Owning a pet can be such a rewarding experience, but they come with costs which can be a challenge in current times.
From food to healthcare, it’s easy for expenses to add up. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to save money and places to seek help, while still providing your pet with a happy and healthy life.
Here are some money-saving tips for pet owners:
Rabbits
Cats
Dogs
- Buy in bulk
One of the easiest ways to save money is to buy rabbit food and supplies in bulk. Look for large bags of good quality hay, pellets, and bedding, which tend to be cheaper per unit than smaller packages. Make sure to store these items properly to avoid waste, especially hay, which can be prone to getting mouldy if not stored in a cool, dry place. - DIY rabbit toys and accessories
Rabbits love to chew, so providing them with toys is essential. Rather than buying expensive toys, consider making your own using safe, affordable materials like cardboard, paper towel rolls, or untreated wood. You can also create hides and tunnels from cardboard boxes, which are both cost-effective and enjoyable for your rabbit.
Scroll down for some great ‘how to’ guides for homemade rabbit toys. - Maintain regular vet visits
While vet visits can be expensive, preventative care is crucial for keeping your rabbit healthy and minimising future costs. Regular check-ups, vaccinations, and dental care are essential to avoid costly emergencies down the road. Casvet is our onsite veterinary practise which helps provides more affordable pet care. - Rabbit-proof your home
Rabbits love to chew! Bunny-proofing your home/garden can prevent damage to furniture and reduce the need to replace items frequently. By setting up a secure designated play area with plenty of bunny-safe toys, you can keep your rabbit entertained while saving money on repairs. - Join online communities for deals
Joining rabbit care forums or online groups can help you discover discounts, promotions, or bulk buying options. These communities are also a great place to swap supplies, such as food or toys, with other rabbit owners, further reducing your costs or seeking advice on good pet care. Rabbit Awareness Week can be a great starting place for tips and bunny advice.
- Buy in bulk
One of the best ways to save money on cat supplies is by purchasing items in bulk. This applies to things like cat litter, food, and even treats. Many pet stores and online retailers offer discounts when you buy large quantities. If you have room to store these items, buying in bulk can significantly reduce your overall spending. Additionally, some subscription services for cat food and litter offer discounted prices for regular deliveries. - DIY cat toys and accessories
Rather than buying expensive toys, consider making your own at home. Simple items like cardboard boxes, paper bags, and string can keep your cat entertained for hours. You can also create cat scratching posts or beds using old furniture or fabric. Not only is this cost-effective, but it also encourages your cat’s natural instincts to scratch and explore.
Scroll down for a cheap and simple ‘how to’ guide for a homemade cat toy you can make today. - Preventive healthcare
Taking care of your cat’s health upfront can prevent costly medical bills down the road. Regularly grooming your cat, keeping up with vaccinations, and maintaining flea and tick prevention can help avoid health issues. Spaying or neutering your cat also helps avoid certain health problems and prevents unexpected expenses from having litters. Casvet is our onsite veterinary practise which helps provides more affordable pet care. - Consider pet insurance
Although paying for pet insurance might seem like an added expense, it can save you money in the long run if your cat faces an unexpected health issue or accident. Pet insurance can help cover the cost of vet bills, surgeries, and other medical treatments that might otherwise be unaffordable. Be sure to shop around for plans that fit your budget and provide good coverage. - Maintain your cat’s litter box
Regularly cleaning your cat’s litter box not only keeps your home fresh but also extends the life of the litter. Instead of changing the entire box every time, scoop out waste daily and top off the litter as needed. Clumping litter often allows for easier cleaning and longer use. When the litter box does need a full replacement, consider choosing a more cost-effective brand.
- Buy in bulk
When it comes to food and supplies, buying in bulk can save you a significant amount of money over time. Dog food, especially premium brands, can be expensive, but purchasing larger bags or bulk-sized containers often comes with a discount. If your dog eats the same food consistently, this is an easy and cost-effective way to reduce your expenses. - DIY dog toys and accessories
Dogs don’t need fancy toys or accessories to stay happy and engaged. You can save money by creating your own toys from household items. For example, an old sock tied into a knot can make a great chew toy, and a tennis ball can provide hours of entertainment.
Scroll down for a cheap and simple ‘how to’ guide for a homemade dog toy you can make today. - Opt for preventive care
Preventive care is one of the most effective ways to avoid high veterinary bills in the long run. Regular check-ups, vaccinations, and flea, tick, and heartworm prevention are all important steps in keeping your dog healthy and reducing the likelihood of expensive emergency visits. Keeping your dog in good health also extends their lifespan, meaning fewer costly medical treatments. Casvet is our onsite veterinary practise which helps provides more affordable pet care. - Practice proper training
A well-trained dog is not only happier and better-behaved, but also less likely to cause costly damage to your home or belongings. Investing time in training can prevent behavioural issues that could lead to costly repairs or veterinary bills. Cheltenham Animal Shelter is here to support and help with this – explore our website for advice and behaviour support. - Consider pet insurance
While it might seem like an unnecessary expense, pet insurance can actually save you money in the long run, especially if your dog experiences health problems. Vet bills for surgeries, treatments, or emergency care can be extremely expensive, and having insurance can help reduce the financial burden. Before purchasing insurance, be sure to compare different plans to find one that fits your dog’s needs and your budget.
Make at home pet products
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How Cheltenham Animal Shelter can help
Adopt, don’t shop!
Simply by adopting your pet from our shelter or other rescue organisations, you will save money as it is in general far less expensive than purchasing from a breeder. Adopting from CAS will typically cover vaccinations, spaying or neutering, up to date flea and worm preventative cover and microchipping. Plus, you’ll be giving a pet in need a loving home!
Shop second-hand
Our CAS Charity shops are often filled with great and more affordable pet accessories. Found onsite at the Shelter and in Cheltenham Town, Winchcombe Street, why not pop in for a visit and grab yourself a bargain today!
On-site pet food bank and community pet support
CAS is proud to offer as much support as we can to the pets in our community and we want to help ensure they do not go hungry or without. For those pet owners in the community who are struggling financially or in need of pet support, we have an onsite pet food bank which we provide our surplus items, when possible, for people to use.
For anyone who needs non-judgemental support and advice for your pets, you can visit us at the shelter in person or contact [email protected]
By being resourceful and making some small changes, you can keep the costs of pet ownership more manageable without sacrificing their well-being, and continue to provide them with a fulfilling, happy life without breaking the bank.