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Date Published: 15/11/2022

Pricey pets: expert tips on reducing your cat and dog costs

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There are now more than 29 million cats, dogs and other small pets in Spain

Pricey pets: expert tips on reducing your cat and dog costs

Spain, like the rest of Europe, is in the midst of a cost of living crisis and the forecasts for continuing price hikes are far from comforting. With the news that the government is considering scrapping the 20 cent per litre fuel discount for many drivers in the new year, most people will be looking for ways to tighten their belts.

Spain is a country of animal lovers and with an estimated 29 million pets in the county, the costs certainly add up. According to the study My pet in figures, owning a dog will set you back around 1,250 euros per year, so you might be interested to know that there are many ways to reduce this expense without scrimping on your pooch’s care.

Go DIY for toys and stimulation

The pet accessories market has exploded in recent years, with conscientious owners more aware than ever of the need to keep dogs, cats and other small animals stimulated and active. Bespoke products can be pricey though, which is where YouTube comes in.

There are literally millions of tutorials online showing how to turn common household items into toys and games your pet will enjoy for hours at virtually no cost: castles for cats using cardboard boxes, scratching posts with sisal rope, olfactory stimulation games and puzzles using empty toilet paper rolls, a torn carpet or plastic bottles, toys created with a sock, belts and old clothes.

The list is endless and it’s a great project to get the whole family involved in.

People products and second hand

Certain products for humans are a lot cheaper than those designed specifically for animals – think baby cot mattresses or old towels and blankets instead of costly pet beds.

Second-hand stores, online platforms like Facebook Marketplace and street markets can also save you a fortune while also being kinder to the environment, recycling otherwise unwanted goods. Used bird cages, small animal feeders and drinkers, crates, brushes, leashes and toys can all be picked up for a fraction of the new price.

Ditch the designer food

When it comes to dog and cat food, more expensive is not always better. Too many owners make the mistake of buying high-performance or high-energy pellets for animals that just don’t need it, believing that if it costs more, it must be healthier. On the contrary, overfeeding our pets with ingredients it doesn’t need can lead to a plethora of problems, not least obesity.

There are plenty of high-quality, cheaper brands on the market, but the key is knowing your pet. You don’t need a qualification in animal nutrition, but spend some time researching the needs of your breed and what exactly its diet should contain.

Have a sinking fund for pet costs

When drawing up a budget, many people forget the costs associated with pet ownership. As well as planning for day-to-day household expenses, remember to keep some money back for routine animal care such as grooming and vaccinations.

Consider veterinary insurance

Nobody wants to think about their pets becoming ill, but in the event of an accident or injury, the relatively low expense of monthly pet insurance payments could save you a fortune in the long run.

Premiums usually cover emergency procedures and prices vary depending on the policy, but there are numerous online comparison sites that will help you choose the policy that’s right for you and your fur family.

Other ways to save

Take advantage of the annual sterilisation campaigns that veterinary clinics usually offer with a significant discount. Many places also offer vaccination bundles.
Most clinics, larger pet stores and groomers offer loyalty cards which can also net you some great savings.
It takes a bit of work, but most people can learn how to manage basic animal hygiene and grooming at home; looking after your pet’s nails, teeth, ears and eyes regularly will result in noticeable savings at the vet.

Image: Pixabay

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