Budget-Friendly Pet Wellness: 5 Ways To Keep Your Pet Healthy During Inflation

Inflation has had a significant impact on pet care costs, from rising prices for food and supplies to increased veterinary service fees. For pet owners, maintaining their furry friends' health while managing a tight budget can be challenging. Fortunately, there are practical strategies to ensure your pet stays healthy without breaking the bank. Below are five budget-friendly tips to help you navigate pet wellness during inflation.

1. Optimize Nutrition with Cost Effective Options

Nutrition is the cornerstone of pet health, but premium pet food prices have surged due to inflation. Here’s how you can manage costs without compromising quality:

Buy in Bulk: Purchasing larger quantities of shelf-stable items like kibble or litter can reduce costs by 20–30% per unit. Just ensure you have adequate storage space and check expiration dates to avoid waste1.
Homemade treats: Making treats at home using simple ingredients like carrots, pumpkin, or lean meats can save money and provide healthier options for your pet. Freeze surplus batches for long-term use24.

2. Prioritize Preventative Care

Preventive care is an essential yet often overlooked way to save money in the long run. Regular checkups and maintenance can help avoid costly emergency treatments.

Routine Vet Visits: Staying up-to-date on vaccinations, parasite prevention, and annual wellness exams allows veterinarians to catch potential health issues early, saving you from expensive treatments later8.

Dental Hygiene at Home: Professional dental cleanings can cost between $150 and $400. Instead, brush your pet’s teeth at least twice a week using pet-safe toothpaste and dental chews2.
Explore Wellness Plans: Many veterinary clinics offer affordable wellness plans starting as low as $10 per month, covering routine care like vaccinations and checkups18.

3. DIY Enrichment Activities

Keeping your pet mentally stimulated doesn’t have to involve expensive toys or services. DIY enrichment activities are both fun and budget-friendly:

Homemade Toys: Create toys using household items like old T-shirts or cardboard boxes. DIY projects can be more engaging for pets than store-bought alternatives4.

Interactive Playtime: Spend time playing fetch, hide-and-seek, or training your pet with new tricks. These activities not only strengthen your bond but also keep your pet active without additional costs.
Walk your Dog Yourself: If you’ve been relying on dog walkers, consider taking over this task yourself to save money while ensuring your dog gets enough exercise8.

4. Shop Smart for Supplies

Inflation has driven up the cost of supplies like collars, leashes, and beds, but strategic shopping can help reduce expenses:

Look for Sales and Discounts: Combine loyalty programs with coupons and seasonal sales to maximize savings on essentials like food and toys1. Sign up for newsletters or use price-tracking apps for exclusive deals. At Sam's Cats and Dogs, we proudly use the ASTRO loyalty program, which tracks purchases of many of our products. As you accumulate points, you'll eventually be eligible to receive a free product as a reward for your loyalty. Additionally, when you provide your email address at checkout, you'll not only receive exclusive monthly sale prices, but you'll also be automatically enrolled in our monthly email newsletter. This newsletter highlights all the current month's sales and promotions. If you'd like to join our email list without making a purchase, simply ask one of our friendly in-store associates for assistance!

Second Hand Options: Check local thrift stores or online marketplaces for gently used pet supplies such as crates or beds.

5. Consider Pet Insurance

While it may seem counterintuitive to add an expense during inflation, pet insurance can save you significant money in emergencies:

Choose Affordable Plans: Look for plans that cover routine care like vaccinations and wellness checkups at lower monthly rates8. Research providers thoroughly to ensure you’re getting good value.

Emergency Preparedness: Having insurance provides peace of mind in case of unexpected illnesses or injuries that could otherwise result in hefty vet bills6.

Additional Tips for Managing Costs

If you’re still feeling the pinch despite implementing these strategies, here are a few more ideas:

Tap into Community Resources: Local shelters and rescue organizations often offer free or discounted food and veterinary services for those in need4.

Organize Community Networks: Share responsibilities like pet sitting or transportation with neighbors to save on boarding fees or mobile vet services1.
Monitor Portion Sizes: Overfeeding not only leads to obesity but also increases food costs unnecessarily. Use measuring cups to ensure proper portion control5.

Conclusion

Inflation may be driving up the cost of pet care, but with thoughtful planning and resourceful strategies, you can maintain your pet’s health without overspending. By optimizing nutrition, prioritizing preventive care, engaging in DIY enrichment activities, shopping smartly for supplies, and considering affordable insurance plans, you’ll be able to provide quality care while staying within budget.

Small adjustments applied consistently can lead to substantial savings over time—and most importantly—ensure your beloved companion remains happy and healthy through challenging economic times.

Find Your Store

All Locations

Monroe

Everett

Redmond

Budget-Friendly Pet Wellness: 5 Ways to Keep Your Pet Healthy During Inflation