Since the Covid-19 pandemic began, you probably started seeing an increase in adoption events, pet sales and other opportunities to meet a furry friend. But taking care of any species of animal is a huge responsibility – and a huge financial burden.
If you decide to take on a pet while still in college, you’ll likely need to get creative in order to make ends meet. Here are the best ways to save on pet costs while still in school, along with some other things to consider before signing the adoption papers.
How to manage a pet in college
Having a pet in college can be rewarding and stimulating, but it can also be a financial nightmare. Here’s how to minimize those costs, so your new pet doesn’t end up breaking your budget.
Look for low-cost clinics
Keeping your pet healthy can unfortunately be more expensive than you realize. Annual vaccines can cost between $75 and $150, depending on the type of animal and how many shots they need.
If your pet is due for a vaccine, search on Google for a local low-cost clinic to find the cheapest price. Some of these clinics will let you come in for an appointment, but many are only available on a walk-in basis.
Sometimes local humane societies will sponsor a free vaccine day for the general public. You’ll usually have to wait in line for a couple of hours, but that might be worth the cost savings.
Research food prices
Pet food can be costly, especially if you have a large animal. Make sure to research the cost of food. Sites like Chewy.com and Amazon.com often have the lowest prices, but warehouse clubs like Costco often have good deals as well.
Sign up for auto shipping to have your pet’s food sent automatically to your house every month. You’ll likely get a discount, and you’ll never run out of food and have to scramble at the last minute.
Don’t skip the extras
When you have a pet on a college student’s budget, it can be easy to avoid buying more than just the essentials. But sometimes, paying a little now can save you a lot of money later.
For example, buying dental treats for your dog can help you avoid having to pay for a dental cleaning, which can cost hundreds of dollars. Getting your dog puzzles and toys can help them avoid destroying your apartment and potentially eating something harmful.
Find less expensive medication
Dogs and cats often need to be on medication year-round to prevent fleas, ticks and heartworms. These medications can cost hundreds of dollars a year, but they can keep your pet healthy and help you avoid pricey vet bills later on.
Ask the vet if there are generic options you can look for. Sites like Chewy.com and 1800PetMeds often have the lowest prices. Use browser extensions like Rakuten or Capital One Shopping to get extra cash back on your medication purchases.
What to consider before getting a pet
The cost of getting a pet can be hard to swallow for a college student, but sometimes the logistics are even more complicated. Here’s what you should think about before getting an animal:
Check the lease
Before you start visiting animal shelter websites, read through the terms of your lease and see if you’re allowed to have a pet. If you are allowed to have one, make sure you understand if you will have to pay an extra pet deposit or monthly fee.
If you’re not allowed to have one, then you can face some serious repercussions if you do wind up getting a pet. Your landlord can evict you, for instance, which can make it harder to get another apartment.
Consider your lifestyle
Having a pet in college is like having a long-distance relationship – it sounds easier in theory than it actually is in practice. If you have a dog, they will need to be let out at least two or three times a day.
Don’t just think about if you can handle the bare minimum of feeding your pet regularly; think about if you’ll have the time and energy to devote to training and playing with your pet so they don’t get lonely.
Consider post-grad plans
Getting a pet in college may seem simple, but you should consider what your life will be like after graduation. Do you want to teach English abroad for a year? Do you want to attend graduate school?
Having a pet could take some of those decisions off the table. A pet shouldn’t be something you have for a semester – it’s a lifelong commitment.
Run the numbers
Most people who get a pet say it’s more rewarding than they could’ve imagined – but it’s also often more expensive than they ever could have predicted.
Before you head to your nearest shelter, figure out how much you can actually afford to spend on a pet. Sit down and figure out your income and expenses and how much is leftover. Look at the real numbers from your bank account and credit card statements to determine how much extra you have to spend on an animal.
Pick a low maintenance pet
When it comes to finding a pet, some animals are less expensive than others. If you’re set on getting a dog, choose one that doesn’t require grooming, which can cost between $40 and $75 for each session. Also, the smaller the dog or cat, the less food you’ll have to buy. You’ll also be able to buy smaller chew toys and treats, which will be less expensive.
Some college students may choose a rodent, thinking they’re less expensive, but the start-up costs can be prohibitive. A cat is a popular choice because they need less hands-on time and are more comfortable being alone.
Adopting a senior pet can be less expensive than adopting a puppy or adolescent, but you may wind up spending more on vet bills.
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