A relationship with a pet can be one of the greatest joys in life, but it can also be expensive. From food to vet visits, costs can add up fast. The good news is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to show your furry (or feathery or scaly) friend some love.

Here are budget-friendly ways to care for your pet and a breakdown of whether pet insurance and pet-sitting gig apps are worthwhile.

Affordable Ways to Care for Your Pet

1. DIY Pet Toys and Treats: Skip pricey store-bought options and get creative. Make a tug toy from an old shirt or bake healthy pet treats with ingredients you already have at home. Your pet won’t know the difference, and you’ll save big. You can find pet-safe recipes online for dog and cat treats, and finding an old rope or t-shirt you can tie into a knot can give your pet hours of fun.

2. Shop Smart for Food: Look for sales or buy in bulk to save on pet food. Some local pet stores and big-box retailers have loyalty programs that offer discounts or free bags of food after a certain number of purchases.

3. Keep Up with Preventative Care: Regular check-ups and vaccines are cheaper than treating health problems later. Low-cost clinics and non-profits often offer affordable services, so check your area for options. You can also check with local pet stores for discount vaccine clinics. Pet insurance can help with the cost, too. More on that below.

4. Groom at Home: Save on grooming costs by doing it yourself! Invest in a basic grooming kit to trim nails, clean ears, and bathe your pet at home. There are plenty of tutorials online to help you get started. A high-quality clipper kit can cost less than one or two grooming appointments, and every future trip you save to the groomer keeps money in your pocket.

5. Swap Pet-Sitting with Friends: Instead of hiring a pet sitter, consider swapping services with a friend or neighbor. You can care for their pet when they’re away, and they’ll do the same for you. Plus, they’ll probably get more love and attention with a friend than with a pet sitter or boarding facility.

Is Pet Insurance Worth It?

Pet insurance can help cover unexpected medical costs, but it’s not always a money-saver. If your pet is generally healthy and you’re not worried about the cost of a large, unexpected illness like cancer, you may be better off without pet insurance. But if you think you’ll likely need emergency care, pet insurance can pay off.

Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons:

Pros:

• It can cover all or a portion of expensive emergency treatments, like surgery or a major illness.
• Knowing you can afford care if your pet gets sick gives you peace of mind.
• Some plans include wellness visits and preventative care. Because many don’t, be sure to read your policy carefully before signing up.

Cons:

• Monthly premiums (what you pay for insurance even if you don’t use it) can range from $20 to $50 or more.
• Many policies don’t cover pre-existing conditions and you could have a waiting period before benefits begin.
• Depending on your plan, you may still pay a significant portion of the bill out of pocket due to deductibles or exclusions.

Pet Insurance Tip: Before buying a policy, calculate how much you might spend on premiums versus setting aside the same amount in a pet savings fund.

Pros and Cons of Pet-Sitting Apps

We often write about side hustles, and pet owners are perfect candidates for apps like Rover and Wag. These apps make it easy to find pet sitters or dog walkers, but they come with trade-offs. As a customer, you can enjoy these pros and cons:

Pros:

• Convenient to book care when you need it
• Reviews and ratings help you find trusted sitters
• Competitive pricing means you can often find affordable options

Cons:

• Service fees can increase the overall cost
• Not all sitters are professionals, so research carefully
• Some services may charge extra for last-minute bookings or special needs

Money Tip: If you want to save an emergency fund or pay off debt, consider offering your own pet-sitting services through these apps. It’s a great side hustle to earn extra cash while spending time with animals and getting a little extra exercise. If you offer overnight visits, you get paid for a mini vacation at someone else’s home.

Pet Parenting Doesn’t Have to Break Your Budget

Your pet doesn’t care how much you spend—they truly just want your time and affection. Whether you’re saving money with DIY treats, carefully weighing the pros and cons of pet insurance, or even earning extra income through pet-sitting apps, there are plenty of ways to be a financially savvy and loving pet owner while sticking to your budget.

Remember, every bit of savings adds up—and your pet will love you just the same.

What to do next: Check out our new pet insurance partnership to learn how it can help you save on pet care costs.

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