1. Adopt a pet instead of buying a purebred.

2. Research breeds before getting a pet to be prepared for specific health or behavior issues.

3. If your pet has not yet been spayed or neutered, research programs at the local Humane Society or SPCA for low-cost options.

4. Before choosing a veterinarian, do your research. Call several local offices and ask the costs of annual examinations and vaccinations in order to choose the lowest priced veterinarian.

5. Search for discounts. The Humane Society and SPCA often offer low-priced services to seniors and low-income families so you should consider this option when searching for pet services.

6. Contact your city or county’s animal control office and ask about the possibility of low-cost shots and vaccines for your animal(s).

7. Before you agree to an expensive procedure that your veterinarian recommends, ask for a second opinion.

 8. Find a pet-sitting partner. Trade pet care with a friend or neighbor when you leave home to save the costs of boarding your pet.

9. Make sure that you give your pet the right food and enough exercise.

10. If you are considering pet insurance, research the different available policies. Also, consider saving the several hundred dollars a year you would spend on insurance premiums. This will provide an emergency fund if your pet has an emergency, but you can use it for something else if you never need it for your pet.