--- title: 5 Ways Your Pet Can Save You Money description: Having a cat, dog, or even a fish can save you money in unexpected ways. Here's five ways how you'll save by owning a pet. image: https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/dog-with-cash_webopt-1.jpg --- [![MoneyWisdom_HFCU_r2](https://go.hfcu.org/hs-fs/hubfs/MoneyWisdom_HFCU_r2.png?width=464&name=MoneyWisdom_HFCU_r2.png "MoneyWisdom_HFCU_r2")](https://go.hfcu.org/blog) Filter by Category** - [Show All](https://go.hfcu.org/blog) - [Security](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/security) - [Personal Finance](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/personal-finance) - [Auto](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/auto) - [Business](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/business) - [Credit Score](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/credit-score) - [Home](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/home) - [Credit Cards](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/credit-cards) - [Life Changes](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/life-changes) - [Insurance](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/insurance) - [Investments](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/investments) Filter by Category** - [Show All](https://go.hfcu.org/blog) - [Security](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/security) - 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But did you know you *can *put a price tag on their value? Your beloved four-legged buddy can be your piggy bank’s best friend. Here’s five ways pets literally enrich our lives: 1. **They provide home security. **A large, barking dog keeps your home safe without the expense of a home security system. Take it from the experts: former burglars. When [a media outlet surveyed 86 burglars on their former criminal habits](https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/crime/we-asked-86-burglars-how-they-broke-into-homes/277-344333696), most said a big, loud dog would keep them away from a potential target. “Dogs are a deal breaker for me,” said one inmate. And [the bigger the breed, the better the dog is at thwarting burglaries](https://www.alarms.org/burglary-statistics/), experts advise. Remember: The dog doesn’t have to be specially trained or aggressive to do the trick. A curious, alert dog with a deep bark serves the purpose. 2. **They offer automatic workouts. **Dogs need regular walks — and so do you. Substituting a brisk walk at local park with your four-legged workout buddy instead of a visit to a gym can save you a small fortune in membership fees. The average gym membership in the United States costs $58 a month. That’s nearly $700 in your pocket just for the membership, not to mention [potential reduced vet bills for your fit pet](https://www.healthline.com/health-news/gym-memberships-can-be-a-trap#1). And on days you might want to pass on working out, your dog will likely serve as a motivator, dashing to the door, leash in mouth, making sure you both have a healthy chance at good exercise. 3. **They keep you physically healthy. **[Healthcare expenses total 8.2 percent of the average household budget](https://www.bls.gov/opub/reports/consumer-expenditures/2017/home.htm#tableB\)), and that number is rising. But pet owners buck this economic trend. Studies have shown that [pet owners report decreased blood pressure, cholesterol, and tryglyceride levels](https://habri.org/research/mental-health/#mental-health), all keys to staying heart-healthy. The healthier you are, the less likely you will need expensive medical care or pricey prescriptions. That’s good news for your physical *and* fiscal health. 4. **They keep you mentally healthy as well. **Having a solid support system strengthens emotional health and reduces loneliness, staving off depression. Findings suggest that [the social support a pet provides can make a person feel more relaxed and decrease stress](https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/mood-boosting-power-of-dogs.htm). This can reduce the possible need for medication for depression and anxiety, as well as reduce or eliminate the costs associated with less healthy ways of escaping life’s stressors. Walking a dog almost guarantees interaction with people and can also strengthen the bond between neighbors, creating a valuable sense of community. You can pass on the budget-busting Sunday brunch in exchange for a walk in the park. No time or space for a dog or cat? Even a fish can help. Watching Nemo swim in his fish tank can have [a calming effect that translates to a positive impact on your health](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/science-news/11770965/Fish-tanks-lower-blood-pressure-and-heart-rate.html). 5. **Pets require stability, which can translate to financial security. **[We all need to be needed and pets rely on us to supply their basic needs](https://habri.org/research/mental-health/#mental-health). That can mean a trip home for lunch to check on pets or substituting restaurant dining with home-cooked meals. Having to leave at a set time from social events can also cut on food and beverage costs. Structure limits the chance for impulse spending and provides a sense of order and meaning. These tips give you even more reasons to cuddle your pet a little closer and maybe sneak in an extra treat today. They have truly earned it! *Looking for more ways to enrich your life? Download Hanscom Federal Credit Union's free *[Money Management Planner](https://go.hfcu.org/mmp).* This 12-page guide explains how to create a budget, stick to a spending plan, and manage the your daily finances.* [![money management planner](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/118438/2a9c8caf-d451-47b1-8e35-79af14b6bb06.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/118438/2a9c8caf-d451-47b1-8e35-79af14b6bb06) *Others are reading:* - *[Five Reasons to Start an Emergency Fund](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/5-reasons-to-start-an-emergency-fund)* - *[Financing Fido: How to Keep Pet Costs on a Leash](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/saving-money-on-pets)* - *[What is the Cost of Owning a Cat?](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/what-is-the-cost-of-owning-a-cat)* - *[Estate Planning 101: The Difference Between a Will and a Trust](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/estate-planning-101-the-difference-between-a-will-and-a-trust)* - *[3 Benefits of Having a Will](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/benefits-of-having-a-will)* ** [** Your Family Summer Budget-Friendly Bucket List ](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/your-family-summer-budget-friendly-bucket-list) [** Be Prepared for Changes in Social Security ](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/be-prepared-for-changes-in-social-security) ### About Author ![Sandra Quadros Bowles](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/Sandy%20Quadros%20Bowles.jpg) Sandra Quadros Bowles Sandy Quadros Bowles is a veteran journalist who has received local, state, and national journalism awards. A resident of New Bedford, MA, she is an animal enthusiast, an avid reader, and an enthusiastic traveler. ** - [**](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://go.hfcu.org/blog/5-ways-your-pet-can-save-you-money/) - [**](https://X.com/share?url=https://go.hfcu.org/blog/5-ways-your-pet-can-save-you-money/) - [**](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://go.hfcu.org/blog/5-ways-your-pet-can-save-you-money/&summary=&source=CeBIT) ## You are Leaving Hanscom Federal Credit Union #### **Please read the following before proceeding to:** The website you are about to visit is solely the responsibility of the merchant or other party providing the site. The content of this third-party site, including materials and information, is solely the responsibility of the provider of the site. The Credit Union is not responsible for any such third-party content. 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