How to Save on Pet Supplies
In our family, we have always had a dog. I couldn’t image life without them in it. They are a comfort, a companion and a loyal friend to each of us in the family. Honestly we treat them and love them like they are our kids. They bring us such joy. But, they are not without an expense attached to them.
Visits to the vet, pet food, treats, pet care products and toys add up quickly. Sometimes my husband says I spend more money on the dog then on myself. Well, he may be right at times but I have found some great ways to save on the things we get for our little furbaby. Nothing for the best for my Coopie I say!
Here are some tips to help you cut costs on your furbaby.
1. How to Save on Pet Food
Use Coupons: As with all savings, they start with coupons. There are tons of coupons for pet foods and treats. Also, ask family, friends and neighbors that do not have pets if they would save coupons for you. Check your local libraries to see if they have coupon swaps.
Here are some great sources for coupons:
- Sunday Newspaper: There are always coupons for pet foods or pet treats in the Sunday Paper.
- Printable Coupons: Like the Sunday Inserts, the major coupon sites like coupons.com, smart source, etc always have pet coupons so be sure to keep an eye out for them. Plus, be sure to “like” the brands you buy on facebook in case they offer a special printable coupons for facebook friends.
- Contact Companies: If there is brand of dog food or treats that you buy often, considering contacting the company directly to see if they can send you coupons and even samples.
Stack Coupons with store promotions and sales: Did you know that stores like Petco and Pet Smart take manufacturer coupons? They sure do so be sure to sure your coupons there. The best time to use your coupons is to wait until there is a sale. Stores like Pet Smart will often have sales on products that you can find in store or by checking their circulars. Also, don’t limit yourself to buying your pet supplies at a pet store. National Big Box Stores like Walmart and Target, National Drug Stores like Walgreens, CVS and Rite Aid and local grocery stores carry pet supplies and often have great sales and store promotions that you can stack your coupons with.
Join Rewards Clubs: Join rewards clubs at national pet foods stores to take advantage of savings when buying multiple bags of pet food
Make Homemade Pet Food: I am going to admit that I am not one to make my dog homemade food but there are a lot of people that love to do that. If you are considering making your own pet food, please remember that pets have different nutritional requirements than humans do. An example is that they need to have high-quality protein and they need more calcium and more minerals. So, with that said, be sure to check with your vet to be sure you are providing your pet with the proper diet before you take on the task of preparing your own pet foods.
2. How to Save on Pet Care Products
Homemade Pet Deodorizers: Use baking soda to deodorize your pets. Simply sprinkle it onto your pet’s fur, rub it in and brush off.
Homemade Dog Shampoos: Making your own shampoo will save lots of money on these expensive, store bought shampoos as well as provide more nature ingredients that are less harmful to your pet. Also, some of the ingredients, like Lavendar scented dawn, double as a flea repellant.
Here are some Homemade Dog Shampoo Recipes:
[%printable-list:petrecipes%]
3. How to Save on Pet Toys
Make your own pet toys: One of the best ways to save is to make your own pet toys with items you already own. One of Coopers favorite toys is when I put an empty water bottle in a fuzzy sock that is missing it’s mate. I tie the end into a knot so he doesn’t pull out the water bottle however, Cooper (aka Mr. Houdini) has been known to magically get the water bottle out at times.
Here are some ideas for DIY Pet Toys:
- Use old socks and tie 2 together as a pull toy
- Put an empty water bottle (with the cap off) into an old sock (we like to use fuzzy socks that lose their mate)
- Use old stuffed animals that your children have outgrown and no longer want.
Shop Garage Sales or Thrift Stores: Many time you can pick up old stuffed animals for cheap at garage sales or thrift sales
Shop Holiday Clearance Sales: Stores always have seasonal pet toys for the holidays including Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Halloween and more. Wait until after the holidays to pick up a bunch on clearance.