Some of the ways to save money are basic; clip coupons for your pet's food, watch for sales when you start getting low, check prices at different pet stores... in terms of medical care, at the end of your pet's life, you may find that he or she needs medication.  Depending on the vet, you may end up going to a pharmacy - if it's something the vet doesn't prescribe often enough to keep in stock, for instance.  In that case, check prices at different pharmacies.  A prescription for my dog that cost $43/month at Pharmacy A was only $20/month at Pharmacy B.  That adds up!

Also, if you like to sew or crochet for enjoyment, make some soft pet toys.  Even if you're not good at it, the dog won't inspect the seams, and the cat won't care if you used scrap yarn for a crocheted mouse.  You can also make dog beds - get some pillow stuffing, and just make a giant flattish pillow, and there you are.  I've made one out of old, worn-out denim jeans - it cost about $5 for the stuffing, in contrast to the ones you purchase for $20 or $30.

If you want to have a few outdoor toys for your dog (for example, agility equipment), you don't need to buy the expensive stuff.  Take a look at it, and you'll see that you could easily build the same thing out of cheap PVC.

And remember, in the final analysis - the dog needs food and water, warmth, and vet care.  A few toys are great.  But he or she would much rather have you go out in the yard and throw that one ratty tennis ball than sit there alone with a pile of fancy toys.

And now - I have two dogs that would like to curl up with me on the couch and cuddle for a bit.

I love animals, have had them all my life. I have found that an olive oil bath helps my dogs allergies. He doens't needt the monthly allergy shot as often. I simply shampoo him with the PET SYNSODYNE shampoo, then rinse, then mix a few spoonfuls of olive oil in warm water in the bath. I let him soak in it. Then dry him well with a towel to take of residue on his hair.

An old farmer told me that putting a few drops with cotton swabs, of mineral oil in rabbits, dogs, cats ears will help to keep ear mites away. I have never had an ear mite problem and I do this.

Also, I feed my dog more vegetables and rice than meat to help his allergies. Some vets have told me that too much protein is allergenic in some breeds???? I know it sounds strange but I tried it and it helps.

For their teeth, I simply buy lots of the dry dog biscuits and dental chew bones.

For toys, their favorite thing is an old sock with a dog biscuit or piece of meat in it, then tie it at the end. Use to play fetch and also he will simply chew on it and throw it himself.....much cheaper than expensive pet toys.

As a former dog groomer with over 25 years experience, I'd warn anybody thinking about getting a dog breed that requires grooming to think twice or thrice before deciding they can do it themelves if they're not experienced with it.

A lot of people think it's like a human haircut and should be as quick, easy and cheap as human haircuts can be but it's not.

The part about shopping for Vets is really a good one. I worked for a vet for a long time and one thing I was told to do on a regular basis was to call other vets and ask for vaccination prices. (Vets want to know what the competition are charging). It's amazing how much difference there can be from one side of town to the other or even shop the surrounding towns. A 20 minute drive could save you money even with gas prices the way they are. One thing you want to make sure of though is to get your rabies tag in the city you live in. If you have your dog or cat vaccinated in a nearby town, and your animal is picked up for running loose or worse yet,biting someone, you could have an additional expense on your hands for no city tag. Another way to save money on vacines is to do it yourself. Have some one else hold the dog, (I don't recommend doing the cat unless your insurance is paid up) and while he holds the dog and controls the head, you slip the needle between the skin and the body of the dog. Make sure you keep the vaccine bottle for future reference. Most farm and ranch stores carry the vaccine and can tell you what you need.

"If you can't afford good, loving care, and you don't have the time, energy or real estate to do anything but chain a dog in the yard, don't get one."

Extremely bad advice!  Unfortunately it's commonly given.  Realize that most people (myself included) love our pets as family members.  They live a long time (if we are lucky) and when they get old, they cost more.  

To paraphrase a famous movie:  "A long time ago, in an economy far far away..." I actually had a high paying job.  I could easily have afforded many pets, but played it safe with only one.  Now I can't afford her medical care due to a loss of my job.  I can't afford my own care either, but the state takes care of me if something happens.  No so my pet.  

In short, most people that can't afford proper care for their pets, can't afford it due to no fault of their own.  I saved mine from a shelter and picked up the tab for medical and spay.  10 years later, things are different due to no fault of mine.  Your advice is shallow and suggests we give up our pets when we fall on hard times or not give our love when we can.  

Please think before you assume.  I may not be able to afford the best for my pet, but I do my best by my pet.  

I am a retired vet who practiced for over 40 years.  Most of the information in the article is pretty good.   Sometimes if you tell your vet how much you can afford to spend then he/she MAY be able to give you some different ideas on treatments.  But remember, cheaper treatments may not be best treatments.  Most vets do appreciate your being honest with them about your financal situation before they start treatment.  If you are an old established client most vets will let you pay half and take the rest on monthly payments.   Sometimes they just can't do this because in many areas nothing at all is done to people who refuse to pay bills.   In the olden days the vet schools were indeed often a great bargain. But they have become, in some cases, more expensive than private vets sometimes.  But if you need specialist treatment they are usually the least expensive way to go.  But for routine things maybe not,  especially when you include costs of travel and motels etc.  

I have 2 mini Dachshunds which I am on the third litter of healthy puppies. I give my dogs high quality dog food and keep my dogs slim. The only people food I give to my dogs is cottage cheese and about 3 eggs a week when my female is nursing along with special dog food for puppies and nursing mothers. My vet bills are reasonable. They have no special toys. They love to go on walks. I did have insurance for 3 years and dropped it when the one and only time I had a vet bill it was under the deductible. I had paid over $2000 in premiums. I set aside the money for my own vet bills now. I have learned to do their nails which my male hates. I bath my dogs in the laundry tub (occassionally). I sell my puppies for a good price because if they can't afford the puppy they can't afford to look after it.

To Betty D:  why are you allowing for so many litters?  Sham on you.  There are too many puppies already in the world, and thousands each year have to die for it.  Not everybody needs a "breed" pet.  Make sure you tell everyone that shelters have thousands of adorable and loving puppies and kitties that don't need to die.  Too many people think it is okay to breed without consequences.  But ask the shelter people or the Humane Society if there are no consequences!

To Betty D:  why do you allow so many litters?  Shame on you!  You should tell everyone that shelters and the Humane Society have thousands of puppies and kitties that have to die each year because people like you breed as though there are no consequences.  Just ask the shelter people or the Humane Society is there are no consequences!  You are just a puppy mill!!!!!!

Oh, boy.  Stand in judgement.  Not cool.   Absolutely, there are more puppies and dogs in the world than have owners.  However, if these puppies and dogs are well cared for, I don't see the harm.    I think your fight is with people who are cruel to animals and mistreat them.   This is simply a person who has different values than you.....and that's what makes our world so interesting..................................