Sugar is my first dog, and I love her dearly. When I first brought her home, I was prepared for the snuggles, the walks, the laughter, and love. But those unexpected vet bills, were nowhere on my radar. So, I learned early that a budget was essential to this dog mom lifestyle.
Here are four strategies I’ve used to make those “unexpected” costs a little easier to manage and a lot less stressful.
PET INSURANCE
Life is full of “What if’s?” What if I have to take my dog to the vet? What if she needs shots? What if she jumps down too hard on her paw and starts limping (Yes, that’s happened). Pet insurance is a health plan that covers veterinary expenses for your dog. It’s helped me managed some of those “What if?” moments.
ITEMIZED BUDGET
Having a dog can get expensive. Creating a monthly budget helped me map out your financial responsibilities for Sugar. It also helped me put my own budget in check, including adding a savings fund or insurance.
SUGAR SAVINGS ACCOUNT
Establishing a savings plan really helped me manage some of those unexpected expenses when they popped up. Whether you choose to open a savings account specifically for your dog or put a few extra dollars away for a rainy day, having a something extra can reduce the some of those financial worries when the unexpected happens.
AUTOMATION
I automate as many expenses as possible for Sugar. Either the money goes straight into an account each month for a specific item, or I make sure that I schedule things in advance to avoid any surprises hitting my credit card. Expenses like food, appointments, birthday gifts, etc. usually happen around the same time, so it’s easy to set aside money for these items. This makes it easier for me to manage costs. Automation also includes Sugar’s savings fund.
What has helped you navigate some of those unexpected expenses? We’d love to hear from you. Stay connected and share your pupcake stories with us @pupcakesugar.
Also, baking your dog treats is not only self-care, but It’s also a great way to save a little money. Check out our Pupcakes page or one of our recipe books for fun recipes to try at home with the dog you love.
