Will you change your pet care spending in 2009?
By Gina Spadafori
December 11, 2008
It’s pretty well accepted now that we’re in one heckuva bad economy, and it’s going to be a rough ride for heaven knows how long. I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately, and how I intend to keep my own budget lean and mean overall in 2009.
Are you planning changes? Contribute to our latest poll (click all that apply), and add your additional thoughts in the comments.
Didn’t see this as a poll choice so I’m adding:
In 2009, my dogs are going to have to get JOBS.
PS - Anyone looking to hire a tennis ball slobberer or trash redistributor?
Comment by slt — December 11, 2008 @ 10:27 am
If anything it will be fewer agility trials, fewer lessons. Though I’m already trying to cut back in other, non-dog-related, ways to avoid slicing in to the agility budget — anything but that!
Comment by Esmee — December 11, 2008 @ 11:06 am
And I have a bedwarmer I could rent out. He curls up nicely right behind your knees. :O)
Comment by Lori — December 11, 2008 @ 11:29 am
I’m thinking that making my own food would probably be more cost-effective and just as high quality, if not more so, but I haven’t jumped in yet. I do, however, have lots of chicken in the freezer waiting to be used for that purpose. The woman behind me in line asked what I was going to do with all that chicken. I said “I’m not sure I want to tell you…it’s for the dogs.”
She said they were very lucky.
Comment by Kim Thornton — December 11, 2008 @ 12:06 pm
I really need to work with a professional trainer one-on-one to solve some issues with Henry, but I’ve been putting it off until I have a job. Also, I think it would be fun to do a group class of basic obedience with him, although he has most of that basic stuff down. I just think it would be a fun thing to do with him. Can’t do any of that right now, though.
Comment by Sara Jo — December 11, 2008 @ 12:09 pm
I have a vibrating neck massager cat if anyone’s interested! Price is one $1.59 can of cat food.
I don’t buy much for my cats beyond their expensive food and vet visits and unless I hit bottom, I won’t cut back and that. If my one cat with the teeth/gum problems needs her teeth cleaned (for the 2nd time in 12 months) then I’ll skip my 6 month cleaning before I delay hers.
Comment by 2CatMom — December 11, 2008 @ 12:29 pm
I have one that is great at cleaning up food and dishes off the counters. Any ideas on what we should charge for that service?
Comment by Alyce S. — December 11, 2008 @ 12:33 pm
I spent most of 2008 laid up with a herniated disc, so I stayed home and missed a lot of shows, dog classes etc…
now that I am feeling better, I will probably hit the road with the dogs more often this year, but I am going to travel with a friend, share gas and hotels etc…
I suspect I will actually spend a great deal more this coming year as I hope to have a litter and as a “greedy breeder” I will therefore be spending a small fortune even before anyone is ever whelped. that means 2009 will be an expensive year for me.
i like slt’s suggestion, maybe the other dogs can get to work. I have one that excels at lawn aeration and another who would be happy to become a professional wood chipper….
Comment by JenniferJ — December 11, 2008 @ 2:37 pm
Our cats are such good bedwarmers, they help us save on heating bills. So I wouldn’t hire them out if I could [g].
Comment by Eucritta — December 11, 2008 @ 2:41 pm
We will be waiting until 2010 to breed another litter.
I may also put off Rosie’s PennHIP for a while, since it can be delayed until closer to the time we are ready for pups.
Comment by H. Houlahan — December 11, 2008 @ 2:42 pm
I spent about $450.00 for PennHIP last time. It is not a cheap test!
Comment by JenniferJ — December 11, 2008 @ 2:52 pm
Kim, once you hit a certain level of ‘premium’ pet food, the cost of making your own becomes less of an issue ;) When I work out the cost and amount I feed (5 cats and 1 50lb dog), I do save by making my own. And I know I’m feeding them what they need (no fillers etc) and it’s safe (priceless). I must say, one of the joys is never having to read ingredients labels!
I can’t think of areas to cut back for my pets. I make their food, jackets, beds, toys and the dog’s collars etc. I bought all my materials bulk/sales etc, so we are set for quite some time.
I do encourage folks to sign up with a freecycle group in their area. I frequently see pet supplies offered and it’s also a good place to pass on supplies no longer needed. I actually got my industrial sewing machine from our local one, which is what I use to make collars etc. I also cruise the list to see who needs things and frequently see new pet owners looking for spare crates, beds etc. Things I’ve seen offered recently have been several bags of kitty litter (paper and pine), puppy supplies and food (decent brand).
Comment by straybaby — December 11, 2008 @ 3:04 pm
Freecycle is awesome!
I actually give much, much more often than I receive. In fact just today I put some stuff up on freecycle that I know will go for Christmas gifts for the mom who’s picking them up in a bit. (Review books and products samples from companies.)
We get a lot of pet product samples. I pretty much split them up between rescue groups and Freecycle. Great to know that they’re going to good use.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — December 11, 2008 @ 3:17 pm
Does it count if I already do some of the stuff?
I have been grooming my dogs for the last 4 or 5 years. I buy hay by the bale (saves about $450 per year for 3 bunnies). I feed raw which is cheaper than the high quality kibble. My dogs could care less about toys (although bully sticks are expensive). The most expensive pet stuff I get is rabbit food, and even then I get an 8% discount and it’s still cheaper than the vet. I pets are generally healthy, so vet bills are minimal.
Comment by Kate M — December 11, 2008 @ 3:43 pm
I’m in the camp of having already cut back to the necessities due to coming out on the very stub short end of a divorce which will keep me in the red for years to come.
What makes this especially scary is that my little guy just turned 13. And although he’s lookin’ pretty darn good, on a couple of the dog lists I frequent, 13 seems to be an “unlucky number” indeed with respect to previously healthy dogs suddenly taking turns for the worse. So I’m just hoping that won’t be the case for him. Not just because he’s my boy, but also because the prospect of expensive geriatric care is not something the divorce left me especially well-equipped to deal with.
I love my little guy, and hope he makes it to that “Sweet 16” which a couple of his close relatives have achieved in recent years.
Comment by The OTHER Pat — December 11, 2008 @ 4:35 pm
I have found myself using the pet store vet much more than I ever did. For instance, my two dogs both get kennel cough due to their high exposure both with visiting dogs in my home and when I take them to work with me. My vet insists on a full exam, so it is 70 VS about 12. For two dogs 2x a year, no brainer. I even had heart worm drawn at the pet store, as my collie had recently seen the vet for a sore toe, and he had an exam then, so I was not going to add on another 60 plus bucks for another exam 2 months later. I hate it, but I also need to feed everyone. Divorce here to Pat. I may be speaking too early, but my training biz has really picked up. This summer the phone barely rang and I am back to biz as usual if not more than last year. I think people here in maine got really freaked out with the price of oil and gas. Now that oil prices are down, my biz is back up. Hope I haven’t jinxed us all….
Comment by nancy freedman-smith — December 11, 2008 @ 6:08 pm
We feed them all premium food and they see the vet once a year. I already fill old socks with catnip for the cats, but, you know, if you have a well, we do have this collie…..;-)
Comment by Susan Fox — December 11, 2008 @ 7:36 pm
Nutrition is key, so I will continue to buy the premium food the “kids” require. They really don’t care what I have to do, I just better make sure that food bowl is full. Treats are not a necessity, but highly recommended!
Comment by SKB — December 12, 2008 @ 8:21 am