Cutting Down on Pet Costs

Tools

Story Published: Nov 17, 2009 at 8:45 PM PDT

By Jackie Watanabe

Watch the story
Joy Copulos has five dogs and knows how expensive pets can be.

"We don't go out to dinner as much as we used to," Copulos said.

But she's found ways to keep the her pet costs down and still keep her dogs happy.

"Buying in bulk, looking for coupons, looking for sales, we can save money and still feed our dogs quality food," Copulos said.

Consumer Reports says looking online helps, too. But prices for this dog food vary anywhere from $1.50 a pound to more than $2.00 a pound.

And when it comes to medicine for your pet, you can save there, too.

"Always ask your vet if there's a lower-priced generic available. And ask if the drug's available at your pharmacy, where you might be able to get it for less," said Mandy Walker of Consumer Reports.

Consumer Reports also says skip health insurance.

"We found pet insurance may cost you more than you'll save because, like people insurance, there are co-pays, deductibles, and premiums, and limits on your coverage," Walker said.

To save on pet supplies check out sites like eBay, Craigslist, Freecycle.

And Joy found one more way to save - a neighbor looks after all her dogs when she's away so she can save on kennel charges.

Upload directly from your mobile device.

Learn how

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

On Demand

Resources and info you need to prepare for the switch to DTV.

Stay Connected