What does it really mean to have a pet dog as your companion? It's not the same as when you were a child. The pet care industry has grown to a huge business with high-paid creative professionals constantly coming up with new ways to take your money.

It's not like cats and dogs have drastically changed over the past 50 years. The basic requirements to make your cat or dog happy and comfortable have not changed. You can give your dog a handmade collar and leash that will make it forget the difference. 

Grooming and veterinary care have not increased in price as fast as general inflation. If you are a pet lover then you can help low-income pets keeper so that they can care for them.

You can take on a few pet-care services yourself. A $200 cost for dental cleaning with your pet is an example. Regular brushing of your pet's teeth at home can help you save a lot.

You can't assume that every place will have the best prices when you buy pet products. Sometimes pet superstores offer the best prices. Sometimes places online do. You don't have to shop around for pet food or other products. There are many fees that veterinarians charge. You should consider the price and quality of the service provided by your veterinarian.