7 Ways to Make Sure You Choose the Right Pet For Your Budget

Choosing a pet is a big decision for you and your family, and is something that shouldn't be treated lightly. Listed below are seven tips to help make sure you choose the right pet for you and your budget.

Tip 1: Research a pet before you buy one: Before you buy an animal research how much it will really cost you. Think about food, vet bills, toys, treats and the like. Also consider training as well. This will give you an accurate picture of what animal is going to be right for you. You may think it's a great idea at the time for the kids, but how will you live with yourself when you have to drop it off at the pet shelter because its costing you too much.

Tip 2: Adopt a pet: There are a variety of animal shelters that will let you adopt pets. This option is definitely cheaper than buying a dog from a pet store or breeder. All of the dogs are checked thoroughly and their temperaments tested before they are allowed to be let out for adoption (piece of mind!)

Tip 3: Join an Internet forum: There are 1000s of Internet Forums which can provide you with information on your particular pet. You will also learn where you can save money. Definitely well worth your time finding one of these.

Tip 4: Don't over feed for your pet: It is always tempting to give Whiskers or Fido a bit of extra food when you are feeding them. The occasional treat is fine, but doing it all the time will not only cost you more money in pet food, it can also cause you to spend more money on vet bills as you pet may become overweight and unhealthy.

Tip 5: Sweet Food: Don't feed them sweet stuff ever. It will just result in diabetes.

Tip 6: Use Coupons: Search newspapers, magazines and the Internet for discount coupons for food and other pet items.

Tip 7: Pure or mixed? There is heavy debate amongst pure breed and mix breed cats and dogs. The initial cost for a mixed breed animal is generally cheaper; however there may be more medical expenses in the long run. Our view is that unless you are a dog or cat enthusiast or breeder, a "safe" mixed breed pet will be fine. Mixed are generally a bit more intelligent too.

So there you have it, seven tips to help make sure you choose the right pet for your budget.

Rusty is an affiliate marketer with eight years experience. His areas of expertise include SEO, articles, ezines, blogs and PPC. Rusty is particularly interested in the areas of goal setting, time management and financial and money management. Rusty is married with three young children, is an Australian national and currently lives as an expat in the Middle East. If you want to check out all his money saving tips visit http://www.1000moneysavingtips.com or [http://www.1011moneysavingtipsebook.com]