Our pets are priceless.

Out of everything we own, they bring us the most joy.

The price of pet care, however, keeps going up.

A dog licks the entire face of its owner.

We looked at the two most popular pet-service apps —Rover and Wag— to help you decide which one is right for your next side hustle.

Pet owners have definitely noticed the rising cost of pet-related goods and services over the last 12 months.

Thats a lot of Milk-Bones.

Thats more than the price hike for groceries.

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However, pets are also the ultimate return on investment.

Probably not as good as youd like.

It always seems like an uphill battle to build (and keep) a decent amount in savings.

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But what if your car breaks down, or you have a sudden medical bill?

But that doesnt mean you cant get a little creative and cut some costs here and there.

Not only that, but the adoption costs often include vaccinations and health checks.

With a breeder, youre often on your own.

Nearly a million shelter animals are euthanizedin the U.S. each year.

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2.

If you shop at PetSmart, join theTreats rewards programand earn points for every dollar you spend there.

you’ve got the option to redeem the points for discounts on products and pet services.

Get free shipping on orders above $49, too.

it’s possible for you to find weekly ads for pet supply retailers online.

Buy Pet Medications Online

Lots of pet medications are cheaper online.

Here are a few places you might fill prescriptions:

5.

Dont Shop at the Vet Office

Everything from cat toothbrushes to flea collars costs more at the vets office.

Maybe your neighbors decided they dont need that extra cat carrier anymore.

Unspayed cats can damage furniture and carpet by spraying urine on them to attract males.

Unneutered dogs can be more violent, leading to possible lawsuits if they attack people.

Theres also the obvious huge cost of not fixing those pets: puppies and kittens.

Use Discounted Gift Cards

You canbuy discounted gift cardson a number of websites.

Most carry cards for more than one pet supply chain.

For example, youll find discounted gift cards for PetSmart and Petco on sites likeGift Card BinandRaise.

Stack Savings Tactics for Cheaper Food

To really reduce the cost of pet food, try deal-stacking.

Then use your credit card rebate program to increase the savings.

Even if you just overfill their dishes and the remainder sits there overnight, they probably wont eat it.

If you love your pets, youll pay whatever it costs at the moment.

To lower the cost of routine and emergency pet care, choose an affordable vet before you need one.

Use websites likeVetRatingz.comto avoid bad vets.

If you have an idea of what services your pet might need, ask about those.

12. see to it Your Pets Get Exercise

Petsbenefit from exercisejust like humans.

It helps keep them healthy and avoid obesity, which means fewer vet bills for you.

Why buy when you’re free to make it for a lot less?

Here are some examples:

14.

Make Pet Toys

Have you ever bought the perfect toy for your furry friend and they just ignored it?

All it really takes to entertain a cat is a ball of yarn.

Feed Your Pets Some Human Food

What do baked carrots, steamed broccoli and boiled eggs have in common?

But theres no reason you cantcomb and wash your pets and clip their nails yourself.

Fortunately, there are alternatives.

Find a broke friend you trust wholl work for cheap.

Leave a few beers in the fridge and you might get a deal.

Trade pet-sitting duties with friends and family to get your cost down to zero.

Instead, read one of many books that help you train your pets yourself.

Pet-Proof Your Home

Has the cat chewed through your lamp cords?

Has the pup taken down about half your shoe collection?

The American Humane Association has a list ofways to pet-proof your home.

Try saving money for your pets eventual medical needs instead.

Like property insurance (car, home, etc.

), you wont necessarily save or make money in an average scenario.

But in the event of a catastrophe, you may find pet insurance is worth the investment.

One more thing: Pet insurance premiums are lower for young pets and higher for older pets.

If youre interested in pet insurance,heres our list of the best pet insurance companies.

Senior writer Robert Bruce contributed reporting.

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