Having a pet can be compared to having a kid; they are lots of fun, provide love and laughs, but they can also be very expensive. The good news is, there are some ways to save cash on pet food and supplies, and you don't have to spend hours and hours digging through printed coupons or collecting stacks of advertisements to enjoy the savings.
If you want some great ideas about ways to save money on pet food and other pet supplies, this article is meant for you! The basic tips are listed below, and the article describes the tips in detail.
1. Shop online and use online coupon codes
2. Do comparison shopping
3. Buy in bulk
4. Shop at warehouse outlets
5. Buy medications and other supplies online
6. Go second-hand or DIY
Shopping Online
Shopping online for pet supplies is definitely one of the best ways to cut costs. You will find quality suppliers of everything from pet medications to pet toys and clothes. Before shopping at your local pet store, always take the time to look for what you need online. If nothing else, this will give you an idea of the products available and the type of prices you should expect to find.
Advantages of Internet shopping include the convenience and ease, but also, when you shop online, you can easily comparison shop between multiple merchants. Not only can you compare their products and prices, but you also have an opportunity to investigate the merchant's reputation.
Online Coupons
Many online merchants offer coupon codes at their websites, but you can also find online coupons at sites that specialize in this type of information. In addition, many sites offer coupons that can be printed out and used at brick-and-mortar shops.
There are lots of these sites; you will find a list of some popular choices below:
- Coupons.com
- CouponCabin.com
- CouponMom.com
- FatWallet.com
- RetailMeNot.com
- SmartSource.com
Buy Large Quantities at Warehouse Outlets
In addition to shopping online and using promo coupons, in some instances it is helpful to buy certain types of pet supplies in large quantities. For example, purchasing pet food in bulk could result in substantial savings.
You might also want to consider buying food and other pet supplies in bulk at places like a Sam's Club, Costco, or other warehouse outlet. For people with storage space, these shopping options offer excellent savings opportunities.
Pet Medicine and Other Supplies
There are several quality websites that offer pet medications and pet products that you may think you can only get from a vet or groomer's office. Take the time to visit sites like 1800-PetMeds and EntirelyPets. You can order many of the same medications that are commonly provided by veterinarians. This can save you time and money.
Buy Second-Hand or Make It Yourself
Consider shopping at yard sales, flea markets, and even at consignment shops for pet toys, feeding dishes, and other supplies. Many of these types of items are used for a short period of time and then sold. Take advantage of the savings opportunity this presents.
You can also try making some of your pets' toys. An easy one to start with is a rope toy. Just tear strips from old cotton shirts (colorful t-shirts work great) and braid them together. After you have at least three braids that are about two feet long, braid those together and tie them at each end. That's really all there is to it. You've created a rope toy!
Wrapping Things Up
There are lots of ways to save money on pet supplies. It really begins with a little planning. Start by considering what it is that you need and want for your pet, and then set out to find some great deals. The Internet simplifies that process.
Coupons can usually be found for almost any purchase you are going to make, online or off. It's worth the effort to check. Again, the Internet streamlines the process of finding and using online coupons.
Whether you choose to shop at warehouse outlets or at online storefronts, you should at least give making your own pet toys a try. It's really not difficult, and it can save you lots of money. In the end, you just might create a toy that turns out to be your pet's favorite.
Happy savings!
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written by: Debbie Allen
Debbie Allen is a blogger, freelance writer, and online marketer who happens to be a dog lover. She likes to write about everything from home décor and craft projects to content related to small business management and self-development.
