Looking to save money as a pet owner?

As household incomes continue to fall, pet owners across the country are faced with cutting expenditures. When it comes to your pet’s needs, figuring out what expenses to cut may be tricky.

Pet Sitters International (PSI), the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters, has a membership of nearly 8,000, serves more than 1.5 million clients and delivers more than 17.4 million pet-sitting engagements per year.

A PSI member’s first-hand experience with pets enables them to advise pet owners which pet-care basics are absolute necessities.

“As the economy continues to make our lives more challenging we must make choices that can be painful,” said Robert Nager, PSI’s 2008 Pet Sitter of the Year and owner of Boston-based Decadent Dog. “As pet owners, let’s not forget that a pet should be included on a family's priority list.”

 

Nager believes that owning pets is a commitment that must be honored in every way possible and hopes that pet owners don’t forget this during tough economic times.

 

“As things get tight we all hear horrible stories about pets who areforgottenor neglected which is truly heartbreaking,” said Nager. “No matter what, please do whatever you can to take care of them, it's the right thing to do.”

Nager shares his top three money-saving pet tips:

Make sure your pets are healthy – Although regular veterinary checkups will incur expenses, maintaining regular preventative health maintenance for your pets will ultimately help avoid unexpected, and more costly, health issues down the road. There may be a tendency to cut back on vet checkups to save money; however, this may end up placing your pet at risk down the road for illnesses that are expensive.

 

Keep your pets in shape – If your dog or cat is not getting regular exercise and gaining weight, that pet is at risk for a large number of critical illnesses that will require intense and expensive veterinary care down the road. Take your dog out for regular walks and play actively with your pet every day. This will not only keep them mentally and physically stimulated, but will also help you bond and enjoy each other all the more.

Consider making pet treats at home – There are many recipes available, for free, on the Internet. This will allow you and your family to make healthy, cost-effective treats. You can vary the flavors, experiment with different shapes and even swap ideas with other local pet owners.