As living costs continue to rise in Europe and beyond, many owners of pets have started to face financial hardships. Some have made the heartbreaking choice to give up their beloved pets to different animal shelters, while some have even abandoned them.
FOUR PAWS a global welfare organization for animals has offered tips on ways to cut down on costs but still to make sure that owners of pets can still provide the right amount of care for these animals during these turbulent times.
Many of the animal shelters across Europe already have very limited resources and are overcrowded to deal with this sharp uptake of pets that now need rehoming.
This is why it is more important than ever to think very carefully about the long-term commitment involved before buying or adopting a new pet.
Buying or adopting pets is a type of responsibility that will last for the entire lifespan of the animal, which is usually the maximum life expectancy of that pet.
Anyone that takes a cat, dog, horse, or any other animal into their home should be aware of the care involved during the lifetime of the pet. Pet ownership means coverings accessory and food costs along with veterinary care (regular) and any necessary preventive measures.
FOUR PAWS suggests that owners of pets should deal with costs that continue to rise by considering these tips:
Research promotions or food alternatives to lower the cost of food
Researching which stores and shops, including the online stores that sell pet food, health-care goods, or treats with discounts can lead to significant savings, particularly when it comes to bulk cat food over the long term.
When stored properly, these products won’t spoil easily. Expensive pet food doesn’t always translate into high quality, which means comparing different brands and labels can offer a way to find a product that offers optimum nutrition while reducing costs.
Invest in a pet insurance plan to reduce financial risk
If your pet suddenly gets sick or is injured, you might be lumped with unexpected and high vet costs. With a pet health insurance plan, you can protect yourself from the monetary burden associated with high vet costs.
Pet health insurance plans come in various price categories, which is why it is best to research the type of plan that suits your individual needs.
It is also worth your while to compare the companies that might offer free vet consultations or promotions if you are worried about your pet’s health.
Regular vaccinations/boosters, vitamins and supplements and preventive check-ups are something you should not skip since this could put the health of your animal at risk.
Enrichment and toys don’t need to be costly
While it is always a good idea to keep your pet entertained, you don’t have to purchase the most expensive equipment or toys. There are several online resources you can use for instructions and guides on making budget-friendly enrichment and toys to keep your pets entertained.
At the same time, rather than buying new toys, you may want to think about setting aside more time (when possible) to train or play with your pet. Searching for games or trying out new tricks will usually also strengthen the bond you have with your pet.
Save On Dog Walking And Pet Sitting Costs
Feline or dog sitters and dog walkers are often expensive. In a community with many cat, dog, and horse owners, you may want to reach out to your neighbors, which is something that could benefit everybody. The owners of the pets could set up a group that involves looking after or playing with each other’s animals. In this way, they can be sure that their pets will be taken care of.
Abandoning pets should be avoided at all costs
The impacts involved in surrendering pets to shelters or abandoning the animal will have a significant impact on the owner and the pet. Taking an animal away from the environment that it is familiar with and it is family and handing them over to a shelter will be a very traumatic and stressful experience.
If pet owners are going through a hard time financially, they should first seek help or advice from a vet, animal welfare organization, family, friends, or even their community or the authorities. Even when the burden appears too great, no one should ever think about abandoning their pet.
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