Hikes on household energy bills and fuel prices has seen two thirds of Britain’s living costs rise We might not have heard an official alarm bell ringing recession, however it certainly feels that way at the moment. For many UK households this means tightening belts like never before. But there are some members of our family that’ve become accustomed to a certain lavish lifestyle. So how can you provide your pets with the best care without breaking the bank? We’ve got some handy money saving tips for pet owners that we hope might help a little.
Money Saving Tips For Pet Owners
Let’s be honest, we’d all love to spend a fortune on our pampered pooches and fancy felines. We all want the very best for our pets, whether it’s new toys, plush bedding, or posh treats.
But needing to cut back on non-essential spending doesn’t have to impact our furry family members. Doing a little shopping around and seeking support from those around us can save more money than you think.
1) Start Buying Second Hand
If there’s one thing we know about here at Preloved, it’s Second Hand! We’re firm believers in ‘Second Hand Isn’t Second Best’ and nowadays everyone’s keen to grab a bargain.
From dog crates to rabbit runs, vivariums to cat toys, you can save a fortune buying used and nearly new pet accessories on Preloved. Check out what’s for sale in your area! You don’t need to spend much to make your pets happy!
2) Sell Unwanted Pet Accessories
We’ve all bought our pets a new treat only for it to sit unused for weeks. If you’ve got items that you’re no longer using, get them sold. One dog’s trash is another dog’s treasure!
Not only will it give you some extra cash, it’ll also clear some clutter in your home and keep items out of landfill. Placing an advert on Preloved is super easy, and it’s free.
Preloved members also post Wanted items for bits they’re in need of. Maybe someone out there’s after the very same thing you’re trying to get rid of. Make someone else’s pooch happy and see what Preloved members are looking for.
3) Shop Around For Cheaper Pet Insurance
There are so many price comparison sites nowadays. You can use them to find cheaper energy suppliers (pretty handy right now!), as well as insurance providers.
If you’re looking for insurance for the first time, or looking to change insurers, they offer support and advice to pet owners. Find an affordable plan that’s right for you and your pet and you can save hundreds of pounds!
To learn what you need to know before you buy pet insurance, take a look at our top 10 tips article.
4) Prevent Costly Vet Bills
There’ll always be unexpected vet bills caused by accident or injury. By maintaining your pet’s health, just like us humans, you can keep the vet at bay. Illnesses caused by an unhealthy lifestyle such as obesity can become costly.
Offering your pet a healthy diet, along with regular exercise suitable to their needs, and getting regular vet checks can help keep long term costs down. Consider health supplements from a reputable source. Prevention’s better than cure!
For more info on healthy treats, and what to avoid, take a look at our article, Be Treatwise With Your Dog.
5) Consider Friends And Family For Pet Sitting
From over night boarding to daily dog walkers, professional pet sitting can cost you a fair bit over the year.
Reach out to trusted and responsible friends and family to see if they can support you in this area. Many are happy to do it for free if it means furry cuddles, but a gesture of thanks is always appreciated.
6) Learn To Groom Your Pets
It might be that you’re a little nervous to tackle this yourself, or perhaps your pet’s breed is a bit high maintenance when it comes to brushing and styling. But by learning to do some basics yourself, such as trim nails, bathe, and carefully trim off dead hair, you can save money to put to other uses.
Make sure your pet is comfortable and calm and you have plenty of time. If you or your pet start to get a little anxious you can always take a break and try again later.
7) Money Saving Tips For Pet Owners Wouldn’t Be Complete Without A Little DIY
Not everything has to be store bought!
How many times have you purchase your cat an expensive new bed or toy, only for them to gravitate towards the box it came in? Instead of forking out, ask at your local shop or supermarket if they’ve any old cardboard boxes they’re discarding. Most will happily let you take a few.
How many times have you bought packs of mass-produced dog treats only for them to beg at the table for your left over grilled chicken? Store bought treats can often be filled with preservatives or nasty additives. Try using ice cube trays to create some compact chicken and rice treats (even better with some bone broth!). With the warmer weather coming up try freezing a little peanut butter and yoghurt! Nom nom!
For more handy DIY tips for your pets, take a look at our article, Great DIY Ideas For Your Pet.
