According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the first year of dog ownership comes with costs upwards of $1,000. Having a pet, whether it's a dog, cat, or another animal, can be costly, but most pet owners would argue that companionship is worth the price.

With visits to the veterinarian and the upkeep costs of food and other supplies, there are a lot of pet-related fees that can be managed effectively. Here are four tips for managing your pet care budget.

Have an Emergency Fund

Anything can happen with your pets. Make sure you're prepared for last-minute vet visits or procedures by having an emergency fund available. Alternatively, you may want to apply for Care Credit, which is accepted at most veterinarian offices and can also be used at many human medical offices! Most vets do not offer payment plans, so it's up to you to make sure that you are able to make the payment for your pet's vet visit right away. By putting money away into an emergency fund, you can make sure that you have money available to cover these costs and fees whenever they arise.

The last thing any pet owner wants is to have their pet injured or in need of emergency medical intervention, but, unfortunately, these are things that can happen. What's more, you know your pet better than anyone. If you have a pet who frequently has issues that require vet visits, like frequent ear infections or digestional issues, it's even more important to have a fund available to cover these visits.

Schedule Automatic Shipments

A great way to save money and stay stocked up on your pets' needs is to enroll in automatic shipments. If you schedule these shipments for food and medicine deliveries, you won't need to worry about taking trips to the store or running out of necessary supplies. Furthermore, when you enroll, you can set the date you want the transactions to take place. This means you can budget accordingly for upcoming payments.

When it comes to auto-ship, one of the additional benefits is that you should never run out of your pet's food or other supplies. Without auto-ship, buying these supplies month-to-month can add up even more than you expect, especially if you end up having to make a purchase in a pinch. Keep your pets and wallet healthy with this money and time-saving tool.

Plan Ahead

Dog and cat vaccinations typically take place each year at your pet's annual veterinarian wellness visit. Knowing that you have these costs coming up for regular veterinary services gives you ample time to plan ahead and set money aside. If you have an overall healthy pet, you can plan on one annual visit and set money aside over the course of the year.

Most animal hospitals keep the same rates year-to-year and would let you know ahead of time if there have been any pricing changes. You can always call and verify with them ahead of time to ensure that there won't be any unexpected changes. That being said, you should always be prepared to pay more in case the vet finds something amiss with your pet.

Book in Bulk

If your pet requires grooming services or you choose to send your pet to daycare, another way to plan ahead is by scheduling appointments in groups. Many groomers and daycare centers will discount appointments or sessions when they're purchased in bulk. Not only does this method save you money, but it also provides you with the opportunity to plan your pet care budget out long-term.

Having a pet is an incredibly rewarding and exciting privilege. If you see your pet as a part of your family, it's important to make sure you can afford everything and anything they need to stay healthy and happy. Keep these tips in mind when you're planning your budget for the year ahead.

For pet owners in the area, the West Toldeo Animal Hospital would love to have you join our practice. We're as passionate about your pets as you are. Call us today to set up a new patient appointment with a veterinarian!