Pet Money Saving Tips
Times are tough for many of us, in many ways. and here at Pittville Pets we love to help!
So here are some of our top tips for keeping the costs of pet ownership low, whilst providing a great life for your own pet, as well as others.
1) Food
Quality before quantity? You often need to feed your pet more of a cheaper food, so it makes sense to look at the feeding guidelines, and divide the cost of the pack by the amount of meals it will provide. It is also worth looking carefully at how much your individual pet needs to eat, as guidelines on packs are only rough, and it will vary according to activity levels. If your dog is still hungry after dinner, but your vet says they need to lose weight, you can add vegetables to help them feel fuller. Be More Bob have created a great list of what foods are safe to add to your dog's diet.
If you can afford to buy in bulk, it often makes financial sense. Price per kg tends to be cheaper that way.
Approved Food “specialise in surplus and short-dated stock, food that is either near or just passed its 'best before' date – allowing us to pass on huge savings to our customers.” This includes pet food, although they will not always have the brand you want!
If you don’t have the space or finances to buy in bulk, why not join our Bulk Buying Club? We are currently signing up new members, and taking requests for cat and dog food. We will order the food for you, and have it delivered to your door. Then you can share the savings from buying in bulk, whilst buying smaller quantities.
Where possible, we will order from companies who support animal charities, and donate any leftover stock to a local shelter.
2) Vets Bills
Prevention is better (and cheaper) than a cure. Keep on top of things like flea and worming treatments, weight management, grooming, and checking for grass seeds, ticks etc. (If you need help with exercising your pet, or with getting them to a groomer, please contact us through the link at the bottom of the page.)
Some over the counter treatments are not as effective, and pets are more likely to have a bad reaction to them, so we would always recommend getting them from a vet if possible.
If you do find you need to take your pet to the V.E.T. and you are on certain benefits, the PDSA run a membership scheme, currently £4.50 per month, which gives you a free check up, and discounts on treatments. It also gives you a discount on their pet insurance. In Cheltenham, this scheme is only available at Casvet.
People on certain benefits can contact RSPCA Cheltenham and East Gloucestershire for a neutering voucher. You may also be able to get help with neutering cats from Cats Protection.
3) Toys and Accessories
Buy toys to last, make toys to be destroyed!
Have you ever bought a dog toy, only to have the stuffing ripped out and scattered all over the floor within hours, if not minutes? Dougal is a serial toy killer, and will go for the squeaker every time, so I feel your pain!
Or have you ever bought a cat toy or scratching post, only for them to prefer the box it came in?
This is why we recommend buying a few good quality toys, and creating your own games out of cardboard boxes, old t-shirts, and toilet roll tubes.
There are loads of ideas out there, here are just a few: for Cats; for Dogs.
I hope you find these tips useful!
Please get in touch if you need help with pet care, as we offer subsidised services for anyone with health or mobility issues.