Pet Project

It's heartbreaking to imagine being in the position of owners faced with relinquishing their pets purely for financial reasons.
In a time of widespread physical loss and hardship, the emotional strain of this added trauma is one experience I wish more people could be spared.
If you're feeling the crunch of this tough economy and are worried about your furred, feathered and finned family members, here are some tips to help you stay together:
• Book your pet's routine veterinary appointments well in advance and request an estimate of cost. This enables you to calculate associated expenses into your monthly operating budget and not be caught by surprise.
• Don't skimp on the basics. It may seem unnecessary at face value, but going for regular checkups is not only good for your pet's social skills, but will also lead to the early detection and treatment of minor health concerns while preventing them from snowballing into bigger issues (and higher expenses) later on.
• Stash some cash for unanticipated events. Talk with the staff of your closest emergency animal hospital to help you set a goal. Inquire as to their fee schedules for the most common services provided and begin saving a few dollars as you are able. Then, when Rover eats your rhubarb, you'll have a good foundation from which to help him get back on his four fuzzy feet!
• Consider pet health insurance, especially if you own a breed prone to genetic debilitations or if Casper thinks cars are fun to chase. Premiums are usually low and many policies cover both routine and emergency situations. Request a copy of the policy before you buy so that you can familiarize yourself with any restrictions and determine whether or not it is the right one for you.
• Cut coupons and research alternate points of purchase for the food and supplies your pet needs. There are many on-line sites which offer significant cost savings, especially on maintenance medications, flea/tick preventives and grooming products. Peruse the classifieds for deals on used equipment such as dog houses, clippers and training gear.
• While it may be tempting to opt for a cheaper brand of pet food, choose a quality brand if you can. Bargain priced kibble is full of fillers which provide no nutritional value and contribute to the waste your pet produces. The quantity of food recommended per serving is usually less with a quality food.
• Join "frequent buyer" clubs at your local pet or grocery store. Membership perks often result in a discount each purchase and may even build up to a free bag of food! Also buy as large a package as you can keep fresh. Price per pound generally gets lower with larger quantities. Ask the manager for an additional discount if you buy in bulk.
• Pet accessories, fancy leashes, and tricky toys can add up quickly. Make sure your animals are provided with the essentials and then cut out the extras. Being frugal doesn't mean you have to withhold the fun, however! Bake your own dog biscuits for a fraction of what manufactured ones cost, sew your own cat nip mice out of old linens, play fetch with a stick instead of an expensive bouncy ball. Time and attention are free-talk to your bird, wiggle string for your cat, take your dog for a walk.
• If you use a pet sitter or dog walker, consider sharing their services-and the bill-with a neighbor as a way to save money. See if it's feasible to handle pet care yourself during lunch breaks, perhaps alternating days with your neighbor to save gas driving home and back.
• Spay or neuter your pet so you don't accidentally wind up with more mouths to feed. There are organizations currently offering assistance with both cost and transportation; call your local humane society or shelter for more information.
Life with a companion animal is priceless. Plan now, don't pay later!