanise our pets.

I have always had pets, be it a cat or a dog, and apparently eleven million British households have a pet. However, being a pet lover does not mean you have to be extravagant. So here are my tips on how you can own a pet without going broke.

Forewarned Is Forearmed

Owning a pet can be great fun, but it is a big responsibility too. Not only do you need to care for your pet, it can be quite expensive too. According to the RSPCA, it costs around £700 a year just to keep an average-sized dog in Britain. So if you are not prepared to spend this, think about something cheaper like a goldfish!

Health Care

One thing I have learnt over the years is never to jeopardise the health of your pet. Remember that animals spend most of their time outdoors. Consequently, it is vital that they are properly vaccinated. Be aware, though, that veterinary prices can vary considerably from one clinic to another. I try to keep abreast of prices in my area, and switch vets if necessary.

Insurance

Insurance is a thorny subject for many pet owners. Some agree wholehertedly with pet insurance, whilst others disagree vehemently with the concept. What is not in dispute, though, is that vet bills are rising. Additionally, many pet illnesses can now be treated, but treatment is often expensive. So unless you are prepared to pay for any treatments yourself, taking out pet insurance may be a sensible option.

Saving On Pet Food

Finally, my pet favourite tip. After commercial pet food exploded onto the market in the 1950s, we all assumed that peeling back a cellophane film or tugging on a ring-pull was the only way to feed our pets. However, it can be much cheaper to cook your own pet food, and what's more you will know what is in the food.