Shopping for your pet online is now the norm for many families in the UK. The convenience of being able to compare prices and have heavy bags of food or litter delivered to your door means many of us do our shopping for our pets online. With so many options available to us it is useful to know how to identify online retailers that are actually helpful and trustworthy from ones that are not. There are several simple habits that will allow you to save time, money and avoid the frustration of buying something your pet will never use.
Start With What Your Pet Actually Needs
Before you start your shopping, make a short list. Include factors like your pet’s age, size, health and temperament. A growing puppy needs different food and toys from a senior dog, and a nervous cat may prefer a quiet hiding place to a fancy scratching tower. If your vet has recommended a certain food or product, make sure to list it so you aren’t influenced by product marketing. A clear list helps avoid unnecessary purchases and gauge if the item in question is actually worth the price.
What a Good Pet Shop Looks Like
Shopping should be easy. Find shops that give clear descriptions about their products, post pictures that show the product as it is, provide ingredient lists, size guides. Find out shipping costs and times before you are required to enter your payment info. See if it’s easy to return an item if it does not work for your pet. Customer reviews can give some insight, but read some of the neutral reviews, as they tend to show how the shop solves problems. If there is a way to contact them that leads to a real person, that is a great sign. Well-organised pet websites like Pet Share and Shop are a good example of how clear layouts and honest product information should look.
Compare Value, Not Just Price
What costs the least, doesn’t always equate to the best value. A bigger bag of food might cost more, but could be cheaper per day. The same concept applies to a durable chew toy. A sturdy chew toy that lasts months is better than 3 cheaper and flimsy toys that last a week. When thinking of price, you should also take into consideration how often you will need to repurchase the item. Although a bulk or subscription discount might look good at first glance, it might not always be worthwhile. These discounts are usually only worthwhile for items you use a lot, like cat litter or treats, as long as you can cancel or pause the subscription without a hassle.
Make Use of Community and Trade Knowledge
Everyone loves to share their opinions. Local owner groups, breed clubs and small animal forums are filled with people who have already used (or are considering using) the products you are looking at. The best advice comes from people in the trade who see what is used and recommended every day. Treat their recommendations as a starting point. And always check that a product is appropriate for your own pet.
Keep Safety and Welfare First
Make sure anything you buy is right for your pet’s species and size. Toys should not be small enough to be swallowed. Collars and harnesses should not be too tight, and food should be complete and balanced for your pet’s life stage. Gradually introduce new foods to your pet’s diet. Watch your pet the first couple of times they use a new toy, bed, or other item. If you see damage on an item or your pet is ill or injured after using a new product, don’t use it and contact your vet.
Build a Simple Routine
Once you identify shops and products that work, a bit of routine helps a lot. Write down what you buy, when you run out of it, and what your pet liked or disliked. You can even set up an order a week in advance, so you’re not stuck without food on the weekend. You’ll want to review this list from time to time, because your pet might change as they age or get fussy.
A Calmer, Happier Way to Shop
Shopping for your pet should be enjoyable. When buying things for your pet, look for quality, keep your pet’s wellbeing in mind, and you will never make an unnecessary purchase. You will buy things that your pet actually needs and enjoys. Spend as much time as you want. The important thing to keep in mind is that your pet is comfortable and happy. The purchase is worthless unless your pet is healthy, happy, and comfortable.