There are countless books and articles written to help you determine which pet is right for you. They are full of lists of rare and expensive breed animals that require special diets and diamond studded collars in order to survive. For most of us, the right pet is the one with the right price. Try these tips to find the right-priced pet for you.
[Pedigrees are for the birds]Unless you have the patience, willingness, and love for a particular breed of animal, a pedigreed pet will only put your pocket in a pinch. People spend hundreds to thousands of dollars for a pet based on its bloodline and characteristics. Often, pedigreed pets are weaker, and less healthy because of efforts to keep the bloodlines pure. Pedigrees are investments that take a lot of time and effort to get a return. Stick with the Great Dane pups next door whose mother met an ambitious Chihuahua. Mutts are usually friendlier, healthier, and definitely cheaper.
[Puppies and Kittens are over-rated]
Everybody thinks the babies are so cute, and who wouldn’t want a ball of fluff that squeaks for a pet? But if you wait a few months, the cute little thing will get bigger, and the seller will be more anxious to get rid of it, and probably lower the cost. Often, a full-grown pet is a better investment, as house-training has probably already been done, and you can save money on carpet cleaning.
[Classifieds, bulletin boards, Websites]
People are always getting rid of pets. Either they don’t have the time to care for them, or are moving to the city, or just decided they don’t like tarantulas anymore. Read the paper. Look on the bulletin boards at the grocery store, and you’ll find hundreds of free or cheap pets. Go online to
petfinder.org
. Thousands of dogs, cats, birds, lizards and man-eating Iguanas are being given away, or let go for a small donation. Most have already had their shots, been spayed or neutered, thus saving you even more money.
[The Shelter]
Animal Shelters and rescue centers are a great place to go. Once again, already fixed, already vaccinated and groomed animals for a small donation. There are many breed-specific rescue centers where you can find a rare Chinese Water Dragon or whatever your favorite pet. There’s just something great about taking an animal from a place that wants you to help them. It makes you feel like a pet super hero.
[Supplies]
Twenty-five pounds of dog food is cheaper than a five-pound bag. Cat-litter, fish-food, and hamster bedding can all be purchased in bigger packages for a cheaper amount per unit. You may have to shell out more cash at once, but it will be a longer amount of time before you have to restock. Pet suppliers often publish coupons and can save you a buck or two here and there. Many pets are finicky about their food, but if your pet allows you to try an off brand instead of name brand, you can save even more.
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