As shared in a CNBC article, “Nearly half (49%) of Americans want to save more money, a third (33%) want to improve their credit score and another third (31%) plan on creating a personal budget, according to an Experian poll on the top financial resolutions for the new year.” Saving money on pet care is a great place to start.
Controlling Pet Care Expenses
We all know the best way to save money is to spend less. We also know that spending money on our pets is mostly inevitable.
With veterinary costs rising, pet food prices skyrocketing, and high-end pet products becoming more mainstream, pet care expenses can quickly become a budget-busting nightmare. For this reason, it’s essential to prioritize. Veterinary care and quality food should top the list of our pet-related budget, followed by targeted supplements and grooming visits/products. Frivolous purchases including seasonal toys, silly costumes, and snacks/treats should be avoided. Instead, consider joining a local Buy Nothing Group like Buy Nothing Old Saybrook. In these groups, it’s not uncommon to snatch up supplemental pet items when others pass them along.
Another way to control pet care expenses is to use the ‘subscribe and save’ options on websites like Amazon and Chewy. Subscriptions usually offer 5% off retail and free shipping, which is a great way to save money on pet food, single-ingredient treats, supplements. Consider subscribing to any pet products that are used daily.
Preparing for Pet Care Expenses
Saving for a rainy day is the best way to prepare for the day when pet care expenses are inevitable. Many pet parents opt for pet insurance as a way to prepare for any veterinary needs that may arise unexpectedly. Especially when a family has one or two healthy pets, pet insurance is a good way to budget for accidents, injuries, and the unexpected. For families with multiple pets or pets that are too expensive to insure – senior or geriatric pets – savings accounts dedicated to pet care costs are another great option. How much one decides to save per pet depends on your area and your pet’s overall health. Your veterinarian may have a ballpark figure to get you started on saving the appropriate amount.
Don’t forget to budget for pet care services like dog walking and pet sitting. Because travel is becoming increasingly expensive, consider the costs associated with travel pet care – in-home pet sitting, boarding, etc. – in your travel budget. If you can’t afford to take a trip to St. Barths while also paying to have your pet properly cared for back home, consider going somewhere more affordable, or closer to you. Never take any risks by hiring friends, neighbors, or hobby pet sitters to save a buck. Oftentimes, the outcome of these situations doesn’t merit the savings.
Earning Pet Care Services
As a client of Shoreline Happy Paws, you can earn credits toward pet care services by referring clients our way. Earning credits is easy! First, share your love of Shoreline Happy Paws with friends and neighbors. Then, remind them to let us know you referred them when they call to inquire. Finally, earn a $20 credit toward future services when they complete a booking with us.
The great news about our Referral Program is that there is no limit to how many friends, neighbors, and coworkers you can earn referral credits from. The more you spread the word about our dedicated pet care services, including travel pet care, midday dog walking, and adventure hikes, the more your pets can enjoy our company, at no cost to you.
To learn more about our services or Referral Program, please contact us at info@cthappypaws.com or call 860- 964-0464. We proudly serve Old Saybrook, Essex, Ivoryton, Centerbrook, Deep River, Chester, Westbrook, Clinton, Old Lyme, East Lyme, Niantic, Waterford, Groton, New London, Gales Ferry, Uncasville, Mystic & Noank, CT. We also have limited services in parts of Lyme, Madison, Killingworth, Haddam, Higganum, and East Haddam, CT.
