A new year brings new goals. I don’t know about you, but for me that includes looking at my budget. Riggins, my adorable, sweet four-legged boy, takes up a large portion of my disposable income. I love her, and she deserves the best!
However, is “best” always necessary? Looking around the house at Riggins’ possessions, I found the torn shell of a stuffed toy, a worn dog bed, the carcasses of several dozen tennis balls, and a half-chewed food bowl.
To Riggins’ credit, I’m a dog sitter, so he’s had a lot of help with breaking these and many other things. Most of these things don’t stay shiny and new and yet Riggins and his friends still appreciate them. Is it worth spending all that money? Maybe not.
There are many items that you can feel safe buying secondhand for your pup. Here are just a few to get you thinking:
- Clothing and apparel
- Toys
- Leashes and harnesses
- Comfortable beds
- Blankets
- Dishes and dish holders
- Training books and training tools
- Strollers
- Cages and crates
- Ramps and stairs
Check all these items for problems and excessive use. Make sure they are not too tired and/or won’t hurt your dog (for example, loose buttons).
Anything that isn’t really new should be washed and disinfected. You may have to get crafty with some items — like dog beds — and make a new cover from cheap sheets or material you find on clearance. I once made my sister’s dog (who is huge) a cover for her dog bed (which she chewed beyond recognition during her puppy stage) from a duvet cover I found on sale. Other items, such as food holders, may need a new coat of paint.
Where should you find some great bargains on these new items? Here are some suggestions:
The 5 Places to Find Used Dog Items
1. Friends
My sister recently told me not to buy my niece any clothes. Why? Apparently, the little girl’s closet is bursting at the seams with tiny shirts, pants, and clothes she’s inherited from friends. If you can get pre-loved things for your child, why not your dog? Chat with your friends at the dog park. I bet you’ll find that many people have things their pup doesn’t really like and are willing to give away or even trade for something you have.
2. eBay
Remember when you first discovered eBay and the wonders of secondhand items for one-tenth the cost of new? There just so happens to be an entire section specifically for dog supplies. Be sure to limit your search to “used” to find the best deal.
3. Second hand stores
True to the name! At the Goodwill near me, you can find many of Riggins’ coats and sweaters that I used to dress him in before he put his foot down and refused to partake in such nonsense.
4. Flea markets
I have an adorable dog bowl holder that I got at a very random flea market in Coarsegold, California (don’t worry if you don’t know where that is — no one does), while I’m waiting to give birth my nephew. . Always open your eyes! A good search can present itself anytime, anywhere.
5. Garage sales
You know the rules of a good garage search, right? Arrive early, bring a one-dollar bill, and put on your best negotiating face as you travel through the neighborhoods.
There’s no doubt that in 2016, Riggins will continue to get new shiny things that catch my budget. But with some smart secondhand shopping, maybe her piece of the pie won’t be as big as it used to be!
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Featured Image Credit: Dogs running with teddy by Shutterstock
