JUST AS WITH other family members, dogs' needs and living expenses impact the household budget and bottom line.
According to the American Kennel Club, the average annual cost of dog ownership ranges widely, but a ballpark figure is $2,400 a year. That price tag includes food, treats, dog toys, beds, leashes, and routine veterinary care, among other things. Savvy owners, however, have a helpful list of money-saving hacks.
Shop Supplies at Discount Stores
The cost of purchasing pet supplies like beds, bowls, and toys can quickly add up, but that doesn't have to be the case, says Stephanie Mantilla, a former zookeeper who is now an enrichment specialist and positive reinforcement-based animal trainer for Curiosity Trained, in Houston. Mantilla suggests shopping at discount department store chains to score a bargain on basic pet necessities.
"Stores like HomeGoods and Marshalls carry pet items," says Mantilla, author of How to Clicker Train Your Cat. "You can usually get everything you need for a new pet, including leashes and crates, at significant savings. These stores get brand-new products when there's overstock and sell them with big markdowns," she says.
Buy Generic-Brand Pet Food
We all want to feed our pets high-quality food that's free of artificial ingredients and fillers, and we also don't want to break the bank in the process. See if your brand of choice has a generic line, suggests Mantilla; those foods can be just as healthy, but also less expensive. For example, the Texas-based brand Merrick, which says it uses whole foods and no preservatives, also makes Whole Earth Farms, a lowerpriced option, she points out.
Denne historien er fra Dogs-utgaven av Real Simple.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra Dogs-utgaven av Real Simple.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Go With Your Gut - Each of us has a little voice inside that knows more than the conscious mind. It's called intuition, and it deserves your attention.
Cognitive scientists, who study how human beings think and reason, generally define intuition as knowledge gained without rational thought, and they believe it's a natural part of how our brains work. Humans have two main ways of absorbing information. One is a slow, deliberate process, in which we methodically analyze details for instance, comparing two laptop models before buying. The second happens almost instantly, and the insight feels like it came out of the blue. In fact, though, it's based on data we've gathered subconsciously over time and, in a flash, connected with our past experiences.
buh-bye, beige!
Magnolia Network star and interior designer Natalie Papier colorized a classic 1920s Oak Park, Illinois, home using lots of paint, some wallpaper, and a bunch of brilliant tricks.
What to Wear for the In-Between Weather
Will it be hot outside, or brisk and chilly? Yes! And these on-trend pieces will help you get it just right.
SAME YEAR, NEW YOU!
25 little ways to reset yourself for fall
CONQUERING YOUR INNER CRITIC
You're able to give everyone else grace when they mess up. But when it comes to yourself? Not so much.
Goodbye to All That
Burdened by the weight of wouldas, shouldas, and couldas, a former compulsive goal setter discovers the freedom of giving up.
how we live
ADVICE, INSPIRATION & A LITTLE PEACE OF MIND
YOUR CLEANING TOOLS
Spread suds, not grime! The stuff in your utility closet needs to be washed too. Here's how to get each job done.
BOOST YOUR SUPERMARKET SMARTS
Whether you love grocery shopping or hate it, you can probably stand to be better at it. So we asked insiders to chime in with their top tips.
how to do things
IDEAS, DIYS & REALLY GOOD TIPS