The first thing you can do: Be frugal with the extra things. Toys and special treats are nice and something your pet deserves, but that doesn't mean you need to go wild buying them. In reality most pets are more content spending time playing with you than playing with a toy, so keep that in mind before buying too many of the extras for your pet. When you do buy extra treats, stock up while they are on sale at a discount store (or buy discount pet supplies by using a coupon code at an online pet store.)

Veterinary bills can be the biggest pet cost. You do not want your pet to suffer, but vet bills can be steep. To save money, you may want to check out veterinary schools, which often offer lower cost services because students are administering them (under the watchful eye of a professional).

You may also want to learn how to do some things on your own, such as administering vaccinations and treating small wounds. You can also look into pet insurance, which can really help to cut costs, too.

If your pet needs medication on a frequent or regular basis, see if you can save by ordering them online. It's a good idea to stick to the reputable, established pet medication merchants and make sure that you are getting the same brand name that your vet offers.

Another way to help reduce your vet bills is through preventative care, which can help keep your pet from needing the vet. Always buy quality pet food that contains the vitamins your pet needs to stay healthy. Keep your pet in your yard or inside the house to prevent him from running away and possibly getting injured. You should also consider spaying or neutering your pet to help protect against unwanted pregnancies. When you spay or neuter your pet, you may also reduce the risk of certain cancers and infections.

Grooming is another thing that can get expensive. You can save money by learning to groom your pet yourself. Purchase quality grooming supplies and take a class or watch an instructional video to learn how to do it properly. It may not be as hard as you think.

Your pet is surely a beloved member of your family. As with any family member, proper care is going to require that you spend money. But there are lots of ways to cut costs on pet care and help keep your pet healthy and happy at the same time.