Pet Money Saving Advice

2520years

Hi all

It’s been years since I had a pet but my daughter wants one, so we’re thinking of getting two guinea pigs.

I’ve done some rudimentary research and the cost quoted on some websites nearly gave me a heart attack!

Does anyone have any experience they can share with me? I haven't got anything at all yet, so any help, especially about how to save money, would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Misslayed

We got a puppy recently, and we've discovered Pets at Home have a resident vet (Vets4Pets) which offers very good value for dogs. For example we've paid £99 for inoculations for life, another local vet charges £45 a time. Not applicable to small furries obvs but they may have appropriate packages for them.

ashe

What costs have you seen?

2520years

Thanks guys. About £350 to start with and about £100/month keep.

Aylesbury_Duck

2520years wrote: »

Thanks guys. About £350 to start with and about £100/month keep.

That sounds high. I assume the £350 includes the cost of a decent cage/hutch, outside run, equipment, food, vet checks, neutering, etc. but £100 a month thereafter? Only if you are very unlucky and get two very unwell pets that need lots of vet care.

2520years

Is there any way of saving on costs?

Is Pet Insurance worth getting (or is it like most insurance policies that never pay out?)

Wassa123

£100/m? Whatever for?

Once you have the indoor and outdoor pen, it!!!8217;s just dried food/seeds and potentially the odd vet visit? Least it was with my gerbils as a kid.

Got a cat now, costs less than £30/m!

Nile

Hi, we move threads if we think they’ll get more help elsewhere (please read the forum rule) so this post/thread has been moved to another board. If you have any questions about this policy please email forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com.

I’ve moved your thread from the ‘In my home’ board to the ‘Pets & Pet Care’ board, where it is better suited.

Regards

Nile

Red-Squirrel_2

Don!!!8217;t skimp on the size of the cage/run, but have a look on eBay/gumtree/Facebook for 2nd hand ones.

2520years

Thanks! I!!!8217;ll look into ex-owners who may be getting rid of everything together. The animals themselves - is it okay to buy off Gumtree?

SensibleSarah

Yes, definitely look for second hand hutch & run on local selling sites - you can usually get really decent size ones for a lot less than you could get smaller ones new.
Not sure what the £100 monthly upkeep you quoted includes? I have 4 cats and a fairly large dog and probably spend just a bit more than that that on insurance, food, vets etc