Best places to shop for dog stuff

[Anonymous]

We adopted a puppy (our first dog) Tuesday and friends lent us a crate and a playpen thing, then I ran to Petco with the coupon book we received for adopting to get some other supplies. It felt like the first time I went into a Babies R Us when I was pregnant--lots of stuff that I don't know if I need it or not and it all seemed overpriced. I bought some feeding bowls, treats and toys, but ended up going to the Target next door for a basic collar and leash.

I'll probably return to one of the pet superstores for the recommended food but where should I shop for beds, toys, etc. as she grows? I know that Ross, Marshalls, etc. have pet aisles, but should I just hit Wal-Mart and Amazon for most of the basic stuff? How are the rewards programs at the pet stores?

[Anonymous]

I have had pets all my life and don't buy anything at those big pet stores. Their stuff is usually overpriced and things like collars are poor quality.

I order quality dog and cat food online -- amazon has lots of options, or chewy.com.

I get dog coats from horse stores. They are much higher quality, actually warm and made for active dogs. Not "dress up" outfits like the coats at pet stores.

When your dog is fully grown, consider buying a rolled leather collar from Fennell's in Kentucky. It's a lifetime purchase -- not cheap but beautiful and will last your pet as long as they are with you. Rolled leather is better for their neck fur. Also you can get a custom plate for it with the dog's name, address and phone # -- great so he can be identified without the annoying jingle of pet tags.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have had pets all my life and don't buy anything at those big pet stores. Their stuff is usually overpriced and things like collars are poor quality.

I order quality dog and cat food online -- amazon has lots of options, or chewy.com.

I get dog coats from horse stores. They are much higher quality, actually warm and made for active dogs. Not "dress up" outfits like the coats at pet stores.

When your dog is fully grown, consider buying a rolled leather collar from Fennell's in Kentucky. It's a lifetime purchase -- not cheap but beautiful and will last your pet as long as they are with you. Rolled leather is better for their neck fur. Also you can get a custom plate for it with the dog's name, address and phone # -- great so he can be identified without the annoying jingle of pet tags.

Ooh, those collars look great--will put that in the folder with all of her info and remember to get one when she's grown.

[Anonymous]

Yep just order from Amazon or target. Their crate prices in particular are nuts at petsmart.

[Anonymous]

If you are willing to shop online, check out chewy.com . Best prices and very fast shipping (free over $50).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you are willing to shop online, check out chewy.com . Best prices and very fast shipping (free over $50).

+1 to chewy, especially for food. I got two bad batches of dog food from Amazon so I stick with chewy for food items now. Toys and non-food items are substantially cheaper on Amazon though.

Also, you can usually find crates for cheap on craigslist since a lot of people only use them for the puppy stage. Just make sure to disinfect well if you get a used one.

[Anonymous]

Homegoods has a great selection of pet toys, beds, etc., at greatly reduced prices.

[Anonymous]

petflow.com

[Anonymous]

We don't tend to buy our a dog a ton of "stuff". My sister spends many hours buying speciality collars, clothing, harnesses, vests, toys, special beds (she seems constantly to be buying dog beds - my dog is three and has had the same bed his whole life). Just like shopping for baby gear, a lot of stuff isn't really necessary.


Costco has decent food and great beds. I buy toys , poop bags, dog shampoo, treats at Target, Marshells, TJ Maxx etc.

I got his harness, leash, dog coat, and treats on Amazon.

[Anonymous]

Another vote for chewy. They are great people. I have been struggling with finding food that does not cause allergies in my dog - I was told to donate to shelters whatever did not work for him and got refunded. Obviously, those were small bags of kibble and treats, but still.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you are willing to shop online, check out chewy.com . Best prices and very fast shipping (free over $50).

+1 to chewy, especially for food. I got two bad batches of dog food from Amazon so I stick with chewy for food items now. Toys and non-food items are substantially cheaper on Amazon though.

Also, you can usually find crates for cheap on craigslist since a lot of people only use them for the puppy stage. Just make sure to disinfect well if you get a used one.

+1 re Chewy

[Anonymous]

Amazon.

I go to Petco/Petsmart to get a tag made on their machines.

[Anonymous]

Home goods!

[Anonymous]

Thanks all!