Ways to Save on Your Pet's Costs

Aug. 12, 2008 — -- Even pets are feeling the fallout of the economy's downturn. It has been so bad that shelters have coined a new phrase, "foreclosure pets," to describe animals' owners giving them away because they can no longer afford their care.

Veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker has tips on how to economize your pet care without cheapening it. Check out his advice below.

*Note: The pets featured on "Good Morning America" today are available for adoption from www.humanesocietyny.org.

The key to saving here is not to go cheap, but going big. Buy quality food, as recommended by your vet, in bulk.

For example, we found that an eight-pound bag of dog food costs about $15, while a 40-pound bag of the same food costs about $50. Buying the bigger bag saves you $25.

The same is true for cat food. The average price for a four-pound bag of food is $12, and for 20-pounds, it's $37. That's a savings of $23 when you buy in bulk.

If you're concerned about keeping the food fresh, remember to keep it in an airtight container. You can split the portion with a friend who's a pet owner and share the savings. Also, pets tend to eat less of high-quality foods as opposed to cheap brands, which often don't have the nutrients they need.

The best way to keep health costs down is -- just as with humans -- prevention. That means the proper food and exercise and the basic care all animals need, including vaccinations, annual checkups, etc.

Brushing your pet's teeth can save on professional cleaning. Bathing and nail trims done at home can save money, too.

When your pet needs to see a vet, there are options. For example, the most common procedure for cats and dogs is spaying and neutering. If your pet comes from a shelter, this procedure is usually done free. If your pet comes from a different source, you might be able to cut costs by contacting your local animal shelter. People will often donate money, earmarked to provide spaying and neutering services. They will either underwrite the costs or work out a payment plan. Not all offer the same quality of care, so you must educate yourself on how and where the services will be done.