If you have been following the media lately, you probably have hear that rising energy, health care and fuel costs paired with the current housing slum has caused a rise in the number of people being confronted with the possibility of giving up their beloved four-legged family members.
Some rescue groups and humane societies are starting to feel the weight of the suffering economy. According to a recent article in the San Diego Union-Tribune, rising costs are beginning to have an effect on some owners' ability to keep a pet and for other pet owners to surrender their pets to shelters. The Humane Society of Hobart is up about 200 animals compared to the last year, and has taken in more than 2,000 animals since the beginning of the year.
Your will be relieved to know there are several simple, proactive measures to help you keep your money and your pet. The most important thing people can do when confronted with these financial pressures is to plan ahead. Now is the perfect time to make a list of all your pet's needs and budget in advance to avoid unnecessary, unexpected costs that may occur later on down the road.
- Make a checklist for your pets medical needs: make a list of your pet's medical conditions and needs including shots and other recurring medical expenses and seek advice from your local animal shelters for recommendations or research online for the most cost effective solution.
- Buy in bulk: Purchase your pets recurring products such as litter or food in bulk to avoid unnecessary trips to the grocery store- it will save gas and money.
- Keep your pet hydrated: During the summer, many visits to the vet are dehydration related. This veterinary cost can be minimized by continuously keeping your dog hydrated.
- A walk a day keeps the doctor away: Go for a weekly evening stroll with your dog or spend time outside with your pet. Keeping your pet healthy will reduce vet visits in the long run.
- Confirm vaccination cycles: Not all shots are necessary every year. Talk to your vet to see if a two or three-year cycle is appropriate.
Although pet expenses may seem overbearing, the love and companionship pets offer is a return on investment that will make most any cost seem minimal.
Thank you for your response Mariya. Dog training is really not my area of expertise, however, I urge you to visit www.petconnection.com for expert advice. Dr. Marty Becker and Gina Spadafori provide great information that will help guide your training techniques.
Posted by: Bob Vetere | July 2008 at 04:53 PM
I read the Money Saving Tips for Pet Owners which has posted by you... It is very nice... Thank you for the information...
Posted by: Mariya | July 2008 at 02:58 AM
I read the post, "Money Saving Tips for Pet Owners". Is there any tips to train a dog....? If so please let me know the website...
Posted by: Mariya | July 2008 at 09:24 PM