Nowadays, pets are beloved family members. But like with any family member, they come with their own set of expenses. Even if your pet isn’t spoiled with fancy designer products, it’s likely that you’re still spending $500 or more a year just keeping them happy and healthy. That adds up! Luckily, there are several easy ways to reduce the cost of having a pet. If you’re a pet parent, you’ve got to try these 10 Ways to Save on Pet Supplies!
10 Ways to Save on Pet Supplies
1. Make Your Own Pet Toys
One of the best ways to save money on pet supplies is to avoid the store and make your own pet toys.
Luckily, making pet toys is really easy! You can simply repurpose some old items, or you could sew your own simple pet toys.
2. Make Your Own Homemade Pet Treats
Commercial pet treats tend to be pricey, and often include several questionable ingredients.
Save money and keep your pet healthy by making your own homemade pet treats!
You likely have all the ingredients you need in your pantry already!
3. Use Coupons
It can be tempting to just go into the pet store and get whatever you need whenever you need it.
But a better method would be to keep an eye out for coupons and try to only shop when they’re available.
4. Take Advantage of Rewards Programs
Most pet stores have some sort of money-saving program to reward frequent shoppers.
They don’t cost anything to join, and can be a great way to save on pet supplies!
5. Use Rebates
More expensive pet items sometimes offer big rebates.
In particular, keep an eye out for flea and tick medication rebates the next time you’re at the vet.
If you don’t have a paper rebate, some rebates can also be found online with a simple Google search.
6. Compare Prices
Just like with shopping for your own things, you can usually save a good amount of money by shopping around for pet supplies, especially on big purchases.
You should compare prices between the pet stores in your area, those stores’ websites, and online-only pet supply websites.
7. Buy Store Brand
For many pet supplies, it doesn’t hurt to buy the inexpensive store brand.
You can save a lot of money by buying store-brand toys, clothes, and grooming supplies.
8. Don’t Buy From the Vet
Years ago, the vet was the only place you could buy specialty pet food or prescription medicines.
Nowadays, there are dozens of reputable online pet pharmacies where you can buy your pet’s prescription products, often for prices much lower than what you’ll find at the vet!
9. Take Advantage of Free Online Shipping
Sometimes you find pet products online that would be inexpensive if you just didn’t have to pay for shipping.
If the website has a free shipping minimum purchase, wait until you need some other pet supplies, then buy all those items at the same time so that you qualify for free shipping.
10. Fix or Reuse Old Toys
Rather than throw out old ripped-up toys, save money and spend a few minutes patching them up.
If your pet is bored with its old toys, just wash the toys and store them for a month or two.
When you bring them back out, your pet will likely think they’re brand new!
As you can see, there are a variety of easy ways to save on pet supplies!
They only take a little of your time, and in return, you can save hundreds of dollars throughout your pet’s life!
How do you save on pet supplies?
Dana Rodriguez
Monday 14th of October 2019
These are some great tips. My cats love toys and treats!
Amy Deeter
Friday 29th of March 2019
lots of great information on here. thanks for sharing with us
Ann
Saturday 13th of August 2016
(For reference, I have two healthy adult cats.) I'm on an EXTREMELY limited budget. (My lil' guys will always live like little princes, though!) Fortunately, however, I'd estimate that my pet-related expenses are relatively low-- I really just purchase food (dry and wet; more of the former than the latter]), kitty litter, and treats. Re: the treats, I've found a great deal on a fantastic brand that's good for their teeth, via Amazon. I'm glad that I read this article. I hadn't really thought about looking for rebates, but now I'm going to make a note to start doing this. Thank you!
Jan Hall
Sunday 10th of April 2016
I need to take advantage of this information. We are on a strict budget and will do without ourselves rather than let our fur baby go without her treats.
MichelleCat
Wednesday 30th of March 2016
I have been making my own homemade dog treats for around a year now; she and I are very happy about it. She knows when I am making them even.