Every pet owner adores their furry, feathered, or scaly friends. It doesn’t take long for them to become cherished members of the household. Nonetheless, pets do cost money, and even if you have budgeted for them, there might be unforeseen circumstances that make you a little short in the financial department. If you find yourself in a situation where you have to tighten the purse strings a little, here are some top tips on how you can save money as a pet owner.

Swap Insurance Providers

Just like you can find better rates for your car or home insurance, this is also possible when it comes to your pet insurance. Even though you don’t have to get pet insurance, it is wise to do this in case there is an emergency, and you need help to cover expensive vet bills, or your pet needs ongoing treatment. If you need to save some money, start searching for new pet insurance providers and see if they can get you better rates for the same cover.

Consider Switching Vets

Vet bills can be one of the most expensive parts of owning a pet, but there is no way you can’t have your pet registered with one if you want to be a responsible pet owner. Just like your insurance provider, vet clinics can vary in price when it comes to what they charge for treatments. Some clinics will also offer healthcare plans to help make the costs of treatment more manageable, which is something worth looking into. Ask your fellow pet owners what the prices are like at clinics they go to and see if you can find one near you that is more affordable. The Easy Vet Clinic is a good example of a quality clinic that is of great value for pet owners if you want an idea of what to look out for.

Homemade Food

There are cheaper pet food brands that are still very nutritious that you can switch to, or you could look at making your pet’s food yourself at home. This might be cheaper for you in the long-term, particularly if some of the ingredients you use can also be used in meals for you.  While this method might not be cheaper than dry foods, it can be a lot cheaper than buying commercial wet foods for your pet. Look at these homemade dog food recipes for some idea of what you can make at home. Your pet might take some time to adjust to their new food, but it’s worth trying if you need to start saving.

Homemade Toys

Another way to pinch the pennies as a pet owner is by getting creative and making some DIY pet toys. Cats and dogs, in particular, can go through their toys very quickly, so you might be surprised at how much money you spend each year on these accessories. Instead, invest in some crafting kits that can help you make new toys for them to chase and play with. You could even make their beds and climbing post by hand, too.

If you’re a pet owner who has found themselves in a position where they need to cut back on spending, consider the tips above so that your pet is still getting everything they need, but you’re not worrying about your finances.