“The better I get to know men, the more I find myself loving dogs.”
The quote above was uttered by the decorated former French general and statesman Charles de Gaulle. Despite his profession of leading a large group of people, he clearly prefers animals more.
As harsh as the statement may sound, we’re pretty sure everyone at some point of their lives has felt the same. Humans are just a complicated bunch, aren’t they? On the other hand, animals are adorable and loyal companions who are incapable of nagging. Well, most of the time, at least
Just like our relationships with other human beings, our connection with our pets needs to go both ways. In exchange for that adorable and loyal companionship, we need to take proper care of our animal friend.
Owning a pet, however, can be quite costly. That is why we have come up with some tips to help pet owners save money:
- Adopt instead of purchase
If you are looking to own a dog or cat, it will cost a lot less if you adopt it from an animal shelter. It will not be totally free as there are usually small fees involved, but the amount will be much less compared to the prices you have to pay in retail stores. - Groom at home
We have to admit it; professional pet grooming services usually do a pretty good job. But if you are tight on budget, it might make sense to do the pet grooming by yourself. It isn’t that hard to learn and the cost is way cheaper.
The fee for a single cat grooming session, for example, ranges from RM30 to RM100. By comparison, purchasing tools such as a nail trimmer, cat brush, and cat comb will cost you below RM30 and you will get to use them multiple times. - Exercise
Just like humans, animals require exercise to remain healthy. So, no matter how cute the cartoon cat character Garfield looks by laying around all the time, you need to get your pet moving. It will reduce the need for frequent vet visits.
Furthermore, exercising with your pet can be a fun bonding session. Bringing your pet rabbit for a run in the park can be beneficial for both of you! Desa Parkcity Central Park is an example of a recreational area which happens to be pet-friendly. - Make your own toys
Following on from the previous point, providing your pet with toys will keep them healthy and active. However, purchasing them from the store can be expensive. Instead, go the DIY route and make them yourself. There are plenty of guides online and on YouTube to help you out in this area. - Buy their food in bulk
What your pet eats also influences their health so it is important to give them quality food. You can cut cost in this area by buying in bulk. In general terms, the bigger the package of food you can find, the cheaper it will be.
Also, a money-saving tip that can be applied to almost everything is when something you need is on sale, you should buy it in bulk. This advice was given by billionaire investor Mark Cuban of the popular TV show “Shark Tank”.
“Chances are, their prices are going to go up. That’s real savings that you get to put in your pocket,” he said. However, you should also be mindful of things like how much quantity you would require in the long term and the expiry date of the item. - Always look around
Whether it is food, toys, grooming tools or anything else that you need to purchase for your pet, make sure you look around for the best deals. Sometimes, purchasing these items online can be much cheaper and not to mention easier to make comparisons.
Websites such as Perromart, for example, not only provide attractive prices but often offer promotional deals and reward points. Of course, when you opt to purchase online, you can gain even more benefits with the right credit card. If you need help deciding, let AsSidq.com do it for you! We will match you with the best Islamic credit card offers according to your lifestyle and needs. - Skip the fashion trends
This is a simple matter of needs and wants. Your rabbit doesn’t “need” that fancy t-shirt. Your cat doesn’t “need” that Baju Raya (Raya outfit) with a songkok to complement it either. Sure, we know we said it is a two-way relationship with your pet but it would be better if you used that extra money in other areas such as quality food or grooming.
