by Dee Shaffer

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

Your 401k just took a near-fatal hit, your company is considering lay-offs, and your family's budget is already so tight that it squeaks. Wait. Maybe that was just your beloved pets looking at you with empty food bowls. How are you going to care for Sparky and Lil' Miss in these difficult days of our economy? They are a huge part of your family, so giving them up is not an option. Get resourceful!

If you are like most pet owners, you indulge a little (okay a lot) for your "children". They are used to getting tons of rawhide chews, extra squeaky toys when your neighbors have birthdays, and a new wardrobe every season. Trust that they will love you just the same when you walk through the doors at night, so now is a good time to implement some spending discipline. You might need a bit of therapy, but that's another story.

Illness and ailments are costly when you take Sparky and Lil' Miss to the vet, so try your very best to stay on your veterinarian recommended check-up routine. These visits are preventative in nature and they can address potential health issues now and save you big bucks later.

Watch the paper and check your local animal shelter's website for pet related events. Often there are pet suppliers and vendors with specials and free pet supply give-aways. Of course, give a tax-deductible donation to your local animal shelter while you are there, but take advantage of the savings on-site.

If you are worried that your pets will grow tired of their food, have confidence knowing they won't. Now that we have this issue resolved, go to your nearest store and buy their food and litter in bulk. This will save you an extraordinary amount of money in the long run, and they will not resent you for the lack of variety in their meals.

Finally, if you live near a university with a veterinary program, take your pets there for their health care needs. The cost will be substantially less than a regular veterinarian and the care will likely be just as good because student vets are well supervised. This will save you a lot and you won't compromise quality in the process.

Sparky and Lil' Miss are happy to be where they are and will gladly give up royalty status to stay with you through tough times.

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