Our animal companions are invaluable. Of everything we own, they provide the most joy and comfort.
Still, caring for pets is getting pricier. A recent survey by the pet-sitting and dog-walking app Rover highlights how costly pet ownership has become in 2023.
Pet parents have definitely felt the pinch over the past year. In a survey of 1,500 U.S. “pet parents,” annual pet-care expenses ranged from $610 to $3,555 for dogs and $325 to $1,600 for cats, covering food, supplies, medications and veterinary services.
That adds up to a whole lot of treats.
Pet food prices, in particular, have climbed sharply. Americans spent 15% more on pet food in February 2023 compared with a year earlier, according to the consumer price index — a jump even larger than grocery inflation.
Even so, pets tend to offer the best return on our spending. Rover’s survey found that 82% of owners say their pets bring more happiness than anything else they buy.
20 Ways to Cut Costs on Pet Care
Yes, pets can be expensive. But with a bit of creativity you can trim expenses without shortchanging your furry family members.
1. Adopt Rather Than Buy
Purchasing a dog from a breeder can cost several times more than adopting from a shelter. Adoption fees often include vaccinations and health screenings, while breeders may leave you responsible for initial care.
Almost a million shelter animals are euthanized annually in the U.S. Adopting from a rescue can save you hundreds of dollars and give an animal a second chance.
2. Enroll in Pet Store Rewards Programs
The biggest pet supply chains in the U.S. are PetSmart and Petco, far ahead of the competition.
If you shop at PetSmart, sign up for the Treats rewards program to earn points per dollar spent that can be redeemed for discounts on products and services. You’ll also get free shipping on orders over $49.
Petco consolidated its Petco Pals rewards into the Vital Care wellness program in early 2023, which offers discounts and perks. Heavy Petco shoppers can upgrade to a $19.99/month Vital Care membership for 10% off dog food, 20% off grooming and $15 in monthly rewards.
3. Watch for Pet Food Promotions
Pet food goes on sale regularly — stock up when prices drop.
Check weekly circulars from pet retailers online, and link your email to loyalty accounts to receive sale alerts.
4. Purchase Pet Medications Online
Many pet medicines are less expensive when bought online.
Some places to fill prescriptions include:
5. Skip Buying Supplies at the Vet
Items like toothbrushes and flea treatments are often marked up at veterinary offices.
For non-prescription supplies and treatments, you’ll usually save more by shopping at pet retailers.
6. Join a Local Buy Nothing Community
Joining a neighborhood Buy Nothing group often yields free pet gear that others no longer need.
These groups exist on Facebook, Nextdoor and other platforms, letting neighbors give away items at no cost.
You might luck into a spare carrier or an extra crate someone is happy to pass along.
7. Spay or Neuter Your Pets
There’s an upfront cost to spaying or neutering, but it can prevent expensive long-term issues.
Unfixed pets can develop behavioral problems — such as cats spraying furniture or unneutered dogs becoming aggressive — that lead to costly repairs or legal issues. And there’s the expense of unexpected litters to consider.
8. Use Discounted Gift Cards
Discounted gift cards are available on several resale sites and can save you money at major pet retailers.
Sites like Gift Card Bin and Raise often carry reduced-price PetSmart and Petco cards.
9. Combine Discounts for Bigger Savings on Food
To dramatically lower pet food costs, stack deals.
For example, buy your preferred brand at Petco with a manufacturer coupon during a sale, then pay with a cash-back credit card or use discounted gift cards to increase savings.
10. Store Pet Food Correctly
Pets sometimes refuse food that’s gone stale, forcing you to toss it.
To avoid waste, check expiration dates, serve appropriate portions and store food in airtight containers to keep it fresh.
11. Research Vets Before You Need One
It’s tough to comparison-shop in an emergency. Find an affordable, reputable vet in advance.
Sites such as VetRatingz.com can help you steer clear of poor providers. Call several clinics to ask prices for routine exams, vaccinations, dental cleanings and other common procedures so you have a baseline for comparison.
12. Keep Your Pets Active
Pets benefit from regular exercise, just like people. Exercise helps prevent obesity and associated health issues, which in turn reduces vet bills.
See resources on how activity supports animal health, such as this guide to exercising with your dog.
13. Build Pet Furniture Yourself
If you’re handy, making pet furniture is often cheaper than buying commercial pieces.
DIY ideas include:
14. Make Homemade Pet Toys
Often the simplest playthings delight pets more than expensive store-bought toys — a ball of yarn can amuse a cat for hours.
Avoid wasting money on toys that go unused by crafting inexpensive alternatives.
15. Feed Safe Human Foods
Some human foods, like baked carrots, steamed broccoli and hard-boiled eggs, are safe for pets and can cost less than premium pet food.
Consult reliable sources — for example, WebMD’s list of people foods your dog can eat — and be sure homemade options actually save money compared with your regular pet food.
16. Groom Your Pets at Home
Professional grooming can range from $20 to $100 depending on animal size, but basic bathing, brushing and nail trims can be done at home for much less.
Buying a few tools and pet shampoo will save money over multiple grooming appointments and can enhance bonding time.
17. Find Lower-Cost Pet Sitters
Pet-sitting rates vary widely, from around $15 for a quick visit to $100 or more for overnight care.
Consider swapping pet-sitting with friends, hiring a trusted but less experienced sitter for a lower fee, or trading favors to cut costs.
18. Train Your Pet Yourself
Classes like basic puppy training at PetSmart cost around $139, but many owners can teach basic commands at home using books and online tutorials.
There are abundant free resources that teach you how to train dogs and even how to curb unwanted behaviors in cats.
19. Pet-Proof Your Home
Pets can damage cords, furniture and shoes. Pet-proofing reduces damage and the need for costly repairs or vet trips.
The American Humane Association offers tips for pet-proofing your home to protect both your belongings and your animals.
20. Consider Pet Insurance Carefully
Pet insurance can protect against large, unexpected veterinary bills, but for many relatively healthy pets, regular medical costs may not justify the premiums.
Consumer Reports has found pet insurance can be expensive for pets without chronic conditions, and many owners might be better off saving for emergencies.
However, if you don’t save regularly, an insurance plan might be worth the monthly cost to avoid catastrophic bills. Like other forms of insurance, you’re paying for protection rather than an investment that typically returns money.
For instance, a pet owner who adopted a retired racing greyhound with several medical needs found that a $35-per-month policy from the ASPCA significantly reduced out-of-pocket expenses.
Keep in mind insurance premiums are usually lower for younger pets and increase as animals age.
If you’re considering coverage, research and compare providers to find the best fit for your needs.
Alex Carter is a senior writer at Savinly, and contributions were added by Steve Gillman and reporting by Robert Bruce.
