How can I save money on pet supplies?

We love our pets, and know that you do too. After going out today to buy some supplies, we realized others might benefit from our sources.

Prices can vary wildly on pet supplies. Sometimes sources you may not have thought of can be your best places to shop. Check out these for great deals ...

• Feed stores (farm stores). This is actually the first place we check for certain supplies. You can often find high quality feeds here. If you buy animal bedding, aspen shavings can be bought in huge bales meant for horse stalls for just a few dollars more than a small brick at a pet shop. If you have small animals, water bottles of higher quality and lower price are usually available here. Also often a good source for toys, collars, and leashes for large dogs, as well as no-nonsense rubber or galvanized feeding pans. 

• Chain pet stores. Many things here are overpriced, in our opinion, but there are some exceptions. Because they have such a huge variety of toys for cats, birds, and other small animals, they often put many of them on clearance on a regular basis, and we just go through and check the cheap prices. 

• Discount stores. Many of the products here may be cheap, but they are often of inferior quality as well. This can be a good source for books (sometimes, check online as well), or for name brand products that may be overstocks elsewhere, such as Nylabones. 

• Grocery stores. Usually not a good source. The exceptions can be if they decide to size down their pet supplies or if they get holiday products for pets, and they may discount them deeply. Larger items such as cat litter boxes may fall under this category. Pet foods, pet treats, and kitty litter seldom do. 

• Big box stores. These can be great for pet foods, treats, and kitty litter. I especially like Costco, for their Kirkland's brand, which is close to premium quality food for about the same price as a commercial brand elsewhere. 

• Overstock stores. Merchandise varies, and you need to know the price you expect to pay before you go in. They tend to carry higher-end products, at something of a discount. Near Christmastime is the best time to shop there for pets, and pet beds are one of the better buys there. (I got a really cool camo-print bed for one of my cats at a great price at Ross.) Fancy designer dishes, etc. are also often good buys and frequently available. 

• Online. We actually don't buy many pet supplies online, but it pays to check out before investing in a major purchase. If the seller offers free or discounted shipping, this can be your best bet.  

I hope this helps you be kind to your furry friends, AND your pocketbook at the same time. Happy shopping!