Cases of COVID-19 were first diagnosed late last year. In the few months since the first case was discovered, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the spread of the COVID-19 novel coronavirus a global pandemic.
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Sadly, this issue has closed many businesses and forced pet owners to self quarantine in their homes. Many of us are now wondering how to save money on pet supplies during these trying times.
It's important to take proper precautions to keep our pets safe, as always. However, you don't need to be concerned about your dog contracting the coronavirus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is no evidence that any dog in the United States has contracted COVID-19 or is capable of spreading the disease.
With that being said, we are all worried about our own health and the health of our human family members. Experts are recommending that we all stay home and practice social distancing as much as possible. If this has left you out of work and without a paycheck, there are some things you can do to save money on pet supplies.
7 Ways to Save Money On Pet Supplies During COVID-19 Pandemic
1. Buy in Bulk
It may be difficult to come up with the money to make a bulk purchase, but if you can afford it, you will save money in the long run. Going to deals websites and buying dog food, treats and other pet supplies in bulk is more expensive up front, but the unit price is almost always cheaper.
It's also a good idea to stock up on pet supplies during this time. Most pet stores are currently staying open, but you never know what could happen during these uncertain times. Having a few weeks of pet food, medication and necessary dog supplies for your pet on hand is a good safety precaution to take.
2. Look for Coupons and Specials
Do not forget to search online for coupons – it's one of the best ways to save right now.
You can especially save a lot of money on dog food and certain dog accessories by finding good discount deals online and random dog product and service coupons. Many businesses are currently offering specials and deals to bring in customers while business is slow.
Depending on where you shop and how you shop for dog food, you can use smartphone apps for additional savings. For example, Target offers the Cartwheel app which provides coupons directly to your phone that can be combined with manufacturer coupons. Other popular retails like Amazon and Chewy also have their coupons pages with discounts.
Check for other coupon apps and see if your local retailers have an app that offers information on specials and deals.
3. Do Your Research to Save Money on Pet Supplies
Whether you’re shopping online or at your local pet store, take your time. There are many types of aids on the market. Some will be suited to your dog, others won’t. You won’t always get it right the first time, but you’ll save yourself time and money if you do. Ask yourself if the item is fit for the purpose, does it fit well, will it be comfortable, will it last?
4. Consider DIY options
Making your own pet supplies can save you a lot of money, and there's plenty of ideas.
If your dog uses pee pads, try making your own washable pads. I've personally made tons of DIY dog products, and for many of those I've made video guides here on Top Dog Tips, so check them out: dog house, dog bed, diapers, collar and more.
On top of that, there's a lot more Do It Yourself guides available. You can also make dog toys, healthy dog treats, a variety of hygiene things like dog toothpaste and toothbrush, cleaners, shampoo and many other pet products. These will be much cheaper than you can buy them in stores.
For more ideas, take a look at these DIY guides to get inspired:
- 12 Creative Ideas to Turn Everyday Items Into a DIY Dog Bed
- 17 DIY dog toys you can make from things in your house
- DIY pet projects on Pinterest
- 19 DIY Projects For Dog Lovers
5. Use Gift Cards to Save Money on Pet Products
Have gift cards left over from Christmas or another recent holiday? Why not use them on necessary pet products for your dog during this hard time? You can also earn gift cards from pet supplies stores when you shop online, watch videos and complete surveys.
Check out sites like MyPoints and SwagBucks. These are two of my favorite places for things like that.
With Amazon, you can also earn discounts when you choose a 5-day no rush shipping instead of quicker delivery. So if you're not in a rush, you can collect $1-$5 discounts per single order which you can use for future purchases on Amazon.
6. Shop Clearance and Sales
Overstocked items and end of line dog products can come with truly massive discounts without any compromise on quality. With a bit of research, you can turn up clearance sites like Dog.com which is a clearance site I often visit, and Amazon Warehouse Clearance as well as the popular Chewy Clearance pages.
Scour those and other places (see this list) and see what you can use instead of buying what's in fashion. Moreover, check out the clearance section at your local brick-and-mortar pet stores. Just because it's not the brand you typically buy, it may be worth switching for the discounted price, at least during the coronavirus pandemic shopping.
7. Request Samples and Review Products
You can request free dog food samples and other dog supplies from a lot of companies. A quick Google search will bring up dozens of companies that offer free pet product samples. You can also ask some of your favorite companies for free or reduced pricing in exchange for sharing reviews of their products.
Trawl through reviews of products on Amazon, and you’ll find a number of them given in exchange for a discounted or free product. Be one of those people. You don't have to review the product positively, because it's against Amazon's ToS. Give your most honest opinion, help other pet owners, and receive a free product!
READ NEXT: Dog Costs and Budgeting Guide for Pet Owners
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