Don't Overfeed

Check your vet for instructions on feeding your animal and make sure you don't give them too little, or too much food. Overweight pets tend to be at higher risk for contracting diabetes (just like humans), joint problems, and other long term health problems.

Check your Pet's Food

Don't just buy any pet food for your treasured companions. You should check the food bag to see the list of ingredients. Avoid foods whose main ingredients are corn or meat by products. You want a pet food that contains plain meats. This will insure that your pet is getting a healthier diet and will prevent a lot of allergy, as well as some, joint problems.

Vaccinations

Check at your local pet superstore for information on mobile vaccination units and when. Vaccinations from specialized, government, or charity organizations can be up to 75% cheaper then at your local vet.

Avoid Buying Vet Food

Unless your dog/cat or whatever is put on a specialized diet by your vet for serious health concerns, avoid picking up food products from your vets office. You can usually find the same items for much less at your local pet superstores. Don't believe us, do some comparison shopping online.

Buy in Bulk

Check a PetSmart or PetCo or whatever pet superstores you have in your area for deals on bulk cat/dog/hamster food. You know you'll need it anyway so why not buy in bulk and get some savings doing it? You can also find some nicely priced items such as toys, collars, etc... if you shop around.

Take Them for a Walk

Have a dog? A good, cheap way to have some companionship is to take them for a walk. Let them explore the world and make sure you obey any local leash laws. Of course, if they can be trusted to return, let them run around a bit outside. Your pets love it and it is great exercise.

Adopting a Pet

Pets are an investment. The return on that investment is usually undying devotion and constant companionship. If you are going to buy a pet please do research into who you are buying the pet from. Visit the place before purchasing your pet and if you feel uncomfortable do not support them with your business.

A great (and low cost) alternative to getting a treasured companion is to adopt a pet. Find a pet rescue service and give a pet a home. Our dog, Shye, was rescued from a puppy mill which was a horrid place. She now has a home, two other puppy friends, and a safe place to live the rest of her life. We wouldn't trade her for anything.

Puppy Pads

The beautiful wife and I are the owners of three dogs. We try to take our dogs outside as often as we can but sometimes real life makes this impossible. For these situations we find ourselves using a ton of puppy pads. If you buy puppy pads you will find they are quite expensive.

We discovered a cheap alternative (not as cheap as newspaper but a LOT more effective and sanitary). Go to a store and buy the off brand Depends type underpads. These are usually made for humans with bladder problems and work by placing on areas they frequently sit.

The good news is they work just as well as puppy pads (better, in her opinion, the wife is telling me) and are a LOT cheaper. We use the 23 inch by 36 inch pads and save a ton of money doing so.