7 Ways to Save on Pet Costs
Large dogs run up the biggest upfront tab, but beware the high annual cost of rabbits and guinea pigs.
1. Compare prices for flea-and-tick preventative and heartworm medications from the vet and from discount sites, such as www.1800petmeds.com.
DOWNLOAD: The Kip Tips iPad App
2. Shop around for prescribed meds at pharmacies, big-box retailers and warehouse stores. Costco doesn’t require a membership to fill prescriptions, though you will pay a slightly higher price than members do.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
3. Have a technician administer vaccines to save on office visits.
4. Contact your local shelter to ask about free or low-cost spaying and neutering services.
5. Buy food in bulk from a warehouse store.
6. Ask your pet store about manufacturer savings. Some offer frequent-buyer programs.
7. Check out daily-deal sites geared to pets, such as BarkingDeals.com and Coupaw.com, for toys, treats, supplies and more.
Join over half a million readers using Kiplinger's insights to make smart financial decisions. Profit and prosper with our expert guidance on investing, taxes and retirement, and more. Delivered daily.