Dollars+Sense: Save change on chow -- and more -- for pets

Contrary to some national media reports, we are not kicking our dogs, cats, ferrets and sugar gliders to the curb to fend for themselves during this economic downturn -- at least not in the Twin Cities area.

While there have been reports that some people in rural areas have had difficulty caring for cows and horses, the Animal Humane Society has not seen an increase in companion animals being surrendered, said Laurie Brickley, communications director for the Buffalo, Coon Rapids, Golden Valley, St. Paul and Woodbury areas.

With three bulldogs and a rottweiler, Holly Foster of Columbia Heights buys a lot of dog food. The French bulldog breeder doesn't buy the cheapest food for her dogs; she believes her dogs eat less of the more nutritional food. She waits for Nature's Recipe to go on sale at Petco or PetsMart.

"Generally, PetsMart is about $4 cheaper than Petco, but Petco will price-match," she said. While the selection is good at a store such as Chuck & Don's Pet Food Outlet, don't go there expecting outlet prices, she said.

Here is where penny-pinching pets go to shop for essentials.

Food: Conventional wisdom says that warehouse clubs such as Costco and Sam's offer the lowest prices on pet food and supplies. In my own price comparisons, I found that to be true, but not significantly so. The warehouse clubs were about 5 to 10 percent cheaper than Target or Wal-Mart on large bags of Purina Healthy Life Nutrition and Iams Weight Control, both for dogs. Buying on sale at Target or Wal-Mart often brought the prices nearly even. If you're a Petco or PetsMart shopper, get their reward card and watch for sales.

Also, check Menards and Fleet Farm's sale prices. Grocery outlet stores such as So Low or Mike's Discount Foods occasionally get in pet food at significant savings. Surplus stores such as Brand Name Deals, Discount 70 and Real Deal also sell pet food hit-and-miss. Wherever you buy, larger sizes are usually the best deal. Pet owners whose pets have been placed on prescription-only diets should compare prices online and ask vets to price-match.

Or make your own cheap cat toys. Take a couple of old socks. Stuff one in the toe of the other along with a pinch of catnip. Tie a double knot at the open end. Or take an empty shoe box and cut several holes slightly smaller than a Ping-Pong ball. Put the ball inside the box and tape the lid on.

Nail trims: If your pet insists on going out for pedicures, Petco is the low-price leader on nail trims at only $10. No appointment is required, although proof of a current rabies vaccination is needed on the first visit.

Cat litter: Aldi and Wal-Mart store brands. Wal-Mart's Special Kitty brand is only $5.74 for a 28-pound box of clumping litter. Cheapskate websites such as Stretcher.com also recommend checking at feed stores or farm supply stores for ground corn or horse bedding. If your cat is partial to expensive brands, mix in a little cheaper stuff and increase gradually to 50 percent.

Vaccinations: Petco. The low-cost vaccination clinics at Petco save you up to 40 percent on rabies, distemper, lyme and heartworm testing and leukemia virus and stool exams, among other procedures. In addition to vaccinations or tests, pets are given a brief exam to check the ears, eyes, teeth, lungs and heart. Coupons are also given out for low-cost spaying and neutering. Costs are lower because of lower overhead, said veterinarian Joel Locketz of the Animal Medical Clinic in Minneapolis, who runs the Petco clinics. Call 612-374-4414 or go to www. discountpetshots.com for locations and hours at area Petcos. Sick animals should be taken to a veterinarian for a full exam, Locketz said.

Prescriptions: Try online and catalog sources such as 1800PetMeds.com, JB Wholesale (1-800-526-0388, www.jbpet.com), KV Vet Supply (1-800-423-8211 or www.kvvet.com) and Omaha Vaccine Co. (1-800-367-4444 or www.omahavaccine.com). You will need a prescription from your vet before ordering. Before ordering by phone or online, get prices and ask your vet to price-match.

Insurance: Most experts don't recommend it, suggesting putting the money into a pet savings account instead. Banfield, a national chain with 14 Twin Cities locations, offers a variety of wellness plans for $143 to $431 per year, but ask about exclusions. Go to www.banfield.net.

General savings/sales: Go to dog and pet shows for lots of coupons and free samples. For more information, go to www.onofrio.com, www.royjonesdogshows.com or www.acfacats.com/show_schedule.htm.

Thrifty critters can only afford to window-shop at LuLu & Luigi, with locations in St. Louis Park and Wayzata, but during its second annual warehouse sale March 27 and 28 (155 Jackson Av. N., Suite 3, Hopkins, 952-929-5858), chi chi clothes, beds, collars, pet accessories and collars will be discounted 50 percent or more.

Got more money-saving tips for pets? Send them in for a possible followup.