Smart Shopping: Pet Care

WSVN -- Pets are like family, so keeping them healthy is top priority.

Margaret Grizzle: "I probably try to work on preventative medicine because waiting until something gets out of hand can be very expensive."

Yearly checkups, vaccinations and giving heartworm pills to you pooch will save you a bundle in the long run.

Dr. Mieke Baks: "Even if you are looking to save money, it is very important that you don't skimp on the preventive health care."

Doctor Mieke Baks of the Siegal Animal Clinic says savvy shoppers can save big bucks by adopting a furry friend from the Humane Society.

Dr. Mieke Baks: "When you get a pet from the Humane Society, they will be fixed, they will be vaccinated."

Some local vets may even give you special discounts for adopting a pet, so just make sure to ask and show proof. Another money saver is buying generic foods and cat litter in bulk.

Margaret: "We buy 20-pound bags of food."

When it comes to grooming, you can save about 20 to 30 bucks by learning how to groom on your own.

Robin Avery: "Sometimes I bathe them myself, and it does save money, and it's fun."

To pinch more pennies, try making your own pet toys.

Dr. Mieke Baks: "Pets value the time you spend with them a lot more than a fancy toy."

To save on getting your kitten or puppy fixed, try going to your county's animal services facility for the best deal.

Dr. Mieke Baks: "It's possible to get a rabies tag at a reduced cost if you can show proof that you really don't have the income."

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Dr. Mieke Baks
Siegal TLC Animal Clinic
12870 Biscayne Boulevard
North Miami, FL 33181
305-891-5116
http://www.siegeltlc.com/

Humane Society of greater Miami
http://www.humanesocietymiami.org/

Miami-Dade County Animal Services
www.miamidade.gov/animals