Pampering Your Pet on a Budget

We will always go the extra mile for our pets, but that doesn't mean we have to spend more time and money. It often feels like it can be costly and time consuming  in order to give our pets the quality they deserve, but this doesn't have to be the case. Dedicated pet stores like Petco and PetSmart make life a lot easier - and cost effective. These stores allow you to save time by shopping for all your pet related needs in one place. They tend to offer better deals and far better variety than boutique pet stores or grocery stores. Both Petco and PetSmart also have delivery service from their online stores, and frequently offer deals such as free shipping. You can get great deals on the brands you love and trust, delivered right to your door.

If you have a picky eater, or a pet that constantly destroys it's toys, you know how much a broad selection of foods and good quality toys matter. All of the brands PetSmart and Petco sell are trustworthy and tested, and you can chose from a variety of high quality food that you know will be healthier for your four-legged friend. I find that the prices are in a very affordable range. For example, having a wide selection of lower priced quality food lets me buy grain-free food for my allergy-prone cat without breaking the bank. Here are some additional ways to save money while pampering your pet.

Get a Rewards Card

Both Petco and PetSmart offer rewards cards for free, just sign up and start saving with every purchase. Provide a phone, email, or the card every time you make a purchase and watch the points add up. After a certain number of points accumulate, you get free  rewards dollars. The cards also let you take advantage of certain discounts and special offers. Best of all, there's no catch. They're a simple way to encourage loyalty to the store by providing special offers to customers.

Buy Online

Being able to shop online can be a  lifeline in a busy world. Saving the time and stress of running to the store is worth its weight in gold on those more hectic days, and the vast selection is everything you could want from an online shopping spree for your pet. Petco also offers free shipping on recurring deliveries, so that means no more midnight runs to the nearest open store to grab more food for your hungry pet.  Or what about those destroyed toys? Now you can have your pet's favorite stuffed friend arrive once a month like clockwork. No more ratty and potentially hazardous torn  up messes.

Go Generic

The generic brands offered by these big brand pet stores tend to be just as safe and well formulated as the brand name brands. Next time you're shopping, compare a few labels and see for yourself. Whether it's meds, food, or litter, buying the generic brands can save you a pretty penny.

Buy in Bulk

Buying in bulk is one of the best ways to save both time and money. Buying giant bags of litter can be difficult to tote around, but it's well worth the savings. Grab a few used containers with screw tops and make potions from large bags of food.  This keeps the food fresher longer, and this way you can store half of the food and have the near your pet's bowl. Splitting with a friend makes these savings go even further. If you have a friend that buys similar petfood, litter, or meds for their pet, consider going splitsies on a bulk  order.

Get Your Groom On

Grooming your pet yourself is easier than you'd think, and a great way to bond with your buddy. Pick up your own grooming tools and start saving. The tools aren't as costly as you might think, and it's far cheaper than taking your pet to the groomers.  Simply look up a few articles, watch a youtube video, and ask one of the employees at your local store for some tips. You'll be on your way to being a pet groomer in no time. If you still would rather have someone else take up the tools, both PetSmart and Petco offer grooming services for a lower price than a boutique groomer.  Their groomers value your experience and that of your pet. So far these options have always led to positive experiences for both my fellow pet owners and myself.

Buy Medications In-Store or Online

Vets often recommend medications to ensure your pet maintains optimum health. Simple meds such as flea prevention are available for purchase at a much lower price than you would pay at the vet. In my experience, this options generally works very well and saves you quite a lot over time.

Keep It Clean

Cleaning your pet's teeth  might not always seem necessary, but it can save you money and keep your pet comfortable. Tooth decay and other oral health issues can be more serious than you might think in pets, and can be expensive to treat. It's simple enough to keep your animal's teeth a little cleaner with all the great products out there. There no need to scrub and maintain a pearly white shine, but small steps can save you money and trouble in the future. Pet stores sell a variety of oral hygiene products such as tooth brushes, treats, and water additives to keep teeth clean and healthy.

Coupons

Petco and PetSmart are in the position to offer great savings on a regular basis, so be sure to always check back for the latest coupons!