Living through the credit crunch is difficult enough, but add animals which depend on you for food, protection and medical care, anything that can be done, helps.
It’s a shame that many pets are given up or abandoned every day, as pet owners fight to cope with today’s financial climate.
This is particularly difficult for animal charities who have look after pets when money is limited, surviving on contributions to keep their animals in good health.
Here are a few points which could help make owning a animal on a tight budget more manageable:
1. Consider every animal cost? Do you need that branded animal food or product? Easier said than done, raise pets up with variety, both dry and wet, as well as different brands and flavours. Keep an eye on special deals. You can stock up. Think of vouchers, search on the net for some good deals. Buy based on price per pound / Kg, as sometimes, especially with promotions, the smaller pack can be cheaper.
2.      Wherever possible, pet owners can often club together to buy feed and bedding in bulk, reducing the overall price and passing on savings to all.
3.      Veterinary bills are unknown but must be considered. If cash is a little tight, you may find a lot of Vets will consider spreading the costs, and reimburse monthly. If you can, afford it – have or keep pet insurance.
4.      Most people can make lifestyle changes! It’s not all about finding ways to keep your pet more cheaply, see if you can do it for yourself!
5. Can you earn some money? Perhaps find a dog walking  job Become a Dog Walker. Good companies will require you do it regularly. There is also the possibility of becoming a pet sitter, though good companies such as London Pet Sitting will require you also to do dog walking.
6. Do not forget your other animals, you may have put your cats in a cattery, what about considering a cat sitter? The animal may prefer it and the pet sitters often do other things.
7.      Do use external stabling or boarding? Many horses can exist quite contentedly outside for most of the year, as long as there’s nourishment, water and protection to harsh elements available. Could this be an option for your horse, it should reduce the outlay on stabling significantly.
8. Are you thinking of choosing an animal, certainly consider rescuing an animal from a charity, they have so many pets looking for a home during this crisis.
Enjoy your pet, they are worth the cost.