Over six out of 10 American households own a pet, according to the American Pet Products Association (APPA). And pet costs consume a significant portion of many people’s budgets. U.S. households spend on average $770 a year on pets, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the APPA estimates the pet industry contributed $217 billion in annual GDP in the U.S.
Multiply the monthly cost by the typical lifespan of your pet, and you’re talking serious money. However, many people “underestimate the lifetime cost of owning a pet,” said Brandi Hunter Munden, a spokeswoman for the American Kennel Club. “From emergency vet visits to food to doggy bags, these costs add up.”
The good news is there are smart ways to trim your pet’s expenses. These tips will help you keep your pet healthy and happy for less.
Save on pet food and treats
Of spending on dogs, 28% is for food, per the APPA, and for cats, it’s up to 31% of spending. Food obviously is a major cost for pet owners — and not exactly something you can skip out on.
But there are ways to keep costs at least a little lower:
Buy food in bulk. Purchasing pet food in large quantities can help cut food costs. The important thing when buying in bulk, though, is to keep the food fresh, says Munden. That means storing pet food in sealed containers and in room-temperature spaces or keeping it refrigerated, depending on the type of food.
Get a food subscription. “Major marketplaces like Amazon and Chewy will offer around 5% off if you subscribe to receive the food on a regular basis,” said Daniel Caughill, co-founder of The Dog Tale, an online resource for dog owners. Of course, not all pets — even animals of the same breed — eat the same amount of food, but “you can typically pause, skip or cancel [subscription] shipments at any time,” Caughill says.
Join pet store loyalty clubs. You can earn points for purchases at major pet retailers, including PetSmart, Petco and Pet Supplies Plus, by signing up for their free loyalty memberships. Points can be redeemed for store credit. Some stores also offer their members exclusive sales, coupons and other perks.
Consider generic brands. When it comes to pet food, generic doesn’t necessarily mean lower quality, said Jenna Stregowski, pet health and behavior editor at Daily Paws, a lifestyle and advice website for pet owners. Some generic brands contain the same high-quality ingredients as pricier name-brand products, Stregowski said. But before buying any food, run the product by your veterinarian to ensure your pet will be receiving the right nutrients.
Make your own treats. Treats can be expensive. “They also tend to be loaded with unhealthy fillers and preservatives,” Caughill said. Instead of buying treats, create your own. You can keep things simple: “Single-ingredient treats like sweet potato bites are both cheap and healthy,” said Caughill. “You just cut up a couple into cubes and bake them for 2½ hours at 250 degrees.” Or you can make more elaborate treats by using other pet-friendly ingredients, such as peanut butter (buy one that’s free of artificial sweeteners, like xylitol), bacon, cheese, pureed pumpkin and carrots. You’ll find no shortage of recipes online.
Save on pet toys, beds and bowls
Cat owners and dog owners spend on average 39% of spending and 28% of spending, respectively, on products, the APPA reports.
Shop at discount retailers. Stregowski said Marshalls, HomeGoods and dollar stores often sell pet bowls, beds, toys and other supplies at a fraction of the price of major retailers.
Make your own toys and beds. Have an old T-shirt and a pair of socks you’re willing to part with? Knot them together to create a tug-of-war rope for your dog, Caughill suggested. “It’s free, and your pet will love that they finally get to play with your socks,” he says. Another DIY project: Build a dog bed by repurposing a suitcase, wine crate or picnic basket, lining the makeshift crate with padding or pillows.
Buy the most durable toys. No dog toy is indestructible. That said, there are brands that manufacture relatively long-lasting toys, such as KONG. Both Caughill and Stregowski like the Super Chewer toy line from BarkBox, a dog toy and treat subscription service that starts at $22 a month.
