Money Saving Tips for Senior Pet Owners

Money Saving Tips for Pet Owners, by Rebecca Quimby

In today's less-than-robust economy, everyone is trying to find ways to save money, and pet owners are no exception. After all, owning a pet can be expensive. According to an American Pet Products Association survey, we spend over $45 billion a year on our pets. But having a dog or cat doesn't have to be a pricey proposition, here are our top five budget-friendly tips for getting and taking care of that animal family member.

1. Start By Rescuing A Pet
If you are pinching pennies (and even if you aren't), go visit your local animal shelter. They have animals of all ages, temperaments and sizes and often only charge what it costs to vaccinate and spay the animal.

If there is a specific breed that you absolutely adore, you still may find your true love at the shelter as pets of all breeds end up needing new homes. Or reach out to the breed-specific rescue organizations. For example, you might find the perfect pooch at Chihuahua Rescue, PugRescue.com, or French Bulldog Rescue Network. You can also search for dog-breed clubs in your area. They often have rescue or fostering organizations that can help connect you to the breed of your dreams while also giving a home to a pup in need.

2. Take Advantage Of Subsidized Spay/Neuter Services
At your local vet, paying full price to get your dog fixed can cost up to $200-300. But many organizations offer discount services, sometimes charging as low as $45 or nothing at all. Check ASPCA's special search function for low-cost and free resources in your area. SPAY/USA and Friends of Animals also provide great lists of low-cost services.

3. Buy Discounted Pet Food
Sites such as Pets Warehouse, PetFooder, PetFoodDirect and large retailers such as Costco, Petco and PetSmart may offer big discounts on your favorite brand of dog food or even special bulk pricing. You should also check out some of the online coupon web sites such as couponmountain.com, slickdeals.net and fatwallet.com or register at your pet food company's site for email newsletters and discount offers.

4. Shop Around for Vet Services
Clearly you want to give your animal the best care you can afford but vet bills can run you up to $340 a year, and that cost skyrockets if your pet has an illness or accident. Ask your vet about discounts, which may be available if you have more than one animal. Check out PetSmart's in-store vet offices which offer coverage for a flat annual fee that can potentially save you up to 50 percent on your veterinary care or Petco's Vaccination and Preventative Services offerings.

Also consider bringing your pet to a veterinary school clinic for discounted care. Once you've gotten a prescription for medications from the vet, comparison shop online to see if you can get better deals on pharmaceuticals at sites such as PetCareRx and 1-800-PetMeds. For people who are really in a bind, The Humane Society offers a list of services that provide financial aid to pet-owners in need.

5. Practice Preventative Care
Save money on vet and grooming bills by doing basic petcare and maintenance at home. Start by brushing your dog's teeth or cat's teeth to prolong the time between pricey professional cleanings and extend your animal's life. Grooming your own pet will save you lots of money too and there are many videos online to teach you grooming techniques. Also, just like with humans, a sensible diet and plenty of exercise will work wonders to keep the pounds from creeping up and help keep your pet healthy and happy.

Most of all, remember that what your pet wants and needs most is simply your love and attention. And those, mercifully, are free.

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

You Should Take Your PETS With You

It's Important For Older People To Keep Their Pets

Jennifer White reports on a survey of more than 4,000 members of the public by PFMA, the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association, which revealed that 90% of people think that separation from a pet is traumatic for older people entering residential care or sheltered accommodation.

The TNS research also found 83% agree pets make their owners happier and 54% think pet owners should be able to make the choice about entering care facilities after seeing the accommodation policy.

Pets provide significant benefits to elderly people; those who keep pets when entering care homes enjoy a smoother transition into residential care, as well as significant health benefits, such as a lower risk of heart attack and stroke. Other proven health benefits for older people with pets include: reduced blood pressure and cholesterol; improved recovery from heart attacks and strokes; better social interactions in people with dementia; and fewer GP visits.

Conducted in March 2010, the research helped shape the PFMA’s goal to ensure all leading UK housing providers implement responsible pet policies that enable older people to make an informed choice about their future. This commitment is part of the organisation’s 2020 vision to make a better world with pets, launched to mark its 40th anniversary.

The PFMA is working closely with SCAS (Society for Companion Animal Studies) and MPs taking the issue forward – including Ian Cawsey, Nick Palmer and Nigel Waterson – to strive for fairer treatment of the older pet-owning public.

Ian Cawsey, MP for Brigg and Goole, said: ‘Today we have more than 11 million elderly adults living in Britain, of whom approximately 25% are pet-owners. This figure is estimated to rise to 14 million by 2026 and the majority of these people will eventually require some form of residential care. Unfortunately growing older often involves inevitable heartache and loss but being separated from a pet when entering care facilities should not be part of it. This is why I welcome the PFMA’s 2020 goal to ensure care facilities implement responsible pet policies over the next decade.”

CASE STUDY: A SUCCESSFUL PET-FRIENDLY HOUSING SCHEME

Wandsworth Borough Council operates a positive pet policy and has been permitting pets in sheltered schemes since 2001. Wandsworth’s executive member for housing Martin D Johnson said: “Pet ownership is an enriching part of many elderly people’s lives. As well as offering companionship, they keep their owners active and are a link to social activities that prevent isolation.
We’ve had pets in our sheltered schemes for nine years without a single significant problem. Our experience proves this type of housing can easily accommodate animals and there is no need to deny elderly people the pleasures and benefits of pet ownership.
We want other housing providers to rethink their attitudes to animals and realise the huge benefits they represent.”

OTHER SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH PROMOTING BENEFITS OF PETS TO OLDER PEOPLE:

Older people who are forced to part with a pet when moving into residential care can suffer feelings of bereavement that are similar to the loss of a family member. Severe reactions can lead to depression, disturbed sleep or eating patterns, and even physical illness (source: McNicholas, J. & Collis, G.M. (1995), ‘The end of a relationship: coping with pet loss.’).

Pet ownership in older people is also associated with better coping with major life stresses, such as bereavement, which is more common in older people. Pet owners adjust to spousal bereavement better than non-owners

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

I am 88 years old. Am I too old to have new pet?

From the Will Rogers Institute.

It's important to consider the pros and cons of adopting another companion pet. Just giving a a wonderful home and excellent care may not be enough. Your concern about outliving a new pet also tells me you are very wise about the lifetime commitment an adoption may require - more than 15 years for most pets according to the Humane Society.

I suggest you contact 2nd Chance 4 Pets, or (408) 871-1133, to learn more about lifetime care planning for companion pets. This is the process of documenting instructions for the care of a companion pet, formally identifying guardians and setting aside funds for the care of a companion pet. Arranging for a trusted guardian and caregiver may relieve your worries. The information provided by 2nd Chance 4 Pets is free, but it is not a substitution for legal advice, especially if you are considering setting aside funds for a companion pet's care.

Your local Humane Society is another free source for information and advice. Their counselors may help you assess your ability to care for a companion pet by asking:

•Do you have time for a pet?
•Can you afford a pet?
•Are you prepared to deal with special problems that a pet can cause?
•Is it a good time for you to adopt a pet?
•Is your home suitable for the pet you have in mind?
•Do you have a caregiver if you are away?
•Are you prepared to care for your pet for his or her entire lifetime?

I also suggest you discuss your concerns about pet adoption with your children, doctor and/or veterinarian. They are likely to be aware of your emotional and physical needs as well as your ability to care for a companion pet.

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524