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Pet Pros Offer Cost-Saving Advice

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By KRISTEN LEVINE Tribune correspondent

The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 12, 2008

You can't put a price on unconditional love and companionship, but you can save money on pet care without compromising their health and lifestyle.

In a recent PetCetera column, I shared some pet cost statistics compiled by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The average American dog owner spends about $1,500 on annual pet care, and cat owners close to $1,000.

Surely, you're getting a good return on your investment in terms of the love and friendship pets bring to your life, but we can all use some cost saving ideas these days to lessen the bite out of our budget.

I spoke to several Bay area pet professionals about their smart spending and saving tips for pet owners.

Get A Leg Up On Caring

Maintaining your best friend's health is the single most important measure you can take to minimize unexpected spending. So don't skip that check-up for your pets simply because they don't appear to have a problem.

"Preventative care and early diagnostic testing give us an opportunity to identify diseases before they become significant," explains veterinarian Angie Paben, medical director at Cypress Creek Animal Hospital in Lutz. "Routine wellness exams are the key to saving money and maintaining your pet's quality of life."

These routine physical exams should take place once or twice a year, depending on the age or condition of your pet. A comprehensive visit should include a nose-to-tail physical exam, along with an assessment of your pet's ears, eyes, teeth, heart, lungs, abdomen and joints.

Younger pets should receive vaccines or boosters to build immunity, while pets 6 years and older can forgo certain vaccinations in place of important blood work, urine and stool evaluation to identify early signs of liver, kidney or intestinal parasite diseases.
Dogs and cats should also be tested for heartworm disease annually, and because of Florida's climate, both species should be on year-round heartworm prevention.

Pet owners should ask their veterinarians about what vaccinations are necessary for their pet and at what frequency.

Rabies vaccines are very important to keep current, and Bordatella (kennel cough vaccine) may be required every six months if you board your pet frequently when you are away.

Keep in mind, many veterinarians offer cost-effective wellness and senior preventative programs that can help reduce future costs of illness and promote a healthier pet.

Scheduling visits to the vet or groomer for all your pets at the same time will save gas, time and usually money on the office fee, says Chuck Schobert, training and technical advisor for Invisible Fence.

Schobert suggests you ask your pet service provider if they offer multiple pet discounts or senior or student discounts. They surely will appreciate your business during these tough economic times, so they may be willing to treat you to a discount for multiple services.

Save On Food

What's good for humans is good for pets, too. A healthy diet, proper portions and daily activity all contribute to your pets' well-being, and the good news is that exercise is free.

Schobert suggests you buy food in bulk quantities, choosing the largest bags of food or litter and buying canned food in cases to get discounts per case.

"Offer to split your dry food purchases with a pet-owning relative or friend," he says.

Keep in mind, the quality of pet food can offer cost benefits, too. "Veterinary or premium pet diets contain a higher grade of ingredients," says Paben. "That means you can feed pets less quantity because it contains more useable energy. Cheaper diets contain more bulk and less usable energy for your pet."

If you've been thinking about bringing a new pet into your family, adopt one! Shelters and rescues are full of healthy adoptable pets these days.

Adoption fees at local animal shelters and rescue agencies range from $25 to $150 and generally include vaccinations (including rabies), spaying or neutering, and a microchip for identification. Due to a recent influx of pets rescued from hurricane-ravaged Texas, and pet relinquishment due to foreclosures, the SPCA Tampa Bay is offering a reduced fee for all adult cats - just $12.50.

Keep in mind, the amount of money you spend obtaining a pet has nothing to do with the value of the companionship you'll get in return.

Designer collars, fancy footwear and gourmet pet treats may be enticing, but does your pet really need them? Why not make do with items or ingredients you already have at home?

Make your own tug-and-toss toy with an old sock and a tennis ball. Put the ball inside, and tie a knot securely with the length of the sock. Your dog will love it as much as those pricey pet toys you purchase.

Cats enjoy few things more than a brown paper bag from the grocery store. Poke a hole in the bottom, lay the bag in its side, and your cat will entertain himself for days on end (or until the bag is destroyed).

As for treats, here is an inexpensive hot dog treat recipe you can use to train or treat your pooch, courtesy of Donna Bainter, behavior counselor at the SPCA Tampa Bay.

Start with chicken hotdogs. They have high water content and cook up crispier with less grease than the beef hotdogs. Cut them into small slices, place them on a paper or microwave-safe plate, cover and microwave on high until they are crispy - about 1 1/2 minutes. The treats will stay fresh in the refrigerator for a week or more in an airtight container.

Although we all love to lavish our pets with the best things money can buy, it's more important to budget for their essential needs. Spend time, not money, on your pet. Giving them time and attention provides exercise, socialization and bonding that meets every companion animal's needs - and won't cost a dime.

Write to pet-lifestyle expert Kristen Levine at Fetching Communications, P.O. Box 222, Tarpon Springs, FL 34688; e-mail kristen@fetchingcommunications.com.

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