All those who own and love pets know that their care comes at a cost. They may be our furry babies and though they don’t cost as much as the human variety bills can quickly mount up, and over the years they may cost quite a large amount of money. If you have more than one pet the costs are multiplied. Of course you could opt for soft toys and give them an occasional dusting but nothing quite compares to the company and unconditional love of our pets.
A person can pay hundreds or thousands of euros for a pedigreed four-legged companion. Be wary and research your preferred breed, not only to know the common traits and temperament but also because some people who purportedly sell pedigree breeds, may be providing false pedigrees. They may in fact be backyard breeders who sell genetically problematic or even unhealthy animals bred in horrific conditions. This will result in high vet bills later on as well as a lot of worry and heartache. For those who seek love and companionship without the costly pedigree, a better and more ethical choice would be adopting a dog from a sanctuary. A mixed breed is often healthier and will love just as much as a pure breed. Moreover an adult dog will already show their temperament and characterial traits without putting you through the costs and damage caused by teething.
If you already practice budgeting and shopping around for lower prices for your own purchases, you should also do so for your own pet. When you look for a vet, seek one with a good reputation as well as reasonable charges. Not all vets charge the same. Consider terms and conditions of pet insurance to confirm whether it may be a good investment or whether it would end up costing you more. Shop around for good quality pet food and check whether it is worth buying in bulk. You can comb your pet and give them some basic grooming as well as claw cutting to reduce grooming costs, fur deposits at home and reduce your pet’s stress levels if they get upset at the groomer.
Finally prevention is better than cure: keep up to date with vet check-ups and vaccinations. This way you can ensure that you avoid particular health problems or catch them early enough before they get more serious and costly.