The first – and most effective – step to pet care on a budget is to choose a less expensive pet. While different breeders and retailers offer pets for different prices, these general guidelines can help you choose a pet for a smaller budget.
- Purebred or Mixed: Purebred dogs and cats generally have higher price tags, plus they are not as resistant to different diseases and health conditions as mixed-breed pets. Pets with a long, pure bloodline may be more subject to inbreeding conditions as well.
- Purchase or Adoption: Pet shelters, rescues and adoption facilities generally have lower prices than pet stores or breeders. Furthermore, adopted pets are generally spayed or neutered, microchipped and updated on essential vaccinations, all costs that owners will have to pay for pets from stores, though breeders vary in what their pets come with.
- Pet Size: Larger pets generally have more expensive needs, including more food, space and supplies. Medications or vaccinations may be more costly for larger pets, and boarding can also be more expensive. In rental properties, having large pets may mean bigger security deposits or fines for having pets that aren't permitted.
- Age: Younger pets are generally more expensive to adopt or purchase, and kittens, puppies and other young pets require more initial care such as vaccinations, neutering and other procedures that may already be complete on older pets. Younger pets are also more likely to need additional training or may cause expensive damage with chewing, clawing or housebreaking accidents.