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by Kelly Kennedy
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Pets are great to have when you live alone. As a single mother you are bound to get lonely but with a pet you won’t feel as lonely, and you feel somewhat protected. If you hear a noise in the middle of the night you can simply blame it on your pet. They are also great with children. So if you are a single mother and considering getting a pet or already have one, here are a few pointers to save on pet care.
Buying a Pet
If you don’t already have a pet and are looking to add an addition to your family, there are several places you can search for the perfect pet. Start by searching in your local newspapers and on the Internet. There will be a lot of times where people have bred two animals and are just looking to get rid of the litter. You can also go to your pet stores and find a pet there but often times they will be extremely overpriced. A great option is to visit your local animal shelter or a Society for the Prevention of the Cruelty of Animals (SPCA). Here animals have been brought in or found and are in need of a home and some tender loving care. Most times, the fee for owning an adopted pet is very inexpensive and they often give the pets a check up and any necessary shots or vaccinations including being spayed or neutered.
Veterinarian care and medications
Not only do us single mothers need to stay healthy but so do our children and our pets. However, at times we all do get sick. Its important that your pet have proper vaccinations and physical check ups. When looking for a veterinarian, shop around. The one right around the corner may be more expensive then the one the next town over. This can help save costs if you are willing to take the time to shop around and travel the distance if needed. Consider animal shelters, which may have prices far below other veterinarians. You may find that animal shelters also provide free services such as spaying or neutering your pet. Once you find a vet, store the number in a safe place so in case an emergency arises, you will be able to contact them immediately.
If your pet is in need of certain medications or other supplements, find out if any can be purchased online at a cheaper price but same quality product. Be sure to listen to your veterinarian’s recommendations because some products may be less expensive but the place where they sell them may not be as convenient or up to date as your vet’s products. Also trained healthcare providers best handle vaccinations and antibiotics so it’s best to listen to your vet’s recommendations.
Pet Foods and Supplies
There are several different places to shop when it comes to buying pet food and supplies. Not only is there stores made specifically for you pets but also you can find supplies in most grocery, warehouse, and large discount retail stores. The Internet has also become an abundant source of supplies for pets. Once again you will want to shop around. Some pet toys may be on sale in certain stores while pet food usually remains the same price so you will have to see who sells it for the least expensive. If you find a cheaper price online be sure to include shipping and handling costs to see if you will actually make a savings.
If you are shopping regularly at a pet food and supply store they will often provide you with a customer discount store card where you can receive additional savings and more. Stores usually use these cards for a market research program to see what people are buying so this may benefit you by receiving coupons for future purchases since they know what you buy.
Check the classified ads of your local paper. Talk to other single mothers, and friends. You will find at time people are getting rid of old pet supplies they no longer need due to a loss of a pet or lack of use. You may find carriers, crates, and cages for reduced prices or being given out free.
A great single mother resource is to make your own items such as toys for your pets. If you own a dog, take some old socks and stuff them into one sock and you’ve got a soft stuffed ball with a tail. Take some old rope and tie it together and have a tug-of-rope with your dog. If you own a cat buy some cat nip and take a small amount and put it in an old small sock and tie it together, or take an old piece of carpet and a two pieces of 2X4 pieces of wood nailed together and nail the carpet around the wood. Nail this 2X4 onto a piece of flat wood and you’ve got a claw scratcher so you’re cat doesn’t scratch up all the wood and furniture in your house. These are just ideas, so I’m sure you can come up with some on your own as well!
With these great ideas to finding a pet and taking care of one, a single mother should be able to add a furry addition to your family giving it the love and attention it needs by adding only a slight change to your budget. Of course you should only get a pet if can afford one but most people make it possible to have a new cuddly friend!
About Author:
Kelly Kennedy is the Communications Specialist for MindComet Corporation, a full service marketing agency for Fortune 500 companies and international conglomerates. Kelly specializes in public relations strategies focused on single mother's financial guidance. Kelly has been author to hundreds of articles focusing on single mother financial concerns. She also acts as a contributing author for a wide variety of websites and newsletters. Kelly holds a Bachelors degree in Marketing from the University of Central Florida.
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