Pet Owner's Economic Tips for Tough Times
Dr. Arnold Goldman is the president of the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Foundation.
He recently authored an article that provides information to pet owners during these tough economic times.
Among his suggestions were that animal owners:
Consider pet health insurance when your pet is still young and before medical problems develop, so that new conditions will not be excluded as "existing" later. Pet health insurance is also a lifesaver when emergencies occur because your out-of-pocket costs will be significantly lower.
Avoid owning more animals than you can handle. Even if you fall in love with an animal who needs a home, think twice about what is best for that animal. While your heart tells you to rescue an animal in need, if you are already struggling financially, you may not be able to afford the required care. The animals you have now should take priority.
Remember, that shelter animals are already well-cared for by a caring staff. Better that animal stayed at the shelter in the first place and had a chance of being placed in another home that could afford all its needs for the long term, rather than being adopted and surrendered over and over.
Just as we all should live within our means, we should also live within our "animal means," and think about basic needs rather than fancy perks. If necessary skip the professional groomer and learn how to bathe/groom your companion yourself; skip the paid dog walker or doggie day care and see if a friend can help you out with the walks and exercise when you are working extra hours to make ends meet, and can't get home to tend to your pet." ...
You can read the rest of his article and secure additional economic tips for pet owners here.
