Owning a pet can be quite rewarding. There have even been studies that indicated that pet owners have lower blood pressure, less stress, and even longer lives.

There are many reasons why owning a pet can be a great option, but you will also soon find out that owning a pet can be quite an investment.You will need to provide food and healthcare for that pet as well as toys and shelter. After a few years, you will have spent a great deal of money.

However, you do not have to balk at the idea of getting a pet just because of cost. There are ways that you can save money and enjoy the companionship that a pet offers. Here are five ways you can save money.

There are plenty of pets that need a new home

1. Choose adoption over purchase.

There are numerous dogs and cats living in shelters that could use a home, and they are no or little cost. If you don’t purchase a pet from a shelter, you can expect to pay more than $300.

Quick Tip: Go to your local Humane Society website to see what pets they have posted for adoption or go down to their location to see what’s available as pets arrive daily.

If you don’t find what you’re looking for, you can fill out an Adoption Profile form. Select the type of pet, color, breed, sex, age, size, training level, coat, activity level, and where you plan on housing your pet. The Humane Society will keep an eye out for a pet that matches your profile.

This cone sucks

2. Look for low cost spay and neuter options.

It is important for your pet’s well being to have them spayed or neutered, but that can be quite pricey. Many facilities and shelters offer a discounted price on the service at certain times of the year. You can save hundreds of dollars by looking for these.

If you’re adopting a pet, a spay or neuter, along with other services are included in the adoption fee. My local Humane Society’s adoption fee for dogs is $65 which includes services valued up to $230:

• Temperament screening
• Spay/neuter surgery
• Health examination
• Distemper and parvo vaccinations
• Heartworm test on adults
• Worming
• Heartworm preventative
• Flea treatment
• Microchip ID
• Leash
• Post-adoption healthcare for 2 weeks

Online pet coupons can save you a lot of money

3. Look for sales and coupons on pet food.

Since you know you will need an ongoing supply of food for your pet, if you find sales, you can stock up. Additionally, you can find coupons online quite often, so be sure to look for discounts whenever you can.

You can get it using our Mr. Cheap Stuff coupons at:
drugstore.com
Amazon
Pet Coupons Online

Quick Tip: Keep an eye out for pet expos. They’re a great way to see the different products on the market. Most times they have specials going on and give out coupons to use in the future.

Finding a vetenarian you can trust is worth it

4. Be sure to find the right veterinarian.

You will find that veterinarian services can vary widely in prices. You may be able to get lower cost services if you take the time to look around.

Quick Tip: Look for online reviews of veterinarian clinics or specific doctors to see what kind of experience others had.

Proper prevention is cheaper in the long term and keeps your pets happy & healthy

5. Make sure to use preventative care.

If you keep your pet on proper heartworm and worm medication, you can avoid expense later. You can even get discounts on these items by purchasing online for these recurring needed medications.

You can get it using our Mr. Cheap Stuff coupons at:
1800PetMeds
drugstore.com
Amazon
Pet Coupons Online

Photo credit via Flickr (Pirate Scott, KayVee.INC, Living in Monrovia, paulswansen, Priority Pet Hospital, nateOne)