7 Ways to Pamper Your Pet on a Budget

Do you treat your pets like children? If so, you're not alone. Our furbabies deserve to be spoiled, but if you don't keep track of your spending, you can easily go overboard! 

With National Dog Day just around the corner on August 26, we're sharing all the secrets to giving your dog (or cat, or turtle, or bunny) the royal treatment without spending a fortune. 

1. Develop your grooming skills 

As the pet parent of a standard poodle — a breed notorious for its high-maintenance grooming needs — I quickly picked up some basic grooming skills despite having no prior experience. Sure, my boy has never sported the show-stopping continental cut, but his rough-and-tumble look suits his goofball personality. 

Honing your at-home grooming skills can save you a significant amount of money over the life of your pet. Here are some tips to help you get started: 

Invest in quality tools 

Admittedly, there’s an initial investment to purchase the tools and products you’ll need to bathe, brush, and trim your pet. Once you have what you need, however, you can’t deny the long-term savings. 

Quality grooming tools, such as a breed-appropriate brush, sturdy comb, and electric nail grinder, can last for years and ensure your pet always looks their best. 

Save on bath products 

You don’t have to buy expensive pet shampoos and conditioners to keep your pet clean and fresh. In fact, the brand Mane ‘n Tail is so gentle and effective that it can be used on dogs, cats, horses, and humans! 

Take it slow 

If your pet seems stressed or uncooperative, don’t force them to sit through an entire grooming session in one go. Introduce each tool gradually, take it slow, and keep their favorite treats on hand. Spa time should be a positive bonding experience for you both. 

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2. Make your own pet treats 

Making your own pet treats is a great way to spoil your pet on a budget. It also allows you to control the ingredients, which is a major advantage if your pet has any food allergies or sensitivities. 

Keep it simple 

Most homemade pet treat recipes require minimal ingredients and are easy to make. 

One of my dog’s favorites is a one-ingredient sweet potato chew. Simply slice a sweet potato into thin strips or circles, arrange them in a single layer on a cookie sheet, and dehydrate them in the oven at 250 degrees for about three hours. 

Use everyday ingredients 

Search online for treat recipes that use items you already have in your fridge or pantry. Canned pumpkin, oats, bananas, peanut butter, sweet potatoes, unsweetened applesauce, and flour are common ingredients, so you may not even need to make a special trip to the grocery store! 

3. Keep them entertained 

Regular playtime is essential for your pet’s overall health. Play promotes physical exercise, prevents boredom, relieves stress, alleviates behavioral issues, and strengthens your bond. Fortunately, keeping your pet entertained doesn’t have to be expensive. 

Craft DIY pet toys 

If you have a cat that’s ever been more interested in the cardboard delivery box than the surprise gift inside, you know that DIY toys are just as fun and engaging (if not more!) than store-bought versions. 

For example, you can repurpose an old T-shirt, pillowcase, or sheet as a tug toy. Wrap the fabric around an empty plastic bottle and secure it with knots. Your pup will love the crinkly sound! 

Shop smart 

If you’re not crafty and prefer buying pet toys, look for deals at discount stores and online marketplaces. Pet supply stores will generally charge more, but they usually have a small clearance section you might want to keep an eye on. 

Whether you buy or make your pet’s toys, rotate them regularly to keep them interested and engaged. 

4. Head outside 

Adventuring with your pet not only provides much-needed exercise, but it’s a great bonding experience, as well. 

Explore local parks and trails 

Take advantage of your community’s pet-friendly outdoor spaces. These outings provide great exercise and allow your pet to explore new environments. 

Search BringFido.com for local activities and attractions in your area. 

Book a Sniffspot 

If you have a reactive dog, Sniffspot can connect you with private dog parks you can rent by the hour. Hosts offer up their own backyards, acreages, and farms to ensure your pup has an exciting and safe place to explore. 

Build a catio 

If you own your home, consider building a small DIY catio for your cat. All you need is some 16-gauge fencing wire, pliers, and material for the frame (2x4s or PVC pipes work great). 

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5. Plan a playdate 

Socializing your pet builds confidence, promotes mental well-being, prevents behavioral issues, and helps with training. Ideally, you should start socializing your pet early and introduce them to every situation and sound they might encounter later in life.

Connect with other pet owners 

Reach out to friends, family, or neighbors who have pets and set up a time for them to meet and play with your furbaby. This can be a great way for your pet to make new friends and burn off energy in a fun and social environment. 

Choose a safe location 

Select a secure and pet-friendly location for the playdate, such as a fenced backyard, a local dog park, or a designated pet play area. Ensure the space is free from hazards and provides enough room for the pets to run and play safely. 

Bring toys and treats 

To keep the playdate exciting and engaging, bring along a variety of toys and treats. Interactive toys like balls, frisbees, and tug ropes can help keep the pups entertained, while treats can be used as rewards for good behavior. 

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6. Subscribe to a monthly pet box 

Subscription boxes can be a smart way to save on high-quality pet treats and toys. For example, KitNipBox cost about $20 a month and includes all-natural, healthy cat products. 

I personally get all my dog’s treats and toys from his BarkBox subscription. The cost is less than what I’d pay for similar items at a pet store, and he gets so excited when his box arrives. 

Popular pet subscription boxes worth checking out include: 

• KitNipBox 
• BarkBox 
• Goody Box by Chewy 
• Pooch Perks 
• BoxDog 
• Pet Treater 
• meowbox 

7. Give them their own space 

Your furbaby deserves a cozy and stimulating environment, but you don't have to spend a fortune to create one. 

Create a simple pet bed

Dog beds and cat condos are expensive. If you can’t afford to splurge, you can make a DIY pet bed from old pillows and blankets. Secondhand stores are usually stocked with gently used blankets, sheets, throw pillows, and other items you can repurpose as pet bedding. 

Organize their belongings 

Keep your pet's toys, bedding, and other items organized within their space. Use baskets, bins, or repurposed containers to store items that don’t require supervision where they can access them. 

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Spoil your pet on any budget 

Remember, the best gifts you can give your pet are your time and attention. Pampering your pet and keeping them happy doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. With a little effort and resourcefulness, you can create joyful moments and lasting memories, ensuring your pet feels cherished every day.