As any pet owner knows, pets are more than animals, they are loved members of the family. In the midst of the cost-of-living crisis here in Australia, many households are faced with another expense: our pets.
According to the RSPCA, the average dog costs $38,400 over its lifetime, while cats cost around $30,000. As inflation and interest rates continue to rise, pet owners are becoming increasingly worried that it’s getting more expensive to look after their animals.
Here at VetShopAustralia, we’ve created a mini-guide highlighting 5 ways to reduce your pet care spending during the 2022 cost-of-living crisis.
Flea, Tick & Worming Treatments
In order to prevent serious health risks, keep your pet's flea, tick and worm treatments up-to-date every month. At VetShopAustralia, we offer a broad range of treatments including well known brands such as Bravecto, Nexgard Spectra, Simparica Trio, Advocate, Revolution Plus and Heartgard.
Unsure which treatment is best suited for your pet? Check out our guide on How To Choose The Right Preventative For Your Pet for help. Additionally, sign up to our monthly newsletters to receive special offers and monthly discounts on our range of flea, tick and worming preventatives.
Pet Food
The cost of pet food is one of the largest monthly expenses for animal owners. Providing your pet with proper nutrition is super important, but you don't have to spend a lot on it.
You can keep buying your dog or cat the same quality of food for less by purchasing it in bulk. Keep your eye out for discounts or buy one get one for half price offers which are great deals if you are willing to buy enough. Big bags, such as Advance Adult Chicken & Rice, Advance Healthy Ageing Chicken & Rice, Advance for Small Oodles and Advance for Large Oodles offer great value for money.
Another option when trying to reduce your pet food bill is making your own pet food. Yep, you heard me right. Homemade pet food!
The easiest way is with a food processor or Nutribullet. Most people have one, which means you can try making pet food at home without much investment. For dogs, simply add an appropriate protein (poultry, beef, game), good veggies (asparagus, celery, kale, carrots), lower sugar fruits (berries, apples) and any vitamins your vet might recommend.
For cats, you can create a simple chicken and rice meal. Take some cooked, chopped chicken and add rice to it. You can also add in a tablespoon of olive oil. Mix and the meal is good to go.
Walk Locally
Petrol costs can increase when you drive to the dog park or beach. Walk around your neighbourhood and try local routes where you don't need a car - your pup will also appreciate the additional outside sniffing time.
Groom Your Pet At Home
For many dog and cat breeds, especially those that have long hair, regular grooming is essential for their health, but it can cost from $25 up to $90 per visit. Alternatively, you can groom them yourself by purchasing your own brushes, clippers, and shampoos.
For a basic DIY at home job, you'll need to clip their nails, clean gently around their eyes, give them an all over shampoo and a quick trim of their coat to remove dead hair, dandruff, and dirt.
Have difficulties giving your dog a bath? Check out our video on How To Wash Your Dog and turn this job into a fun and easy process you both will love.
Bring Your Dog To Work
Despite some of us being able to work from home since the pandemic, others have had to return to work permanently and may be struggling to care for their pets.
Try asking to work from home one day a week or extend your lunch break to walk your dog. Have that chat to your boss about more flexible work arrangements.
Alternatively, here are some fun facts you can use to build your powerpoint to convince your boss why every day should be ‘take your dog to work day!’
- Enhance mental well being and helps with stress reduction
- Boost productivity - yep, this one is a winner for sure!
- Improve communication and relationships
- Increase staff attraction and retention
- Everyone else is doing it! Although it may not be the most scientific evidence, many companies allow dogs in the workplace. Google, Cotton On, Vinomofo, Business Chicks, Canva and yes I'm including VetShopAustralia on the list, are just a few of the growing number of businesses that allow employees to bring their pets to work.
