Tips to start pet ownership on a budget.
Tips to start pet ownership on a budget PaydayOH
Adopt a pet
Animal Shelters have many pets who were rescued and have no home. They are extremely loveable, and adapting them can save a life. Just imagine the joy of holding an animal that has been craving for a family for so long. But one thing to keep in mind here is only to get a pet if the shelter provides you with a guarantee of taking the pet back if you can’t afford it. I know it sounds harsh and cruel, but if money is an issue, it is always essential to keep yourself ready for the worst. Every pet deserves a great life, so asking for a guarantee won’t hurt.
Feeding your pet
A big chunk of your budget will go into food for your new pet. But you will be surprised at how much you can save on feeding if you follow some simple tips. First, do not feed your pet with store-bought foods. I cannot emphasize the importance of this step. Canned or packaged food is not healthy and will cost you significantly more in the long run. I know it is convenient to buy a can of cat food and it is pleasing to see your little friend munching on it, but it will prove to be a very costly mistake. Instead, teach your pet to eat homemade food. If you have a dog, teach him to eat things readily available in your home. It will be a bit difficult for a cat, but you can give him boiled chicken or fish. Pets are notorious for habits. Once they form a habit, it is hard to get them out of it, so from the very beginning, teach them to eat homemade foods.
Learn to groom your pet
Learning to do essential grooming can save you up to $150 per year. This is not difficult to master, and after the first few tries, your pet will get used to it. But pets are sensitive, so we recommend you check on some online tutorials and videos before you groom them. Please take special note on cutting their nails. Cats have nerve endings in their claws, so they do feel pain if you cut too deep. You can still cut the tip as it has no blood flow, so make sure to watch a video before you trim your little friend’s nails.
Also, avoid fancy shampoos that are advertised to make your pet’s fur silky and smooth. I will not go if they provide the same quality they claim in the ads, but I will say it’s not worth it to spend $70 for that.
Only buy the essentials.
Most pet owners treat their pets like their babies. So they spoil them with so many things their pet will most likely never touch. Here are some essential things you should get when bringing your pet home.
An appropriate sized collar
Having a collar is essential. It contains helpful information about your pet, and most importantly, not wearing a collar during the early stages makes pets very reluctant to wear a collar at a later age. So we recommend picking a cheap collar to get used to it.
A crate for sleeping
Again, we encourage defining a separate area for your pet to sleep. This is particularly effective for dogs as they prefer having a space of their own, and they can take quite some space, so it will be a good idea to pick a crate for them.
Bowls to feed upon
An essential accessory having a bowl for your pet will make sure their mean times are less messy.
Sturdy leash
It is essential to be active, and a strong leash will make sure you can take your friend for a walk without them running an HVAC.
Grooming accessories
As mentioned before, you may want to pick a grooming kit to cut your expenses overall.
Potty tray
As the name explains, it is important to invest in a potty tray. You can pick one with a scoop included for under $15. But if you have the budget, you may want to pick an electric auto cleaning tray. It automatically cleans the tray, so you don’t have to smell any business. It starts at around $150, but we think it is an investment worth the smell.
Toys
On average, a pet owner in the states spends $107 on toys and treats. Toys are essential for pets’ mental stimulation and happiness. However, your pets won’t notice if you purchase all the toys in the store. It’s not a good idea to spend too much on toys when your new friend quickly loses interest in them. In a similar vein, you should avoid purchasing clothing for your pets unless it is necessary due to extreme weather conditions. Your pet was born with all the clothes it needs, and they don’t care about fashion. Moreover, it can cause problems if you force them to wear clothes.
To sum up
Owning a pet can be a significant financial decision, but you can control the cost of pet ownership if you plan and include family pets in your budget. This is vital as shelters and rescue organizations are reporting lower adoption rates in years, thanks to covid and people finding it difficult to adapt. This makes it the best time to help a poor soul, as life in an animal shelter can be challenging. We know if we take a bit of investment upfront but not much after that. So, to help you, we suggest taking a quick payday loan. These loans offered by PaydayOH are easy to get approved for, require no credit check, and can be a fast and convenient way to get some cash so that you have no problem covering the initial cost. Let money not become an issue as every life deserves love and a place to call home.
