We are fortunate to live in a community that is committed to pet rescue. Some of the tips offered below may not apply in your area. However, check with local shelters and groups. They may have advice for you.
Food
Feeding your pet can be expensive, depending upon your food selection. Check manufacturers’ websites for coupons and rebate offers.
If you are struggling to feed your pet, talk with your local shelter and rescue groups. In our area, we have several groups that have pet food pantries.
Routine Shots and Vet Visits
It is important to find a good vet for your pet. The ideal vet will help you find ways to provide quality care within your budget. Most vets nowadays understand the dire financial circumstances in which some people find themselves.
That being said, if you simply cannot afford a routine vet exam, the minimum you should do is maintain your pet’s vaccination schedule. In our area, local shelters and rescue groups offer low-cost shot clinics.
If you live near a large university that has a veterinary medicine program, check with the university about free or low-cost clinics. It might be an affordable way to get your pet basic exams until you can get back on your feet financially.
A word or two about vaccinations: In recent years, vets are taking a more conservative approach toward vaccinations. You should discuss with your vet whether or not certain vaccines are needed. Your pet may not be in a high risk category. Rabies vaccines must be given on the recommended schedule, though; it is the law.
Spay/Neuter
In our area, we have a special clinic that performs low-cost spay/neuter. For low income families, it is free. Check with your local shelter or humane society about low-cost spay/neuter. You might be surprised to learn that you have affordable options.
Routine Medicines
Flea medicine is essential. Not only do you want to keep these beasts out of your home, they cause lots of problems for your pet. As mentioned in a previous blog, I use the best-quality medicine I can afford. I have found the cheap stuff is not effective. I also do not apply the medicine year-round. You may not be able to do this, depending upon your situation. It is something to consider.
Your vet will recommend heartworm medicine. It can be very expensive, especially if you have multiple and/or larger pets. The treatment for heartworms can be extremely expensive and is tough for your pet.
Let’s be honest here. I balked at the cost for years, thinking the risk was low. I finally came around, though, when my dogs had issues with whipworms. My vet explained that the heartworm medicine also combats other worms. From that day forward, I kept them on heartworm medicine year-round and never had any issues.
One last note: I do not give Kiki and Maddy heartworm medicine. They are strictly indoor cats. The odds are very, very slim that they will come in contact with mosquitoes. Discuss this decision with your vet, though. You may live in an area where the risk is much greater.
Gear
The key here is to shop around and look in unusual places. Here are some places where I have saved money:
Dollar Tree: I found a collapsible food/water bowl there for, yes, $1. It is not super fancy, but it is sturdy enough. It actually holds water better than the Outward Hound version I reviewed in an earlier blog.
Family Dollar: You can find stainless steel pet bowls for around $3 here. I prefer stainless steel because it is more durable and easier to clean than plastic. I worry about chemicals leaching from plastic into the food, but then I tend to obsess about those things.
Update 8/31/10: I dropped by Family Dollar a couple of days ago to pick up some bowls for Gracie. The bowls felt as if they had been coated with oil, to prevent them from rusting. Yuck! Before you buy a stainless steel bowl from any store, check it. Needless to say, I did not buy the bowls.
Tractor Supply: This store carries farm supplies. They also have a decent selection of dog gear. Basic collars and leashes are cheaper here than at PetSmart. Keep that in mind, especially if you have a puppy who will go through several during the first year. If you have this particular chain or one like it in your area, check it out. You might be surprised at what you find.
Wal-Mart. Their selection of pet toys grows each day. Gracie loves a $3 hedgehog I bought there. I also found other deals on their website. They will ship most products free to a store near you.
Lastly, consider making your own pet beds. If you can sew a rectangular pillow case, you can make a pet bed. I look in remnant bins at fabric and craft stores. For stuffing, you can go super cheap and buy a $7 bag of cedar shavings. (You could fill several beds with one bag.) You can also find use poly stuffing or buy a piece of foam.
Tomorrow, we will discuss the senior years with your pets.
Rescue Mommy
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