by Sarah J Palmer

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

Pet Ownership in an economic recession is just the same as pet ownership when you are permanently poor. You simply adjust and rein in your indulgent whims. Remember pets don't have a sense of class, fashion or frugality. They have basic life needs which they want you to meet. The following are tips and tricks my extended family have used over the last forty years to ensure their pets weren't adversely affected by hard times.

* Old pottery, china and ovenproof glassware dishes make good pet food and water containers. Make sure the containers are too heavy for pets to pick up and throw, as is the inclination of irate rabbits.

* Grow your own grass in a window-box or indoor planter rather than buy the pre-grown pots for your house pets.

* Save dandelions, clover, thistles, dried nettles, chickweed and groundsel when gardening to give your pet succulent green treats.

* Ask friends and family to collect cuttlefish from the beach the next time they visit the seaside. Your caged birds will be delighted with the fresh treat.

* Club together with relatives or neighbours to buy pet food in bulk to enjoy volume discounts. Frozen uncooked meat is often cheaper than the processed tinned variety.

* Buy blankets, towels and travel rugs second-hand from the thrift stores.

* Save newspapers to line litter trays or use as meal trays.

* Invest in a small shredder to shred newspaper for rodent bedding.

* Visit the market at the end of the day to pick up fruit and veg bargains for rodents and caged birds.

* Buy wormers online as these are much cheaper than buying from your vet or pet store.

* Walk your own dog to save up to 10 an hour (in England). If you need to pay for somebody to walk your dog is it really worth having one?

* Swap pet caring duties with friends or family whilst on holiday to reduce costs.

* Join a breed society or dog training club to benefit from group discounts on goods and services.

* Find a dog-grooming parlour college and ask if they offer reduced rates for trims done by students.

* Resist the urge to buy glitzy clothes, collars and mutt makeup it's an absolute waste of money. If you have spare cash your dog would rather have an edible treat.

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