For many of my readers, their pets are like children. So, of course, you love your furry friends and want the best for them. But if the cost to keep them fed, healthy, cared for and looking good has gotten so high and you're the one coughing up fur balls, take heart. There are lots of little ways to cut pet expenses that together will help you save big on your pet costs.

According to one survey, pet owners spend on average of $126.19 every month on their pets. Dogs are more costly than cats, but canines are not the most expensive pets. Fish are the cheapest pets; fish owners spend $62.53 a month on their aquatic friends.

So how can you afford to care for your furry friend in sickness and in health? Make prevention and maintenance your top priorities. Carefully track every expense, and then consider these tips that will help you cut your pet expenses in half without putting your pet's health at risk.

FREE EXAMS

Search for free initial exams. Local veterinarians often advertise a free initial examination to market their business and attract new customers. Take advantage of the offer. This kind of office visit typically runs between $40 and $60.

MOBILE LOW-COST CLINICS

For vaccinations, microchips, and heartworm and flea prevention, check around for low-cost or mobile clinics. While you may want to stick with the same vet for annual exams, you can save a bundle on preventive services.

RESTRAIN

A fence is the best way to avoid big vet bills, says David T. Roen, D.V.M., board-certified veterinarian and owner of the Clarkston Veterinary Clinic in Clarkston, Washington. "I see more dogs in my office because of injuries sustained while unrestrained than for any other reason," he says. "Dogs should always be leashed, fenced or supervised."

CHOOSE THE RIGHT FOOD

Dr. Roen advises pet owners to skip all the fancy premium foods sold by vets. Use name-brand pet food from the supermarket labeled "complete and balanced." Or look for the seal of approval of AAFCO (the Association of American Feed Control Officials). Stick with the same brand. Switching abruptly can cause health issues for some animals. And less is better, as slightly underweight pets have fewer health problems.

SPAY AND NEUTER

Reproductive issues aside, spayed and neutered dogs have fewer health and behavioral problems.

MAKE WELLNESS ROUTINE

Some pet supply stores offer in-store clinics and special events. Humane societies and veterinary schools offer low-cost clinics where inoculations and wellness exams are administered by professionals. Keep good records of your pets' inoculations and treatments.

FORGET PET HEALTH INSURANCE

Pet insurance will probably cost more money than it saves, says Dr. Roen. But you should anticipate future medical bills. "Instead of sending premiums to an insurance company, put the amount you'd pay in premiums into a savings account," he says.

GET SECOND OPINIONS

Even if it's an emergency, if the estimate is more than a few hundred dollars, get a second opinion. If the estimate is $800 and you can only afford $400, speak up, says Dr. Roen. There may be less aggressive and cheaper treatments.

SHOP AROUND FOR MEDICATIONS

Ask your vet for prescription drug samples to get started. Then call around to retailers such as Walmart or Costco pharmacies (many meds are the same for humans and animals) to compare prices.

EXCHANGE PET SITTING

Hiring a pet sitter or boarding at a kennel can run from $40 to $60 per pet per night. That can add up fast! Instead, when you travel, exchange pet sitting with a friend or neighbor. Choose someone you trust who doesn't vacation more than you do so it's an equal exchange.

FIND THE BARGAINS

When you need a crate, a cat carrier or other pet equipment, don't rush to the pet store. Instead, look at Craigslist.org. You won't believe all the bargains on gently used, even brand-new, pet gear. Make sure you sanitize crates, carriers and the like even if they look clean. A 50-50 ratio of either vinegar or bleach (never mix the two) and water should do the trick.

Mary invites questions, comments and tips at EverydayCheapskate.com, "Ask Mary a Question." This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of Debt-Proof Living, a personal finance member website and the author of the book Debt-Proof Living, Revell 2014. To find out more about Mary visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.