Americans spend a lot — around $61 billion per year — on their pets. But do they really know where all that money goes? Here are a few budgeting apps that can help pet parents keep their animals healthy and happy without breaking the bank.
1. Mint (free, available on both Apple and Android)
While this may not be a pet-specific budgeting app, it’s one of the most widely-used, user-friendly, personal finance apps out there. According to Mint.com, its users spend an average of $112 per month on their pets. The beauty of this app is that it’s a one-stop-shop for a variety of budgets (it even has a budget category dedicated specifically to pet grooming).
2. Spending on My Dog ($0.99, Android only)
Ever wonder how much you spend on pet care each year? This app’s My Puppy Envelope will tell you. It allows users to budget and track spending in 14 dog-centric categories. While charts can illustrate how much is spent on food, exported spreadsheets breakdown expenses further.
3. Pet Care Services Finder (free, Apple only)
Sure, there seem to be endless options when it comes to groomers, dog walkers, cat sitters and animal hospitals, but how about one that is convenient and affordable? Meet Pet Care Services Finder, an app that lets you compare prices and locate anything from dog trainers and adoption centers to pet hotels and groomers.
4. Pet First Aid ($3.99, Apple and Android)
Trips to the vet can be expensive, not to mention inconvenient. Whether it’s tending to an innocuous cut or rescue breathing, our four-legged family members rely on us for their care. However, not every instance requires an emergency trip to a vet. In time-sensitive, serious situations, we recommend going to the nearest animal hospital, but when the occasion isn’t as pressing, it’s wise to have an app like Pet First Aid. Not only can users record their pet’s vaccinations, identifications, veterinarian contact info, medications, allergies & conditions (and any other notes for reference when visiting the vet), they can also watch detailed videos and step-by-step illustrations to know what to do when caring for a new pup or cat.
5. Healthy Paws Pet Insurance (free, Android & iOS)
Behold, our tried & true app! Sure, we’re a tad biased, but as far as we know, there’s not one person out there — with or without a pet — who jumps for joy when it comes to claim forms. “Creating the industry’s first mobile app was about putting our playfulness into action, all to the benefit of improving the lives of our pet parents,” says Healthy Paws’ VP Brian Jorgensen. Simply take a picture of an invoice, submit it, and it will be immediately processed.
