6 Tips to Save Money While Owning a Pet

Posted on August 29, 2024 by VP of Marketing and Business Development Jessica

Owning a pet can bring immense joy, but it can also come with heavy financial responsibilities. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the first year of dog ownership costs around $3,221, with an average annual expense of $1,391 every year after. Cat owners can expect to spend about $1,904 in the first year and $1,149 each year after. These costs can increase quickly, especially when unexpected medical expenses arise. However, with thoughtful planning – you can provide excellent care for your pet while staying within your budget. Here are six tips to help you save money on pet care.

1. Adopt, Don’t Shop

If you’re looking to add a pet to your family, consider adopting from a shelter as a cost-effective and compassionate option. Adopting a pet gives a homeless animal a loving home while also saving you money. Adoption fees are typically much lower than costs from a breeder, and many adopted pets come fully vaccinated and spayed or neutered, greatly reducing your initial costs.

2. Choose the Right Veterinarian

Finding the right veterinarian is crucial for your budget and your pet’s health. Take the time to research and compare costs from different vets in your area. Ask about the price of routine checkups, vaccinations, and emergency services. Don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations from other pet owners and switch vets if you find a more affordable or suitable option. A good vet will prioritize your pet’s health while offering fair prices.

3. Invest in Preventative Care

Preventative care is key to avoiding costly medical issues down the road. It may sound counterintuitive, but spending money upfront can prevent excessive costs in the future. Scheduling regular checkups, vaccinations, and dental cleanings can help prevent more serious health problems that could lead to expensive treatments and emergency visits at a premium cost. Some veterinarians offer wellness plans that cover routine care for a monthly fee, which can help you budget for these expenses. Alternatively, look for low-cost clinics in your area that provide discounted services through veterinary schools or non-profit organizations.

4. Shop Smart for Pet Medications

Just like human medications, the price of pet prescriptions can vary widely depending on where you purchase them. Before buying, compare prices from different sources including your vet, local pet stores, and online retailers like 1-800-PetMeds, PetCareRx, and Chewy. You may also find good deals at Costco or on Amazon. Remember to ask your vet if there’s a generic version of the medication that could save you money.

5. Buy Quality Pet Food

Similar to preventative care, investing in high-quality pet food can save you money in the long run. A nutritious diet leads to better health, reducing the likelihood of expensive vet visits. Look for food subscriptions from online retailers like Chewy, where you can often save by setting up automatic deliveries. Prioritize your pet’s health with a balanced diet and regular exercise to avoid preventable health issues.

6. Get Creative with Pet Toys

You don’t need to spend a fortune on pet toys to keep your furry friends entertained. Pets are often just as happy playing with simple items like cardboard boxes or other safe household objects as they are with store bought toys. If you want to buy new toys on special occasions, consider shopping at discount stores or wholesale clubs, where you can find quality toys at a lower cost.

Navigate Pet Ownership & Budgeting with First Financial

Caring for a pet doesn’t have to break the bank. By adopting smart strategies, you can enjoy pet companionship without straining your budget. For more personalized financial advice and tips on saving money and managing your budget, call us at 732.312.1500, visit a branch, or explore our services online. Don’t forget to subscribe to our First Scoop blog for more valuable insights on saving money and achieving your financial goals.

Financial Tips for Pet Owners

Posted on February 16, 2022 by VP of Marketing and Business Development Jessica

Welcoming a new pet to the family can be exciting, but also very expensive. While there are so many benefits to adopting a pet, it’s important to consider the financial obligations as well. As a pet parent, it is your responsibility to care for your furry family members in sickness and in health. But with a bit of financial planning, you can care for your dog, cat, or critter more comfortably. Here are our recommended cost-saving tips for pet owners.

Find out if you can afford a pet

If you’re desiring a little company around the house, start by creating a budget of all the expenses to consider throughout your pet’s life. According to the ASPCA, a dog will likely cost between $1,500 and $2,000 for the first year, while you can expect to spend around $1,175 for a cat. And that’s only in the first year. You’ll also need to prepare for more expenses as your pet ages, since more serious health conditions can come with hefty bills.

Adopt, don’t shop

There are so many benefits to adopting a pet through your local shelter, including reduced adoption fees. While many organizations still charge fees, they are usually significantly cheaper than adopting through a breeder. By adopting through a shelter, you’re also saving a pet’s life. It’s estimated that more than one million adoptable dogs and cats are euthanized in the United States each year, since shelters can only house so many pets at a time.

Schedule regular check-ups with your vet

It’s much more affordable to prevent an illness than treat one. As a pet owner, it’s crucial to regularly check in on your pet’s health – and that includes scheduling their yearly exams. Don’t skip out on researching local veterinary clinics as well – you might be surprised when you compare fees for preventative care.

Consider pet insurance

While pet insurance might not be right for every dog or cat, it could help you cut costs on emergency vet visits or treating a serious illness. It’s best to start shopping for pet insurance policies while your pet is young and healthy, for the best rates and coverage.

Groom your pet at home

It’s no surprise grooming visits can get pricey over time. That’s why we recommend doing nail trimmings, baths, brushings, and more at home. Your pet’s oral hygiene is important to stay on top of as well, since a lack of dental cleaning can lead to large health concerns and bigger vet bills down the line.

Build a savings account for pet expenses

Rather than relying on insurance or dealing with expenses as they come, building a savings account dedicated to pet bills can be the best way to fund hefty fees in the future. Start by putting away at least $5 per paycheck into a pet savings account. You’ll be surprised how fast the account grows, and will thank yourself later when the next vet bill comes.

Want to open a new savings account to cover pet expenses? We can help! Visit a First Financial branch or contact us to speak with a representative today.

*A $5 deposit in a base savings account is required for credit union membership prior to opening any other account. All personal memberships are part of the Rewards First program and a $5 per month non-participation fee is charged to the base savings account for memberships not meeting the minimum requirements of the program. Click here to view full Rewards First program details. Some restrictions apply, contact the Credit Union for more information.

Considering a Pet? Do Your Financial Homework First

Posted on July 10, 2020 by VP of Marketing and Business Development Jessica

While many people have been spending more time at home and working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you’ve decided you’d like to bring home a furry friend also. You’ve done your research, you’ve figured out what type of pet you want, and you’re ready to sign on the dotted line. But, have you thought about the ongoing cost(s) associated with getting a pet?

There are two main areas regarding costs to consider when it comes to owning a pet. First, there are initial costs (adoption fees/breeder fees, first vaccinations, training, etc.) and then general costs over your pet’s lifetime (food, toys, routine vet visits, grooming, etc.). It’s a good idea to prepare for the several different types of costs you might have, before you decide to bring your pet home.

Adoption Fees vs. Breeder Fees

One of the first expenses pet owners experience is an adoption fee or purchase price. Typically, adoption fees are going to be less expensive than breeder fees.

Most shelters and rescue organizations will provide medical care, vaccinations, and possibly even spaying or neutering animals. If you decide to go the shelter route, it’s essential to ask what services your adoption fees include.

It’s also a good idea to find out what the adoption process looks like. It could be different depending on the shelter or rescue organization you choose, but usually the basics are the same. Once you select your fur-ever friend, you’ll have to fill out paperwork to be approved. The shelter or rescue organization will want to know where you live, whether or not you have other pets, if there are kids in your home, and they may even do a house visit before you’re allowed to take your new friend home. Once you pay the adoption fee and your application is approved, then the real fun begins!

If you plan to purchase from a breeder, the type of breed you’re interested in determines the amount you’ll pay in fees. When buying from a reputable breeder, you’ll likely get a fair, competitive price, and most will have official paperwork on the animal you’re purchasing. Do your homework on the breeder and make sure you’re buying from someone who is breeding ethically.

Medical Costs

Vet bills are often the most expensive aspect of owning a pet. If you’re lucky, you’ll have a relatively healthy animal that only needs a vet visit once or twice a year. On the other hand, if your pet does need additional vet care, it can be pretty costly and you’ll want to be prepared.

The average vet visit can cost a pet owner anywhere from $50 to $400, depending on the nature of the visit. If you’re trekking to the vet once a year, it’s not as challenging to work into your budget. However, if it happens every couple of months, you could find yourself in over your head with vet bills.

Eating Right for Less

For every question you have about pet ownership, there are a million different answers – and that includes what to feed them! When you’re picking out what your pet eats, think about their size (are you feeding them once a day or do they require multiple feedings), how much they eat, and what they like. You might find that your cat loves a particular brand (let’s say it costs less than $20 for a 22-pound bag) or that your dog lives for a specific brand (let’s say that a 50-pound bag is less than $25). Don’t automatically buy the most expensive food. See what works for your animal and your budget.

Toys!

You can’t have an animal without toys. Every cat needs a scratching post, and every dog needs a good rope to play tug-of-war. The great thing about toys? You can spend as much or as little as you want. You might have a cat that would rather play with bottle caps than catnip mice. Before you spend your paycheck buying toys, get a few and see which ones your furry companion likes. You might be surprised.

Training & Grooming Costs

Training and grooming are additional costs that you may not have to consider. If you’re getting a cat, you won’t have to worry about training classes or grooming (unless you choose to do so). With a dog, however, training classes might be something you need to consider. Depending on the breed of your dog, grooming might be a necessity too. Do your research. Look around and find the best deals on grooming and training.

Bringing home a furry friend is a huge commitment. It’s essential to evaluate your current financial situation before deciding to purchase a pet. We have affordable personal loans* or low-interest credit cards that meet your needs for multiple parts of your life.** We’re your credit union, let us see how we can help! Contact us today.

*APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Actual rate will vary based on creditworthiness and loan term. Subject to credit approval. A First Financial Federal Credit Union membership is required to obtain a loan or credit card, and is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, volunteers or attends school in Monmouth or Ocean Counties. A $5 deposit in a base savings account is required for credit union membership prior to opening any other account/loan. Federally insured by NCUA.

*APR varies up to 18% for purchases, when you open your account based on your credit worthiness. The APR is 18% APR for balance transfers and cash advances. APRs will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. Subject to credit approval. Rates quoted assume excellent borrower credit history. Your actual APR may vary based on your state of residence, approved loan amount, applicable discounts and your credit history. No Annual Fee. Other fees that apply: Cash advance fee of $10 or 3% of the total cash advance amount—whichever is greater (no maximum), Balance transfer fee of $10 or 3% of the balance—whichever is greater (no maximum), Late Payment Fee of $29, $10 Card Replacement Fee, and Returned Payment Fee of $29. A First Financial membership is required to obtain a Visa® Credit Card and is available to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Monmouth or Ocean Counties.