Top 5 ways to save money on pet expenses

I have 7 cats, 1 dog (down from 10 cats, 1 dog!) - all strays I've taken in over the years. I've looked in to pet insurance and simply can't afford it for all the babies, but I've been fortunate to keep illness at bay for the most part, without too many trips to the vet over the years (12), by providing top grade pet food and vitamins for each of them, along with a clean environment. And, of course, lol!!

Two comments here. First, insure your pets. It's not silly, it makes sense. and as far as BiggestClassifieds is concerned about setting pets free in th epark or jungle..WOW You do not deserve to share your life with an animal. It is our duty to protect our pets. I am human to 4 Aussies and do all I can to protect them. I always have 4 leashes in the car when they are with me. We have a fenced yard. I feed them only food where the first ingredient is meat. Being free might be true happiness for some, but it leads to stray dogs, cats and other animals that end up in KILL shelters.

Dogs are disgusting. They stink, they crap in your yard, and you can't go anywhere without taking them with you, arranging pet care, or cruelly caging them all day. Get a cat..afterall, you will NEVER step in cat crap!

Great article -- thanks!!! And yes: ADOPT!!! Rescues are The Best!!!

I have three pets and there is no way I could afford health ins. for them. I can't remember the exact amount, but it was very high.

pet insurance saves me a lot in a year as my pomeranian mix - i have aspca pet insurance, and they reimburse 80% of my costs. vaccines, routine check-ups and catastrophic injuries are covered, which are preventive and save you $$$ in the long run. the only major thing i pay for is his annual teeth cleaning - important for preventing heart problems later on (ever heard of bacterial endocarditis stemming from a rotten tooth? true story, people!). i do give my dog baths and outer ear cleaning, but i draw the line at grooming, nail clipping and anal expression - I leave that to the experts.

my mothers day gift was a SURPRISE!! and after 1 yr. of trying to pottytrain her I was ready to ......give her away? almost . It was Horrible. A trip to the vet and proper food etc and continued hairpulling days and nights , and now? The absolute JOY in our lives. I would give up whatever I need just to ensure she is healthy and happy. that BEAUTIFUL little face, that little pig butt walk, LOL ok I will stop........... who cares about the small stuff when she looks at us?? No frivolous expense .

All good advice. Although pet insurance is only beneficial for owners who are willing to not "skimp" and will care properly for their pets when sick, however, look past the "Gold" and "Platinum" levels to get one that is specific just for sick and problem visits or you'll pay too much. Mark, VMD

Pet insurance? Really??? Even if it were $15 a month, that adds up to more than I spend in a year for vet expenses. I don't even have insurance for myself, why would I get it for my pup? Seems like a frivolous expense to me.

Well, sorry there are times when you should put Fido in a cage for his or her own protection. Our dogs runs loose here in the country, but he also can get seriously hurt. He is not afraid of anything or body. He thinks when we call him to come , he should run the other way. We found him on our door step one morning about 5 years ago and have loved and cared for him ever since. We do put him up at night for his protection.

Pets should be free in the park or jungle.
That is true happiness for them.
Please do not cage them up.
Set them free in the nature where they belong.

Hey Seasiagirl - I hope you are good a expressing your dog's anal gland. That is a pet must.awwww hehehehe

Pet insurance has saved me thousands of dollars. I insured my dogs within one week of adopting them.

I don't find it ridiculous at all.

Pet Insurance? This is rediculous... what's next? I groom my own dog, awww hehehe...

You can delete my posts if you want.

But the facts are the facts.