What’s The Best Place To Buy Cheap Dog Supplies?

Filed in Dog Products by on August 22, 2018

Text stating 'What's the best place to buy cheap dog supplies?' with two bones on each sideAre you looking for the best place to buy cheap dog supplies? As a dog owner myself, I know the importance of getting a good deal.

The cost of dog supplies can add up when you factor in all of the toys, grooming, accessories, trips to the vet, medicine, food and treats we buy every year.

It’s estimated that the average dog owner spends over $1,200 on their pup every year. Oftentimes, dog owners visit local pet stores or big supermarket chains to buy their pet supplies.

This may seem convenient, but these places often lack deals and may even have markups on the price of their products.

If you’re  on a limited budget (or you love a deal like me), read on for some of the best places to buy cheap dog supplies.

I may earn a commission if you buy through my links, but I only recommend products that I support and you pay nothing extra. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

1. Online Pet Stores

Woman and man with dog in between that are shopping online on pet store websiteThe best deals on dog supplies are normally found at online pet stores.

However, buying from an online pet store has its advantages and disadvantages.

For example, one of the biggest advantages is the money you can save if you’re financially conscious.

You can also find deals easier for many physical pet stores who have online sites compared to in-store.

One disadvantage of online pet stores is that you will need to wait for delivery, so if you need something immediately, this may not be an option.

Additionally, you won’t have the ability to touch or size-up toys in person, so be sure to read the reviews and keep a ruler close by!

Some of the biggest online retailers for dog supplies include:

a. Amazon

This is the largest eCommerce website in the world, and that includes pet goods!

There are seemingly endless products available for your pup on amazon, so it’s often helpful to have a general idea of what you’re looking for before diving into the Dog Food and Supplies section.

If you can dream it up, chances are you’ll be able to find it on Amazon and if you have Amazon Prime, fast and free shipping is a bonus.

Even if you don’t have a Prime membership, shipping is relatively fast and returns are reasonable.

There is an option to subscribe to some items, like dog foods, which saves you money and assures that your next order will show up exactly when you need it!

There are plenty of buyer reviews available to help you choose the perfect item for your pup and most items are linked back to the company’s website.

This is a wonderful feature if you want to know more about the company that makes the product, as this is especially important for health-related items.

If you have any questions about buying, shipping, or returning items, the answers can be found under their customer service tab.

However, any questions about the product are best directed at the company that produces it. This means you will have to look up the company’s customer service and contact them directly.

b. Chewy

Chewy is another online-only source for pet supplies with the added perk of being a pet pharmacy as well!

The website is extremely easy to navigate and offers a wide variety of supplies.

Click on Today’s Deals to jump straight to discounts on food, toys, and so much more.

To use Chewy, you will need an account, but signing up is free and easy.

With your account, you can track every order, set auto shipments to save money, view purchasing history, and get exclusive deals.

There are plenty of informational videos and blogs to help answer any questions you may have about your pet’s needs.

They have a 24/7 customer service line where you can speak to a live representative.

Shipping normally takes between 1 to 3 days and any personalized items or medication could take a little longer.

If you spend over $49, which is easy to do considering all of the goodies they have, then you will receive free shipping as well!

Chewy has a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so don’t be shy to ask for returns or refunds on unwanted or damaged goods.

c. PetSmart

PetSmart is the largest pet retail chain in North America with over 1,000 stores, however, their website holds some deals that you won’t find in-store.

For starters, it is important to note that you will save 15% if you buy online and then pick up that item curbside or inside your closest PetSmart.

Next, you can head over to PetSmart’s Sale tab where you will find over 3,000 items on sale for your pup.

All of these sale items are organized in one place making it much easier to find what your dog needs.

Chances are many of these things may be sold-out or unavailable in brick and mortar locations.

To save even more, there are auto-ship options on almost all of their dog foods, even sale items, and over time auto-ship savings will add up!

If there are any complications with your order, you can call or email PetSmart’s customer service.

The return policy works in-store or online as long as you have proof of purchase.

The storefront return is a great option that is not available with online-only services. With this option, you can return an item at your nearest PetSmart within a day instead of waiting for it to ship back.

d. PetCo

Petco storefront with blue sky in backgroundPetco stores are known for having well-stocked clearance racks, but they are often cluttered and the best items go fast.

On their website, Petco offers all of those deals plus more on their well-organized Sale page.

Treats, toys, accessories, dog food, and many more categories can be found under their sale tab.

A 10% discount is offered on any online orders that are picked up in-store and there is free 1 to 2-day shipping to your home on orders over $35.

If you are looking to set up auto-shipments, Petco calls them repeat delivery and it comes with free shipping and Pals rewards, so be sure to sign up for their free rewards card.

You may notice that some of the discounted items are sold-out online, but if there are still any in stores, the Petco site will tell you which stores have the item in stock.

There is also a live chat number to assist with any customer service needs.

If you are unsatisfied with your purchase for any reason, Petco has a 100% satisfaction guarantee which allows for easy returns.

As long as you have proof of purchase and it is within 60 days of purchase you may return items in-store or by shipping them back.

e. 1800PetMeds

1800PetMeds proudly claims to be America’s largest pet pharmacy.

Considering they have 896 medications available for dogs, that title is fitting.

There are toys and dog beds, but what is most impressive is you will find almost every medication your pet could ever need, as well as a wide variety of dog food brands.

For the best deals on their site, click the Happy, Healthy Deals tab.

Getting medication can be expensive and tedious.

For example, flea, tick, and heartworm meds are recommended for year-round use and some veterinary clinics only carry a few brands.

If you’re looking for a specific brand, chances are 1800PetMeds will have it.

Additionally, in order to ensure medication is safe for your pet, their staff will contact your veterinarian for verification before you’re shipped any medication.

There are discounts and promotions for many of the medications we give our dogs, but they change so often that it can be hard for veterinary clinics and pharmacies to keep track of them all.

1800PetMeds has designed its site to clearly display any discounts available so you never miss a sale.

Sometimes the normal price of medications on 1800PetMeds is cheaper than those of veterinary clinics.

As a result, if your dog is going to be on a medication long term, it’s worth looking it up on their site.

You will also have the option for automatic refills if they are verified by your veterinarian, which will assure your pup never runs out of crucial medications.

Shipping is free and only takes 3 to 5 days with orders over $49. If you need anything to arrive faster, there is a 2 to 4 day option and an overnight shipping option as well.

If you ever have any questions or concerns, it’s easy to reach their live customer support center by phone.

Returns have to be shipped, but 1800PetMeds makes it as easy as possible and has a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee.

2. Pharmacies

Woman pharmacist in store looking at cameraPharmacies offer surprisingly good deals on pet supplies.

They often carry the basics including toys, bedding, training pads, treats, and more.

Most pharmacies have rewards programs as well, and when you combine those with their discounted dog supplies it makes for a serious deal.

It’s also good to note that pharmacies dispense some prescribed medications for dogs.

If you ever need to pick up a medication your vet prescribed from a human pharmacy, be sure to check GoodRx.com first. Here you will be able to search the medication and find discounts for the medication that can be applied at the pharmacy.

3. Membership Clubs

Inside of a membership clubMembership clubs like Sam’s Club, Costco, and Bj’s offer big discounts on dog supplies.

They buy their products in bulk to guarantee their shoppers a lower price.

This often means that pet products like food and treats come in larger sizes than regular pet stores offer, but that could save you a lot of money and time.

Membership clubs also exist at some pet stores. By joining pet membership clubs you may gain access to exclusive offers and work up points towards free items.

I have an extensive article on the best monthly dog box such as BarkBox and other competitors. They deliver toys and treats to your door at a savings, compared to purchasing all of the items retail. Services like BarkBox offer coupons and discounts from time to time.

4. Hardware, Dollar and Thrift Stores

Ace Hardware storefrontSome of the best steals and deals on dog supplies are where you least expect them!

When you head to your local hardware store, be sure to check the pet supply section.

In the home department, you may find cleaning supplies that work well to clean up after pets or even materials that make good dog bed covers.

The more creative you are, the more you will find for your furry friend at hardware stores.

The Dollar Store is also a good option for cheap pet supplies. Toys here may not always be the toughest quality, so be sure your dog doesn’t chew through or eat any dangerous pieces of plastic.

Thrift stores are a treasure trove of deals. There is never a guarantee that they’ll have dog items, but it never hurts to check. Keep in mind that the items are likely used and should be cleaned after purchase.

5. Consignment Stores and Pawn Shops

Consignment stores and pawn shops are other fabulous choices if you’re looking to save some money.

You won’t find any dog food, treats, or medication here.

Instead, you are likely to find creates, bedding, toys, food bowls, and other miscellaneous accessories.

These items may or may not have been used by past owners, so it doesn’t hurt to clean them if you buy them.

6. Animal Shelters

Woman with dogs at animal shelterSome animal shelters offer much more than pets for adoption.

Oftentimes, you’ll find that they offer pet supplies at a fraction of the cost of regular pet stores.

People may donate new or high-quality goods to shelters like collars or leashes. The shelter can then sell these items that benefit shelter animals.

Remember that low-cost dog supplies do not always mean low-quality products.

Purchasing items from your local shelter can be a great way to save money while doing good for pets in need!

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