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Pets can be wonderful
companions. Be a responsible pet owner and don’t let them reduce your
quality of life. Pets are expensive. If you are in debt or have money
troubles, you really need to look very hard at reducing the number of pets
that you have or getting rid of them all. Money troubles cause stress in a
large percentage of relationships. Do what you can to reduce your money
problems and help reduce the stress.
SAVE up to 75% at PetSmart's Clearance Center!
PetEducation.com
estimates that the cost to responsibly take care of a dog in the
US averages $807 per
year. That totals over $12,000 over a 14 year lifetime (range $4,000 to
$39,000). The average cost of a cat is $527 per year or almost $8,000 over a 14 year lifetime.
The first year of pet
ownership is much higher with veterinary bills, purchase price, and supplies
adding hundreds or thousands of dollars to the tab. Check the
ASPCA site. Please do not take on the responsibility for the life of a
pet without carefully considering the obligations you are about to
undertake. Dogs and cats easily live a decade and some exotic birds may
just outlive you.
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If you have more
than one pet, reduce the number to one.
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Get a less expensive
pet.
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Make sure any pet
fits your lifestyle and living conditions.
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Don’t skimp on
healthcare and maintenance. Do what is necessary. Be responsible.
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Shop carefully for
bargains. Do be aware that changing pet food brands can be physically
difficult for dogs and cats. Websites such as PetSmart.com,
1800Petmeds.com, Iams.com, Petco.com ThatPetPlace.com and others offer
discount dog food, cat food, pet medicines and pet supplies.
Save up to 25% at 1800PetMeds - America's Largest Pet Pharmacy
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Get your pet fix
from others. Visit friends with pets. Go to the zoo or visit farms.
Donate time with the ASPCA.
Buy discount pet supplies online
Do the right thing for
your pet and yourself.
I know someone who
unfortunately ended up in the hospital seriously ill because the money went
to the 3 dogs rather than to the person’s own healthcare. That is a
difficult choice to make. At the very least, save money on pet food
and supplies.
Here are 35 more
great ways to save money.
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