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The pitter-patter of paws, the warm nuzzle of a wet nose, the unwavering loyalty… there’s nothing quite like the love of a dog. But as any devoted dog parent knows, that love comes with a price tag. With the cost of dog ownership skyrocketing in recent years, it’s more important than ever to find ways to save. Luckily, being budget-conscious doesn’t mean sacrificing your pup’s quality of life. Our guide today shows you some ways you can save BIG on expenses. Let’s dive in!
We are focussing on four areas:
- Grooming: Save $1000/year
- Dog boarding: Save $750/year
- Toys & Enrichment: Save $150/year
- Treats and food: Save $100/year
Grooming: Save $1000/year
On average, you take your dog for grooming 7 times a year (once every 6 to 8 weeks). Grooming is not only expensive but also time-consuming. You need to book appointments weeks in advance, drive back and forth to drop off and pick up your dog, and wait for them to be groomed. This can easily take away 2 to 3 hours of your productive time.
What if grooming at home took the same, if not less, time? While you’ll need to learn a new skill, once you do it, you might never go back to a grooming facility. Plus, you can groom your dog anytime in the safety and comfort of your home!
Home grooming is not only safer (no risk of fights or loud noises traumatizing your dog), but it’s also a wonderful bonding opportunity, similar to cuddling or walking your dog.
The initial investment depends on your dog’s breed. You’ll need clippers and scissors, but even in the most expensive scenario, they won’t cost more than $200. That’s equivalent to a single professional grooming session!
To get started, watch a few YouTube tutorials or check out our guide and give it a try! Cutting your dog’s hair for the first time can be daunting, but it’s okay to make mistakes. Their hair will grow back, and you’re unlikely to cut their skin if you’re careful. Start with easier areas like the back or legs, and gradually work your way around. You might be surprised at how well you do!
Expect the first grooming session to take 4 to 5 hours as you learn. But once you get the hang of it, subsequent sessions will be much faster.
Dog Boarding: Save $750/year
You just booked your dream vacation, but suddenly, panic sets in. You forgot about your furry friend! Finding suitable dog boarding can be a nightmare. The local facilities are either outrageously expensive or downright depressing. Stacked cages? The lingering smell of urine? You want your dog to have a vacation too, not a stressful ordeal.
If you’re searching for high-quality, convenient, and affordable dog boarding, WoofyClub is the answer. It’s a community of dog parents across North America who swap dog-sitting services. When you need to travel, simply request help from the community. You’ll be connected with nearby dog parents in the same boat, eager to lend a paw.
Arrange playdates to ensure the dogs get along, and if everyone’s comfortable, you’ve found your dog’s home away from home! There’s no money exchanged; you simply agree to reciprocate the favor when they travel. Your dog gets a comfy home, plenty of love, and endless playtime with a furry companion. In return, you offer the same to their dog. It’s safer, cleaner, and more fun for your dog, all while being incredibly budget-friendly. The only cost is a $49 annual platform fee to WoofyClub.
That’s a potential saving of $50 per night for every night you’re away. Considering the average family travels for 10 to 20 days a year, the savings can be substantial!
Dog enrichment: Save $150/year
It might be heartbreaking, but let’s face it: your dog is going to rip apart almost any toy you give them. So why not give them something you won’t feel bad about? Something like a pant leg from those jeans you were about to toss? That lasted my dog a whopping six months! Many dog toys in the US simply don’t last. They can be torn to shreds within a week, sometimes even in one play session.
Instead of throwing away used clothes, save them and repurpose them as dog toys. Your pup might even prefer them to store-bought toys – and I promise, they can’t tell the difference!
Dog treats: Save $100/year
This final tip will help you save money without compromising your dog’s health, your convenience, or your time. While homemade treats can be a great way to save, they require time and effort you might not always have. Plus, your dog probably already has their favorite treats, and you don’t want to disrupt their routine.
So, stick with the treats your dog loves, but buy them in bulk. Most treats have a shelf life of at least a year, if not longer. For example, Costco sells bully sticks in bulk that last for two years! Buy the 12-inch ones and break them in half for double the treats. One Costco trip can lead to significant savings!
There you have it! These simple strategies can realistically save you $2,000 or more per year. Remember, prioritize your dog’s health. Instead of skipping pet insurance or vet checkups, look to the tips above to cut costs without compromising their well-being. Happy saving!
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