5 ways to save money with pet costs at an all-time high

·       3.4m Brits have given away pets this year as costs soar

·       As price of pet products reaches all-time high, animal experts offer their money saving tips from tooth brushing to how to get the cheapest pet food

The price of owning a pet is on the rise, with inflation on pet products, such as food, health items and treats, up a massive 85% since 2015^[i].

Pet food costs in particular have seen a stark rise, with shoppers hitting out at high price increases in supermarkets such as Tesco, Asda and Morrisons^[ii]. The cost of pet care has also increased by 10% in the last year^[iii].

3.4m Brits made the heartbreaking decision to give up a pet in the last year, with rising costs a key factor. Trusted Housesitters, who provide pet sitting services, has looked into the data and offered five money saving tips for pet owners who may be struggling with costs.

1.      Research different pet foods

Pet food can be one of the largest outgoings when owning a pet. Whilst some dogs and cats have sensitive stomachs, for many, putting them onto different food can be a great way to save money. Make sure you do your research and look at the ingredients – there are many reasonable priced brands which could save a lot. There are also price comparison supermarket apps, such as Trolley, so you can see where has the best prices on that day. Buying in bulk could also save you in the long run.

2.      Brush your pet’s teeth

A study into dog’s teeth showed that 85% of dogs over 4 years old have periodontal disease[1], which results in infections and inflammation of the gums.  Keeping your pet’s teeth clean can help to avoid hefty vet bills, brushing your cat or dog’s teeth every day (or at least twice weekly) can keep them healthy, which will save you money in the long run. 

3.      Learn to groom

Pet grooming is vital in making sure they stay healthy and comfortable, however it can be costly, at £43 on average a session, which can increase depending on the dog. If you are able to, learning to groom them at home can be a good money saving exercise. Think of things like clipping their nails, trimming their coats and cleaning around the eyes and ears, there are many helpful online sources which can help and if you are worried, or it can be impossible due to the breed then please do visit a groomer.

4.      Don’t skip the vet visits

Make sure your dog stays fit and active, has plenty of clean water and don’t skip your vet visits, as it could lead to them catching things early, which otherwise may cost a lot to fix. Going every 3-6 months for a health visit could be life changing. You could also ask your vet about payment plans to spread the cost of any treatment.

5.      Stick with tough dog toys

Whilst fluffy teddies may be cute, they often don’t last long with a dog involved! Durable, good quality toys will last longer, saving you money in the long run by outlasting cheaper alternatives.

For more useful advice on owning a pet, please visit:https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/blog/