The ASPCA estimates that it costs nearly $400 a year to maintain a pet.  There is of course, food, vet visits, vaccinations.  If you live in an pet-friendly apartment community like Hampton Woods, you may have to pay a small additional fee to help keep the facilities in good shape.  It’s not a great deal of money if you love your furry friend, but that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t try to save a few bucks if we can.

Here is one way that you can save money on pet care…

Spend a little to save a lot. “The biggest mistake owners make is not keeping up with routine preventive care,” says Dr. Louise Murray, DVM, director of medicine for the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital and author of Vet Confidential: An Insider’s Guide to Protecting Your Pet’s Health. “People forgo $15 vaccines, then their pets get $2,000 infections.” Never skip core vaccinations, annual checkups, flea-and-tick treatments, heartworm drugs, or spaying/ neutering—they save thousands down the line. Swiping wet gauze or a pet toothbrush over your animal’s teeth daily will even help stave off serious disease.

If you think this is a helpful tip, you can read this article in its entirety at WomensDay.com.  Feel free to share your own cost-saving tips for pet owners!

(Photo Credit: examiner.com)