10 Ways To Save Money on Pet Expenses (Without Being a Bad Pet Parent)

The ASPCA estimates that the average annual cost of owning a pet can range from $27 to $1,040.31. And when you add in those unexpected costs — like an illness or injury — those numbers can really add up, and include other potential costs like making necessary dietary changes, purchasing new toys and flea medications, and treating their anxiety when needed.

But sacrificing the essentials won't help you save money. Instead, making smart choices about where you shop and routine medical care can help make a noticeable difference in your annual costs, all while keeping your furry family member happy and healthy.

Here are 10 ways you can ethically save money on pet expenses without sacrificing your pet's quality of life.

While going to the vet more often may seem like an added expense, finding out when something is wrong early can save money in the long run.

Veterinarians are educated to identify and understand small tells when pets are feeling ill or unwell, and having their expertise is helpful in keeping your little guy happy. Frequent vet visits can also help you avoid any unnecessary, long-term health issues by keeping them on top of routine vaccinations.

Similar to more frequent vet visits, splurging on better food can help keep costs down in the long run by keeping your pet healthy from within. Health concerns like allergies, diabetes, and certain skin conditions can be prevented with better food options.

A good way to help cut costs when opting for high-end pet food involves shopping sales, buying in bulk, and clipping coupons.

An unexpected pet pregnancy can truly cost an owner more money in the long run, what with the additional vet visits, dietary restrictions, health concerns, and a new multitude of babies to care for. Not to mention the fact that these unexpected pregnancies can also contribute to the growing number of unwanted pets in shelters.

Of course, there's a monetary benefit to having your pet spayed or neutered as well. The Humane Society of the United States says that the procedure can also save you money by keeping your pet healthy long-term, since expenses for the care of reproductive cancers or pyometra can cost thousands of dollars.

It can be difficult to track exactly what your pet toys are made out of. So, while making toys on your own can also save you money, it is also in the best interest of your fur friends so that you can monitor what, exactly, ends up on their paws and claws or in their mouths.

Pet-friendly materials that are safe to create entertaining toys include bamboo wood, natural rubber, and organic cotton. Look through old laundry for pet-safe fabrics to make toys they love that smell like their humans.

While spending a day at the pet spa can be a lot more comfortable for both the pet and its parent, one of the easiest ways to save money is by caring for your pet at home. Putting in the time to keep up with nail clippings, bathe them, and brush their coats can be a great bonding experience.

Plus, it can teach you both patience and care.

Just like most preventative care, brushing your pet's teeth every once in a while can help to prevent dental issues and help promote overall health. While it is optimal to do so daily, brushing your cat's or dog's teeth three times a week will help prevent tartar buildup and prevent disease.

Just like human health insurance, pet insurance policies can help offset the costs should the worst happen. Many people have had good luck purchasing these policies to cover major expenses.

While there is a monthly premium, some policies can cost as little as $20 per month.

And, just like human health insurance, it's important to shop around. Pay attention to any fine print that may prevent your pet from having common issues with their breed excluded from insured care.

While there are many home remedies and pet brands out there, it is incredibly important to purchase any medication from a reputable, certified establishment. Fortunately, there are several online retailers that specialize in pet care.

Pet parents can look to PetCareTx, Chewy, 1800petmeds, and Discount Pet Medicines when pricing out their fur friend's medical necessities.

Pets thrive when they have tasty, nutritious food to chow down on. Supplementing wet food into a dog or cat's diet will help keep them hydrated, so making sure it is portioned and stored correctly is paramount.

The same is true for dry food days. Make sure to get an airtight container so that the food stays fresh as long as possible, especially if you are buying in bulk on a budget.

Just as you can cut costs on your pet's fancy lifestyle by making them homemade toys, you can take your DIY skills to the kitchen and easily make cost-effective treats for your fur babies.

The best part about making edibles is that you can use a variety of organic products already in your kitchen. Salmon, organic flour, peanut butter, oats, eggs, and brown rice are all acceptable to add to your pet's diet and easy to craft tasty treats with.

It can be difficult to get ahead financially, especially when you have fur friends depending on you for a certain lifestyle that they have most likely become accustomed to. But our animal babies reduce our stress, so we probably owe it to them.