In this down economy, everyone is looking to save money any way possible. Taking your pets to the veterinarian frequently can really add up, between the price of gas and the price of the vet. Instead shop for pet supplements, treats, even vaccines online from the convenience of your home.
You can also make a list of all of the pet supplies that you need and look for sales online at your local pet supply stores. The chain stores like Petco and Pet Smart have websites that list their sales and/ or coupons for added savings.
The following are some general tips to help you save money:
1. Buy in Bulk Quantities
You can really save a significant amount of money when you buy pet food, toys, treats, and supplements in bulk quantities. Frequently the larger package sizes are cheaper per pound than the smaller package sizes, so buy the big bag and save some money.
2. Surf the Internet for Sales
When you start to get low on the vital pet supplies, search the Internet for sales and special offers. You can price items from the local stores and compare them to sites that you can purchase from online. Many of the websites that sell pet food, medicine, supplement, and so on offer free shipping on orders that are greater than a certain amount.
3. Buy Toys That Will Last
Only purchase toys that will last and can withstand the way that your pet plays with them. We have all had it happen, you purchase a cute stuffed animal for your dog, and within 20 minutes all that is left is a “pelt”. Even if your pet absolutely loves to destroy toys, it gets VERY expensive to replace all of the toys that can’t stand up to that kind of rough playing, not to mention the hassle of cleaning up the stuffing that gets ripped out.
4. Vaccinate Your Pets at Home
The only vaccination that must be given by a veterinarian is a Rabies shot, so there is a legal record of the vaccination in the event that your pet bites someone. All of the rest can be given by you. The vaccines are usually available at local farm supply stores, or can be found online, and they come with directions on how to administer the vaccine.
5. Purchase Non-Prescription Medications Online
Before you decide to go to the local pet supply store to stock up on non-prescription medications for your pet, try surfing the Web a little. The majority of online pet Websites offer significantly lower prices than what a store will offer (sometimes as much as a 65% discount below the retail price), and most of the sites also provide free shipping.
6. Learn How to Groom Your Pet At Home
Taking your pet to the groomers can be very costly, depending how frequently you choose to visit. Grooming at home is not just more convenient, but it can be a significant savings of both time and money.
Now that you have learned the secrets to saving money while still pampering your pets, you can begin using these techniques to save yourself some serious money without having to feel guilty!
