All across America people are cutting back on spending wherever they can. Leading financial advisor Suze Orman recently challenged Oprah’s viewers to begin living on half of their income in an attempt to prepare for the worst. As the current economic climate worsens, many families begin looking at their animals as an added expense. As a result, more and more people are bringing their animals to shelters because they simply cannot afford to keep them. In fact, People Magazine recently reported on the rising influx of animals in shelters across America (April 13, 2009). The magazine cited statistics from the Sacramento SPCA Shelter, which saw almost 1000 more pets given up in 2008 than in 2007. So many shelters face overcrowding that the Humane Society of the U.S. has even created the Foreclosure Pets Grant program in an effort to assist such shelters.  If you and your family are looking for ways to decrease your monthly expenses while keeping your family dog as part of the household, read the steps below for a few ideas.

Step 1: Switch to a less expensive food. Dog food is an expense that occurs over and over, month after month. While most books, articles and veterinarians will tell you that a high quality dog food is the most important factor in a dog’s health, it’s not a luxury all families can afford right now. If you feel any guilt about it, consider it a temporary situation and know that in the long run, it won’t have that large an impact on your dog’s overall health. Use a measuring cup when feeding your dog to ensure that you are not overfeeding him, which will help keep his weight (and the grocery bill) down.  Also, investigate the bulk dog food prices at your local club membership stores. The annual membership fee will cost you, but most likely you’ll get your money’s worth in savings.

Step 2: Cancel all grooming appointments. This is an expense that can really add up, even for families who only use grooming services intermittently. For most breeds, it’s not considered a necessity to visit the groomer. If your dog needs a trim or a shave, purchase a kit and do it at home yourself.

Step 3: Do not enlist the service of a pet sitter. While most families have cut down on vacations in this economy, there are some situations that necessitate your family leaving your pet at home. Offer to trade pet sitting services with family, friends and neighbors who also have pets.

Step 4: Trade toys or go back to basics. If your dog is getting bored of his toys, ask your neighbor to trade toy baskets for a week or two. If you don’t have the money to buy toys for your kids, now is not the time to spend money on dog toys. Go out back and find a good old fashioned stick to toss to your pooch.

Step 5: It can’t hurt to ask. If you need to visit the vet, ask for discounts based on your loyalty or willingness to refer their services. Ask your veterinarian for discounts on medication if it’s paid in full or purchased in bulk for months at a time. Look online for cheaper medication options if necessary.  Also, talk to your vet about the frequency of flea medicine administration. Some pets who live in high altitudes or places that experience freezing temperatures can get away with skipping a few flea treatments.

Step 6: Check out community resources. Many communities offer lower priced immunizations in conjunction with pet adoption days, fairs or school district fundraisers.  Call around and look online for services such as these within your community.

If you’ve tried all of the above steps and you’ve exhausted all of your options but are still unable to afford the cost of pet ownership, make every attempt to find a home for your dog before you bring him to a shelter. Perhaps you can even find a temporary living situation for your dog until you’re in a financial situation to take over his care once again. Even though times are tough for American families, it’s times like these that we need the loyalty and companionship of our family dog; do what you can for him and you’ll be rewarded with love and affection for his lifetime.

This article was posted by an author from Discount Pet Mall. A site carrying dog car seats, orthopedic dog beds, and pet crates.

With pet ownership, it seems like there is a number of things you must do just to keep a pet in your home.  When required to license their beloved pooches, many owners ask “why.”  What’s the point in licensing a dog?  Although it may seem like a money-making technique, licensing is important for a dog, the owner, and the rest of the community.  Here’s a few reasons why licensing is important for your pet.

The history of dog licensing has been traced back to the 1700s, so it’s not a new requirement.  Dog licensing was first enacted to protect the livestock of farmers.  Many dogs roamed free, often getting into trouble with sheep.  Farmers needed a way to be reimbursed for their livestock when a dog wreaked havoc on the farm.  Eventually, cities started requiring animal owners to register their dogs.  They had to submit their information, along with information describing their pet, to a local government office.  If a farmer had problems with a dog, he could give a description to the office and be reimbursed for his damages.

Now, dog licensing is a way to protect the animal instead of a way to safeguard livestock.  Instead of merely describing your dog to an animal control office, you must provide certain paperwork.  In return, you receive a dog tag that identifies your pet and you as the owner.  Hence, benefit number one:  your dog carries your contact information.  If he gets lost or picked up by animal control, he is more likely to be returned to you.  You may not even have to go to look for him at the shelter if things are handled appropriately!  The same is true if your dog is injured.  Perhaps he escapes from his pen while you are away at work.  If he gets in a fight with another dog or finds his way into the street, you can feel a little better knowing that he can be helped, and you can be notified of the situation, before you return home.

Licensing also protects your dog and other people.  Areas with known cases of rabies may require that your pet has his rabies vaccination before he is licensed.  If he were to bite someone, then you have proof that your licensed pet is rabies free.  It can help keep your pooch alive and keep someone from having to undergo rabies treatment.

Many areas require that a dog is licensed, but some areas still do not.  You can wager that cities or highly populated areas will require the licensing.  The licensing fees vary according to the area, the breed of dog, and whether or not the dog has been spayed or neutered.  Often, the fee is reduced for fixed dogs.  This is a way for animal agencies to encourage animal control and discourage the number of homeless animals.

Certain breeds, normally aggressive breeds, are often charged with higher licensing fees and may have to follow additional rules, such as wearing a muzzle when in public and posting “Beware of dog” signs on the property.  Dogs are not the only animals that have to be licensed; some areas require cat licensing, too.
If you are in the dark about licensing requirements in your area, then contact a local animal agency or your veterinarian.  It’s a good idea to contact them prior to bringing home a pet or shortly after.  You normally only have a certain time period to get your dog licensed.   After that period, you may incur additional fees.

Most areas offer multiple ways to go about licensing, including applying in person, over the Internet, or through standard mail.  Before you apply for the license, make sure your pet has had any and all required vaccinations or procedures; it can save you a few dollars and may save you from an application headache!
Licensing a pet may seem a bit over the top, but it is beneficial in many ways.  The practice started long ago to protect livestock, and now it protects your pet, you, and the community.  To find out if you need to license your pet, contact a local animal agency or your veterinarian.  Ask the organization what your pet needs before he can be licensed.  Remember, licensing is not free, so also ask about any fees associated with the process.  If your pooch ever leaves home, you’ll be glad you got him licensed!

This article was submitted by the authors at pet-super-store visit their site for more on dog fences, petsafe radio fence and designer dog beds.