by Lalinda De La Fuente

Pets need food. Pets also need toys. They also incur medical bills, grooming bills, and boarding bills when you are away. Pets offer lots of love and companionship but are also a fairly large expense. But did you know that your local humane society can be your best friend when trying to saving some green during this time of economic uncertainty?

The humane societies of today are not merely shelters anymore. Many of them have become savvy businesses, offering local patrons pet-related services at a discounted price. Not only does this allow you to save some cash, but it helps them raise much-needed funds to support their shelter. Check with you local humane societies to see if they offer any of the following services.*

Grooming
Humane societies will often have an in-house groomer. The Humane Society of Greater Miami offers grooming services to South Floridians with packages starting at only $35. Not only do they use this groomer for all of their animals, they also allow patrons to take advantage of the affordable prices while financially helping the humane society. Their groomer, Veronica Murphy, has more than 10 years of experience and offers a full service pet salon that includes fur grooming, ear cleaning, nail clipping, and even teeth brushing. All customers are even eligible for $5 off their first visit.

Boarding
Everyone wants to make sure their pets are in good hands when they go out of town. Many humane societies are now offering boarding services at prices much cheaper than other facilities and pet hotels. The Santa Barbara Humane Society will board your dog for just $10 per day or your cat for only $8 per day. Little extras, such as time in their exercise yard, extra feedings and special care, are available for only a few dollars more. Remember though that all pets need to be up-to-date with their vaccinations before entering most boarding facilities.

Spay and Neuter/Vaccination Clinics
To spay or neuter your pet at your local vet can cost hundreds of dollars. Most humane societies offer spay/neuter clinics at a discounted price. At the PAWS Chicago Spay and Neuter Clinic they offer free spay and neuter surgeries for Public Assistance Chicago Residents and feral cats. For those that are not eligible for this free surgery, low cost spay and neuter clinics are available. The PAWS Chicago Clinic offers the surgery for dogs at only $75 and for cats for only $25. Also consider having your pet vaccinated at these clinics for very affordable prices.

Dog Training Courses
Does your pooch never seem to listen? Does he tear up your home when you’re at work? Does she have trouble with house-training? Do not despair. High-priced dog training courses are not the only answer to your pet’s behavioral problems. Many humane societies and shelters offer lower priced training courses for your dog that are lead by qualified individuals. The SPCA of Los Angeles offers an 8-week Puppy 101 course for only $100 (only $80 for dogs adopted at their shelter). These six one-hour sessions will help get your puppy off on the right foot…or paw. The SPCA LA also offers a variety of other training courses for around the same price. Check with your local humane society or shelter to see their schedule of courses.

Microchipping
Microchipping your pet is a popular choice today among pet parents who want to safeguard against losing their pets. The good news about this procedure is that it’s quick, safe and inexpensive. Most humane societies offer microchipping for extremely low prices, many times just $10 or $20. The Humane Society of Tampa Bay offers microchip clinics on the second Thursday of every month for only $15 per pet. Registration of the microchip can be done by mail or online for little more than you paid for the procedure.

Pet Cremations
Nobody wants to think about their pet passing but when you do many humane societies are there to help. Not only do many offer grief counseling and advice, they also offer cremation services. The Humane Society of Tampa Bay offers private pet cremation services though an outside vendor. Cremations for pets under 40 pounds is $75 and $100 for pets over 40 pounds.

Check back at ONLYforPETLOVERS for Part 2 of Money Saving Tips for Pet Parents to learn other ways that you can save money on your pets from where to find money saving coupons to how to get freebies for your pet.

Contact Information

The Humane Society of Greater Miami
Adoption Center: (305) 696-0800
Grooming Salon: (305) 749-1850
www.humanesocietymiami.org

Santa Barbara Humane Society
(805) 964-4777
http://sbhumanesociety.org/

SPCA Los Angeles
Administrative Offices: (888) SPCA-LA1
www.spcala.com

PAWS Chicago
Spay and Neuter Clinic: (773) 521-SPAY (7729)
www.pawschicago.org

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay
(813) 876-7138
www.humanesocietytampa.org

*All services, prices and contact information are as of the posting date and are subject to change at any time.