You consider your pets to be a part of the family: They’re always excited to see you when you get home and they never shy away from snuggling up with you on the couch after a bad day. Because you care for them so dearly, you’re willing to spare no expense when it comes to your pet’s health and comfort. But this can get expensive very quickly, leaving you with less expendable income than you’d prefer. If you want to ensure that your pet has only the best while saving a bit of money in the process, consider these tips.

 

In most cases, doing your shopping online can save you a pretty penny. According to NerdWallet writer Kelsey Sheehy, online retailers such as Chewy and Amazon offer automatic subscription services that will save even more money by automating the delivery of essential supplies like puppy pads and dog food. These services make shopping online significantly more affordable than buying from the store, and they even save you the trouble of having to leave the house.

 

To keep your pet in good health and lower expenses at the same time, pay attention to the suggested portions on your pet’s food and only feed them the recommended amount. Not only will this cut down on the amount you spend on food every year, but it will also help you avoid overfeeding your pet. While you’ll want to be tighter on portions, The Balance Everyday’s Erin Huffstetler recommends stocking up by buying larger quantities and buying in bulk. Purchasing food in larger quantities tends to reduce the cost per serving, and while it might cost more up front, it will ultimately save you money in the long run.

 

Though Benjamin Franklin was talking about fire safety when he remarked “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” the saying just as easily applies to your pet’s health. By establishing a care routine with a veterinarian, including annual physicals and vaccinations, you can help prevent small health problems from getting out of hand and becoming larger issues. Huffstetler notes that helping your pet maintain a healthy weight can help them ward off or minimize serious conditions like cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure and arthritis.

 

According to Sheehy, your local chapter of the Humane Society may also provide common veterinary services like checkups and vaccinations at a more affordable price. Check to see if your area’s chapter hosts monthly or weekly clinics.

 

Huffstetler recommends considering purchasing pet insurance after thoroughly researching and vetting providers. If pet insurance makes sense for you, be sure you’re clear on what the policy covers and whether your pet can still be a patient at your current preferred clinic. With most plans, 80 percent of eligible expenses will be covered once you’ve met your annual deductible, according to Sheehy.

 

The type of pet you have will greatly impact how much you need to spend on grooming. If your pet requires a full spa experience, you’ll want to shop around for the best deal and always ask about discounts and coupons. If your pet is more of the wash-and-wear type, Sheehy suggests handling basic grooming like baths and nail trimmings at home in order to save money. If you think you’re up to giving them a cut, she suggests first referencing the ASPCA’s dog grooming guide.

 

A little research will go a long way when you’re trying to save money while caring for your beloved pet. Whether it’s finding the best deal on food, vet services or insurance, you can save yourself a considerable amount of money without skimping on what your pet needs most.