Rising Pet Costs: How to Save While Caring for Your Furry Friends
Pet ownership grows. Owners now face higher costs. On National Pet Day, Rover, an online marketplace, reports that pet spending will rise in 2025. Dog owners may see costs rise by 7%. Cat owners might face a 10% increase. These expenses cover food, toys, and veterinary care.
Strategies for Saving on Pet Care
Cut Costs on Pet Food
Food costs rank high for many owners. Jaron Byrum, who runs Wagz and Pawz Pet Supplies, shares clear advice. He tells pet owners to buy all supplies at one store. He adds to use loyalty programs. He explains, "Every $100 spent in our store, you get $10 off your next purchase."
Byrum cautions against the cheapest food brands. Many low-cost foods carry fillers. Fillers offer little nutrition and may leave pets hungry after meals. He insists that poor food choices can hurt your pet in the long run.
Buying in bulk also makes sense. Bigger packages usually cost less per ounce than smaller ones. This method helps owners who watch their budgets.
Managing Veterinary Expenses
Rover predicts that veterinary fees will rise by 11% this year. Many pet owners have not been ready. Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, Rover’s veterinary advisor, urges early care. She warns, "If you bring your pet in too late, you may need blood work, x-rays, or even hospitalization."
Investing in routine shots saves money later. Dr. Greenstein notes that prevention costs far less than treatment. For example, a leptospirosis vaccine may cost less than $50 each year.
Pet insurance is another option. It breaks down large expenses into manageable monthly fees. Dr. Greenstein supports this plan.
Other Tips for Affordable Pet Supplies
Byrum and Dr. Greenstein note that tariffs may raise prices on some pet supplies. Tariffs could affect goods for large animals or farms. Dr. Greenstein warns, "Large animal veterinarians and farmers will face a big deal."
To lower prices, Byrum suggests buying local products when you can. His shop gets treats from small farms in Indiana and California. This approach avoids extra tariff costs.
For durable items like pet clothing or leashes, spending on higher quality saves money. Warranties on good items can keep replacement costs low. Cheap materials tend to wear out quickly and force more spending.
The Good News and Looking Ahead
There is some good news. Rover’s report shows that while pet care costs are up, adoption fees have dropped compared to 2024. This change comes as fewer people adopt pets.
Dr. Greenstein makes clear that financial pressure grows for many pet owners. Yet, careful spending and emergency planning help. With these steps, you can care for your pet without overspending.
For more consumer insights and money-saving tips, visit www.dontwasteyourmoney.com.
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