How to... keep the cost of owning a pet down

A NEW pet may be super-cute and loveable but the cost of owning it can soon add up, from food and toys to vets’ bills and insurance.

Abigail Yearley, a spokeswoman at TopCashback.co.uk, says: “Whether you’re considering getting a pet, or have a longstanding member of the household, it’s worth taking a look at your spending to see if you can cut costs.”

Here are her tips: DO YOUR RESEARCH Don’t pick one that will cost a fortune to buy and to care for. Pedigree animals may have a bigger up-front cost and some animals may be pricey in medical bills if they’re prone to bad health.

A rescue pet may cost less to buy, so looking into adoption may be the best option. MAKE A PET BUDGET Include food, grooming, insurance and any other costs. Any spare money left over can go into an emergency pot. CUT THE COST OF PET INSURANCE Shop around and make the most of comparison websites. Make sure you choose an option that caters for your needs. BUY OWN-LABEL FOOD It’s important to figure out what your pet needs and ensure the brand you buy offers that, but you may find that cutting out expensive branded food massively impacts your bank balance and makes no difference to your pet. Try swapping them for own-brand pet foods that cost a fraction of the price. BUY FOOD IN BULK Work out the cost per gram, as you may find that bigger bags of food can work out to less. DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR DEMOS OR HELP Get a demo from your vet or groome, then brushing or nail clipping can be done at home.