Mar 16, 2026
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Pets change our lives for the better, and not just because they're fuzzy, tail-wagging bundles of unconditional love. According to the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), pets foster connection and community, encourage mindfulness, focus and healthy habits and support resilience and recovery (1).
But pet parenthood is getting more expensive. Canadian pet owners now spend an average of $3,500 to $5,000 per year on a dog and $1,500 to $2,500 on a cat, once you factor in food, veterinary care, grooming and supplies (2). And with inflation still squeezing household budgets, it pays to be strategic about where your money goes.
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Being pet parents ourselves, we've put together eight tried-and-tested tips to help you save money while still giving your pet the care they deserve.
1. Buy in bulk
Bulk pet food at store
Save money by bulk-buying items with a long shelf life or that won't expire. These include puppy pee training pads, poop bags, cat litter, cat toys, canned food, dry food and bedding for small animals.
If the thought of lugging home oversized packages makes your back hurt, check online retailers such as Amazon, where these goods can be delivered right to your door. If you're an Amazon Prime member, you'll enjoy free shipping, and some pet products come with recurring delivery options that save you even more.
If you're already signed up for a warehouse club, such as Costco, you're already set to take advantage of bulk pricing for certain pet supplies.
Pro tip: Head to the pet aisle to pick up a box of 100 pee pads — it's one of the best deals around.
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2. Invest in pet insurance
When covering pet expenses, pet insurance is one of the most useful tools pet owners have. Sure, you've got to shell out a certain amount each month, but spending today may save you thousands in the future if your pet becomes injured or ill.
Pet insurance premiums in Canada typically range from $30 to $100 per month depending on the species, breed, age and coverage level you choose (3). That's a manageable monthly cost compared to the $3,000 to $10,000 a serious illness or injury can cost without coverage.
Pet insurance providers — such as Petsecure✢ — offer flexible, comprehensive coverage at a monthly rate.
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Instead of absorbing big, unexpected bills all at once, Petsecure helps cover up to 80% of eligible vet bills, including taxes and exam fees.
Petsecure also offers four tiered plans depending on what you actually need — from essential coverage to unlimited accident and condition protection, plus dental and optional wellness care.
Sign up today and you can get 10% off your first year of pet insurance.
3. Build a pet budget
Budgeting is an essential part of managing costs, even when it comes to pets. From the moment your furry best friend comes home to well into their senior years, you can budget and prepare for expected costs.
Even if you're just starting your search for a pet, you'll still need to budget — make sure you account for everything from adoption or breeder fees to health care, essential supplies and more. Having a clear picture of what your pet costs each month — food, medication, grooming, daycare — also makes it easier to spot where you can trim.
Developing a budget not only helps you save money, it also eases stress. A clear expectation of how much your furry family member costs will help with long-term financial planning.
Read more: The ultra-rich are bailing on volatile stocks right now — these 4 shockproof assets are their new safe havens
4. Prioritize medical prevention
There are two ways to save money when it comes to your pet's health. First, pet insurance is a good way to avoid spending a large sum on an unexpected medical crisis.
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You can also work to prevent a health problem before it occurs, which will benefit both your wallet and your pet's well-being. A study published by HABRI found that pet owners who maintain regular veterinary check-ups report fewer emergency vet visits overall (4).
Doing what you can to keep your pet as healthy as possible will reduce the likelihood of a costly medical problem. Make sure your pet is fed a nutritious diet, gets plenty of exercise and receives regular veterinary checkups.
5. Train your dog at home
German Shepherd training (Sit command)
Seek help from a professional trainer if your dog is extremely reactive, fearful, has deeply ingrained behavioural issues or is stronger than you. But if professional training isn't in your budget right now, consider using a reward-based system at home.
Reward-based training means training your dog using positive reinforcement — typically treat rewards. This is also the Humane Society's preferred positive and cruelty-free training method. One simple example is teaching your dog to sit before giving them their meal. YouTube has a wide selection of free positive-reinforcement training resources, and apps like Dogo and GoodPup now offer guided at-home training programs for a fraction of the cost of in-person classes.
6. Groom your pet at home
Getting your long-haired, long-eared, long-nailed pet professionally groomed can cost a lot
Professional grooming sessions can run anywhere from $50 to $150 per visit depending on your pet's breed and size — and most pets need grooming every four to eight weeks (5). Doing some of that work at home can add up to hundreds of dollars in savings each year.
Some home grooming is simple: brush your long-haired pet frequently to prevent mats, brush their teeth (which helps save on dental bills), clean their ears and bathe them at home.
As with training, there are situations when it's best to call in a professional — a seriously matted dog, a pet whose nails haven't been trimmed in years or a fearful animal may be best handled by a pro. If you do groom at home, keep things positive. Use rewards during and after the process to keep your pet happy and cooperative. For best results, start handling and grooming your pet when he’s young.
7. Spay or neuter your pet
There are many economical, practical, and ethical reasons to spay or neuter your pet
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North America has a significant pet overpopulation problem, and it's partly due to unsterilized pets creating unplanned litters. There are many economical and ethical reasons to spay or neuter your pet.
When you leave a male cat intact, it wants to mark territory, find a mate and fight with other males. Dogs that aren't neutered can be more aggressive, and some larger breeds are more susceptible to certain cancers. Unspayed females of both species risk unplanned litters and hormone-related health issues.
Getting your pet fixed helps reduce the overpopulation problem — and you'll save money by avoiding costs tied to territorial marking, accidental litters and some preventable health conditions. Many Canadian humane societies and low-cost clinics offer subsidized spay and neuter programs; check with your local SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) for current options.
8. DIY toys and treats
Skip the expensive pet store toys. Many mass-produced plastic pet toys are poorly constructed, can break easily and may even become a safety hazard. Instead, focus on creating engaging DIY toys that your pets will love just as much, if not more.
For cats, simple household items can provide hours of entertainment — they naturally gravitate toward cardboard boxes and paper balls that mimic prey. Dogs are equally content with homemade toys, such as braided fleece blankets or old T-shirts tied into knots that make perfect tug toys, or a secure sock containing an empty water bottle for a satisfying crinkly sound.
Homemade treats are another great way to save. During the holidays, homemade dog treats are also a thoughtful, budget-friendly gift for other pet parents. If you're new to treat-making, try a simple peanut butter and pumpkin dog treat recipe — it calls for healthy ingredients that are good for dogs and chances are, you've already got most of them in your kitchen (6).
Article sources
We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines.
Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) (1, 4); Rover (2); Canadian Federation of Humane Societies (3, 5); ThatFluffingDog (6)
✢ Disclaimer: The views and information shared in this article are based on my personal experiences and general understanding. The author is not a licensed insurance agent, broker, or advisor, and nothing in this piece should be interpreted as insurance advice or a recommendation.
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Amy Tokic is an SEO content editor for Money.ca. She holds a B.A. in Communications from the University of Windsor. Amy is an award-winning author and has been writing professionally for 15 years, publishing articles in the lifestyle and health sectors. In her free time, Amy loves perusing used book and record stores, and chasing squirrels with wild abandon (a habit attributed to spending too much time with her pooches).
Managing Money • Mar 20
