Cost-cutting tips for Atlanta pet owners

The economic downturn hurts not only people — it also can hurt the animals they love.

But there are options for pet owners in the Atlanta area, and groups that are working to help people keep their pets healthy and in their homes even during these tough times. We talked to some local groups and experts for tips on cutting pet costs while keeping our pets healthy and happy. Here are their suggestions:

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WellPet Humane

Daphany DuBois (center) watches as Dr. Amy Orlin and Matt Layland, a vet tech, treat DuBois’ dog, Soloman, at WellPet Humane, a low-cost veterinary clinic in Chamblee.

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• Find Atlanta volunteer opportunities for pet lovers.

• Look for low-cost veterinary alternatives like WellPet Humane, a low-cost vet clinic in Chamblee that charges about one-third what regular veterinarians do.

• Call around to pet stores or groups like PAWS Atlanta to find discounted vaccinations and spay/neuters. PAWS Atlanta holds monthly discounted vaccination clinics, or appointments can be scheduled during the week. Get all dog vaccinations for $45, and cats for $35. They also sell discounted flea and heartworm preventatives. Call around to groups and even pet stores to find other discounted shot clinics.

• Look for cheaper places to buy heartworm and flea preventatives. Your vet can give you a prescription, and the treatments often can be purchased cheaper online at sites like discountpetdrugs.com or with local rescue organizations. But don’t stop heartworm medications. Treatment of heartworms can cost more than $1,000.

• Many human medications are prescribed to pets and they often can be purchased cheaper at a pharmacy than at your vet’s office.

• There are a number of groups doing low-cost spays and neuters, such as the LifeLine animal clinic in Avondale Estates. For a list of similar groups go to petorphans.com, which is run by SPOT, a group that also can help people who can’t afford to get their pets spayed or neutered.

• If you can’t afford food, check out local pet food banks including Daffy’s Pet Soup Kitchen, Meals Fur Pets, Save Our Pets Food Bank and PAWS Atlanta.

• Most veterinary schools teach that pets need most vaccines every three years. Talk to your vet about which ones your pet needs. And if your county allows it, get a three-year rabies vaccine instead of a yearly shot. It’s healthier for your pet and saves money.

• Buy the best food you can afford. It will keep your pet healthier in the long run. Large bags can save money, but check the expiration dates to be sure you can use it all before it expires.

• Check out pet stores and local community schools for cheaper dog training classes.

• Looking for a new pet? Save hundreds of dollars by getting one from a shelter or rescue group that has already done all the medical work, including shots and spaying or neutering.

• Keep pets, especially cats, indoors, where they are much less likely to be injured.

• Brush your pet’s teeth. It’ll cut down on costly dental treatments and improve their health. If you can’t afford pet toothpaste (don’t use human pastes), then just use a brush.

• Consider getting pet insurance if you have a breed that’s prone to illness, like hip dysplasia or cancer. It could save money in the long run.

• Don’t wait until your pet is in critical condition. It’s often cheaper to treat a problem in its early stages.

• Many pets are overweight. Cut out buying treats. Many dogs like carrots, apples and other healthier foods that are already in your pantry.

Sources: Dr. Scott Line, associate editor of the Merck/Merial Manual for Pet Health; Rebecca Guinn of Lifeline Animal Clinic in Avondale Estates; Bob Christiansen, president of WellPet Humane; Gayle Dalton-Smith, head of PAWS Atlanta.

More information: LifeLine animal clinic, www.atlantapets.org or 404-292-8800; PAWS Atlanta, www.pawsatlanta.org or 770-593-1155; WellPet Humane low-cost veterinary clinic, www.wellpethumane.com or 770-455-1011; SPOT, petorphans.com. Pet food banks: www.daffyspetsoupkitchen.com or 404-345-6821; Meals Fur Pets: www.mealsfurpets.com or 678-520-2236; saveourpetsfoodbank.org or 404-872-7708; PAWS Atlanta.

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Victoria Stilwell signing. The star of Animal Planet’s “It’s Me or the Dog” will be at Petzone, a rescue group in Monroe, from 5-6 p.m. Feb. 7, signing books and other items for fans. Books will be available for sale or people can bring their own items to be signed. A photographer also will be doing pet portraits from 2-5 p.m. Call for more details. 1554 S. Broad St. Information: 770-266-1060, www.petzonedogs.com.

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Ground Dog Day. A party and silent auction at Westside Pizzeria in Atlanta to benefit the Save Our Pets Food Bank and the East Point Pup Project, a group helping feral dogs in that city. Includes hors d’oeuvres, live music and a silent auction, including bidding on dates with local men and women. 4-8 p.m. Feb. 7. $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Tickets at the restaurant or e-mail 4pawscindy@comcast.net. 2341 Marietta Blvd., www.saveourpetsfoodbank.org.

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Know of pet news, events or stories? Tell Sandra Eckstein at seckstein@ajc.com or call 404-526-7260. For more pet news, go to ajcpets.com.