Pet care: Tips for managing the costs

As much as we love our pets, managing their care can get very expensive, very fast. Factor in the rising cost of living and it makes sense why so many Australians are looking for ways to reduce their pet expenses. From regular vet check-ups and vaccinations to grooming, food, toys and worming treatments, pet costs can quickly add up.

The good news is that with a few practical strategies you can give your pet the best life possible without breaking your bank. Here’s how to start managing the costs of pet care better.

Pet care cost management

The cost of pet care will obviously depend on your pet’s specific needs and the level of care they require for their healthcare. But according to PetSure, owning a pet can cost anywhere between $3,000 and $6,000 annually, and even more if unexpected health issues or other pet care costs arise.

Being prepared with a financial plan for pet care, including routine expenses and emergencies, is a must for your long-term pet ownership.

Strategies for saving on pet care costs

1. Grooming at home: Regular grooming is very important for your pet’s hygiene, but spending big on professional services can be expensive. Learning to groom your pet at home can save you hundreds of dollars (or more) every year. Invest in a good pair of grooming clippers, a brush and shampoo to keep your pet’s coat clean and healthy.
2. Bulk buying pet supplies: Buying pet food, treats and other supplies in bulk can save you money over the coming years. Some pet shops will give you a discount for bigger purchases, and you might even find better deals online. Make sure to store your pet food properly to make sure it lasts and doesn’t go to waste.
3. Preventative care: Keep up with your pet’s vaccinations, flea, tick and worming treatments, as well as dental care to stop any serious (and expensive) health problems down the track. Regular vet visits for check-ups can help spot any potential issues, like pet arthritis, early and manage them before they snowball into expensive emergencies.
4. Pet insurance: Having pet insurance may be an option to consider to offset the cost of unpredictable vet bills for your furry friend. It’s an unfortunate reality that the cost of vet treatments has risen in recent years.
5. Budget for emergencies: Just like people, pets can get sick or injured without warning. Having an emergency fund set aside for your pet can help take care of any unforeseen costs without you having to resort to credit cards or loans.
6. Pet sitting exchanges: Rather than paying for pet sitting or boarding, think about sharing pet-sitting duties with your friends or neighbours.

Other tips for affordable pet care

DIY pet toys

While investing in enrichment toys for your pet is a great option, try to limit spending to a few high quality items. Avoid buying cheap toys that break easily, and craft your own with some common household items. 

A tennis ball in an old sock or T-shirt can be turned into a tug-of-war game – a fun game to keep your puppy happy. And for your kitten – an empty paper towel roll can provide hours of entertainment. Keep in mind, when crafting pet toys, always prioritise your pet’s health and safety first and don’t use materials that may be toxic or dangerous to them.

DIY dog toy ideas

1. Fabric rope toy: Cut old clothes into strips and braid, knotting each end. Your four-legged friend will love playing tug-of-war with it, fetching it, or chewing it!
2. Cereal treat eater: If your dog is a serial treat eater, they’ll love this easy homemade toy! Fill an empty cereal box with treats and cutout holes so they can sniff and lick it all out. They may end up tearing the box to shreds so give this toy in an easily accessible area for your cleaning convenience.
3. Muffin tin boredom buster: Hide your dog’s favourite treats in random muffin holes and cover them all with tennis balls. Watch your pooch’s glee as they paw out the hidden gems.
4. Snuffle mat: Get a rubber mat with holes (also known as safety mats), an old fleece blanket (could be your dog’s old blankie), and a pair of scissors. Cut the blanket into thin strips and loop each strip through the mat, tying the ends together in a knot. Repeat until the entire mat is covered. Now hide a few treats in the mat and watch your doggy’s foraging instincts kick in.

DIY cat toy ideas

1. Feather fascinator: Tie feathers and ribbons to some string and attach it to the end of a stick. Dangle it in front of your cat and watch their curiosity take over as they leap and lunge to get a hold of this treasure.
2. Catnip yarn balls: Infuse a ball of yarn with catnip and see that it’s secure so it doesn’t come undone easily. Then watch your cat wrestle and bunny kick it around the house until they’re tuckered out.
3. Sock toys: Stuff old socks with crinkly paper or discarded wrapping paper to give it shape, texture and sound. Tie the hole-end up and throw it across the room to see your cat for zooming after it. For added incentive, spring some catnip inside the sock before you tie it up.
4. Cardboard cat castle: It’s no secret that cats love getting cosy in an empty box. Get creative and create a castle with tunnels and towers using old boxes. Be sure to keep it sturdy and don’t build anything too high that can be unstable and unsafe.

Pet health care

Whether you want to financially protect yourself – and your furry best friend – for life, or you need coverage for services like 24/7 vet appointments, pet insurance may be worth considering to manage the cost of your pet’s health. It can come in handy for unexpected vet bills and ongoing medical treatments for your pet. See whether Guardian Pet Insurance is suitable for your situation and get a quote online today.