The cost of caring for Fido is so doggone expensive these days: The ASPCA says the minimum annual budget to care for a small dog is
Dog owners should take advantage of every freebie they can. We've rounded up eight free goods and services for your dog -- no purchase necessary. My beagle Bailey and I have taken advantage of nearly every one of these freebies. Take a look.
Free Swims in the Local Public Pool
This once-a-year freebie comes up at the end of summer, so don't miss out. Public swimming pools across the country generally close to humans around
Free Treats at Happy Hours
In many big cities, Rover and his canine pals can enjoy free treats and water -- as their humans consume discounted food and drinks -- during happy hour at a variety of popular establishments. Some restaurants even have entire menus for dogs or give away branded water bowls. We found dozens of "yappy-hour" specials in
Free Health Resources
You can better understand Sparky's routine health care needs and learn how to spot symptoms of distress via trusted pet-care Web sites.
In an emergency, don't waste time trying to diagnose Sparky's ills yourself, even with the help of online guides. "You know your pet better than anyone," says the AVMA's
Free Grooming
Just as beauty schools for humans offer discounted haircuts and other services for customers willing to take a risk with student practitioners, veterinary schools may offer free basic grooming services for your dog -- tooth brushing, hair brushing, nail clipping. Donations are generally encouraged. Contact your local shelter or look up local veterinary schools to ask about upcoming grooming events.
Free Hotel Stays
Don't stick Snoopy in an unfamiliar kennel -- at a cost of
Free Emergency Stickers
Imagine that you're away from home when an electrical fire breaks out. A sticker on your front door or window can tell firefighters pets are awaiting rescue inside. Get a window decal from the ASPCA, whose free Pet Safety Pack includes the decal and a fridge magnet with a phone number for pet poison-control specialists.
Free Obedience Training
At Petco's Unleashed stores, take advantage of a free, 30-minute training seminar for adopted dogs and their owners. Learn basic commands, such as "sit" and "down," as well as how to provide positive reinforcement to correct behaviors common in rescued dogs. For dogs of all kinds, the stores offer other free seminars that focus on specific training topics, such as interacting with kids or excessive barking. Be ready for an upsell for one of Unleashed's six-week training classes to build on the basic lessons of your free session. Check with your local Unleashed location for dates of upcoming seminars.
Free Poop Bags
Novice, well-intentioned dog owners determined to pick up Spot's every poop might be tempted to plunk down
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Robert Long is an editor at Kiplinger.