Most people with a dog or a cat will talk about them like they’re a family member.
Keeping them around, though, is getting more expensive, and it’s a problem more Americans are having, according to a Lending Tree survey.
Of 2,000 people surveyed, 37% said they’ve got into debt for their pets, and 68% said it was from a medical bill.
Getting ahead of that bill is one of the best ways to save money.
When it comes to paying for those medical emergencies, pet insurance may help.
A recent report from Rover said the lifetime cost for a cat can roughly run $32,000, and nearly $35,000 for dogs.
If you do get pet insurance, read the fine print. It’s just like our insurance, it’s full of fun things like premiums, deductibles and copay.
Stay on top of the annual exams; they’ll spot any problems before they get worse and more costly.
The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends getting your pet’s teeth and gums checked at least once a year by a vet. It’s not just about bad breath. Dental disease can lead to kidney, liver and heart problems.
Some vaccines are mandatory to protect our pets against rabies, canine parvovirus and others. But other vaccines are optional, and you may not need to pay for every single one.
However, keeping them protected against fleas and ticks can be a costly problem.
Talk to your vet about what products are right for your pet.
Lastly, it may be time to turn to YouTube to learn how to groom your pets. Cut costs by cutting the nails and hair yourself.