Instructions
Adopt a dog from a pet shelter. Compared to purchasing a new dog or receiving a dog for free, your adopted dog may already have received its shots, been examined by a veterinarian and neutered. According to PetEducation.com, you may receive the dog's health records and life history from its previous owner.
Search for sales. Look for coupons in the mail, in the store or online for dog food or dog-related items. Go to Petsmart.com to search for special in-store sale events by typing in your ZIP code or go to DoggieCoupon.com to search for online dog item coupons.
Feed your dog according to its weight and activity level. Do not overfeed your dog. If you are unsure of how much your dog weighs, contact your veterinarian about your dog's ideal weight.
Visit secondhand stores to purchase your dog's toys. Search for your dog's toys at your local Salvation Army thrift store or at your local Goodwill thrift store.
Invest in pet insurance to help you pay for veterinary costs.
How to Budget for a Dog
Having a dog is like having an extended family member in your home. Even though you love your dog and wish the best for it, your dog can be pretty expensive, considering you have to feed it, groom it and make sure it's in perfect health. With the cost of living, dog expenses can become unbearable. However, you can creatively work around your budget to make your life easier as a dog owner.