by Zach Bigalke

Created on: November 02, 2008   Last Updated: November 24, 2008

Everything seems to be getting more expensive these days. As the pocketbook tightens, every aspect of the budget feels pinched. We can scrutinize our purchases, cut back - but there are some things which are necessities for our very survival. The same holds true for that tabby curled up on the bookcase or the pooch lapping at the toilet bowl. Just as we humans need our daily bread and our medications to keep on living, so too do our pets. Companionship, though, doesn't have to come at the expense of... well, of running out of expenses. There are a few simple steps which pet owners can take to prevent Bowser from breaking the bank:

1. Determine true costs: Every pet, from the smallest rodents to the largest equines, needs to eat. Calculating what your pet eats each day allows a pet owner to better budget and anticipate that animal's dietary needs. Also take into account medications which a pet may need. Do you purchase catnip for your feline? Bones for your puppy? Shampoos? An animal requires regular expenses, many of which can be prepared for in advance.

2. Look for potential bargains: Knowing what you need to purchase for your pet allows you to then seek out better prices for these expenditures. Shop around at various locations. Perhaps a medication costs less on the Internet. Maybe one grocery store sells your pet's food for a cheaper price than where you regularly go. You shop around when buying for yourself; why WOULDN'T you when shopping for your pet?

3. Think bulk: If an outdoor cat needs a monthly dose of Frontline, buying a six- or twelve-month supply of the medication is always going to cost less per dose than purchasing a single application each cycle. Also, buying larger quantities of food reduce the per-meal cost for your pet. Common sense and long-term planning go a long way in making it easier to keep your pet as happy as possible for as little money as possible.

The economic crunch will undoubtedly hit in strange ways. But by following these three simple tips, evicting your pet won't have to be one of your survival strategies in a time of recession.

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