Caring for a pet <\/strong><\/em>can be a big expense<\/strong><\/em>, with owners spending between $600 and $3,000 a year depending on the breed and budget.<\/p>\n Josh Elledge from the Savings Angel.com has some advice to help save on pet-related expenses.<\/p>\n VETERINARY CARE\/MEDICATIONS:<\/p>\n Veterinary care can be one of the largest expenses with medications for everything from fleas to heartworm to more specific medications for your pet’s ailments. It is possible to purchase medications through online pharmacies and save yourself a good deal of money. While critics may warn about the dangers of buying medications online, this is a particularly important option for families who might not otherwise be able to afford the medications their pet needs.<\/p>\n There are only 16 online pharmacies that are registered with the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. This association reviews the pharmacy’s practices to ensure they are compliant with all proper requirements.<\/p>\n While not completely fail-safe, experts I’ve listened to urge owners who wish to buy medications online to make sure they are doing business only with these sites. You can find the list atnabp.net<\/p>\n One option that might be a possibility is to ask your vet if she or he will match the pricing of an Internet retailer. Our vet has given us a nominal discount or recommended a rebate that was otherwise unknown when we’ve asked.<\/p>\n FOOD:<\/p>\n The second area that you can possibly save yourself a good deal of money is pet <\/strong><\/em>food. There are many options available for feeding your pet. Some owners opt for economy varieties. Economy varieties include Alpo, Beneful, Hill’s Science Diet, Kibbles ‘n Bits, and Purina. There are manufacturer coupons aplenty, which can add to the savings. In our database at SavingsAngel.com, we regularly see these brands for 50-70% off retail prices. Getting deals like this involve timing your purchase and applying a high-value coupon at the same time.<\/p>\n Obviously, these brands are inexpensive by comparison, but can contain a large amount of filler like wheat, corn and soy. It’s important that you review the labels and talk to your vet to discuss your pet’s needs. You can also choose premium brands like Iams, Eukanuba, and some varieties of Hill’s Science Diet. Large corporations own all these brands now (Procter & Gamble, Colgate-Palmolive). This is helpful from the standpoint in that coupons are available for budget-minded shoppers. Iams and Hill’s, for example, recently published a $3 coupon that can make for some very good savings. Hill’s is also offering a $12.99 rebate on selected varieties.<\/p>\n When purchasing, make sure to read the label. There are four things you want to look for:<\/p>\n 1. The guaranteed analysis. (How much fat & protein in the food.<\/p>\n 2. The nutritional adequacy statement<\/p>\n 3. The ingredients (avoid foods with too much filler.)<\/p>\n 4. The feeding guidelines<\/p>\n