Honestly, I’ve just recently heard of Zhu Zhu pets when I was writing my toy scalper post. It’s not a toy my son has seen. However, what I hear is that these are pretty much the hottest toy of 2009, so I’m guessing some of you are looking for one for your kids.

If so, you’re in luck because according to reports, Kmart has these fun furry friends scurrying-in just in time for Christmas.

On December 18th these electronic pet hamsters will be available for purchase on Kmart.com and on December 20th they will be available for purchase at select Kmart stores. Check Kmart.com for store locations.

Zhu Zhu pets will be available for $10.99 both online and in-store and there is a limit of 2 per customer.

Good luck!

UPDATE: I just got an email from Kmart’s rep noting that these sold out as of the morning of the 18th. Looks like Kmart just wanted the hype but maybe didn’t stock enough. Same old song and dance.

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

1)  Sign up for a freecycle account.  Just last week I gave away a 3-tier cage.  There are others giving away pet accessories and some freecycle groups will allow pet listings.

2)  Consider adopting an animal from a rescue organization.  A few years ago, we adopted a cat for $80.  She was spayed, declawed, and had all of her shots.  The $80 adoption fee was much less expensive than paying the vet bills for a kitten.

3)  Find an older veterinarian.  When I was growing up, my family always took our animals to an older veterinarian because he was less expensive.  He had been out of school for years and he did not have the expenses that younger vets have so he was able to offer cheaper rates.  I was fortunate to find an older veterinarian where we live now which is good because we adopted a kitten last year.  The vet that we use does not charge for office visits.  He only charges for the cost of his supplies.  I was able to save over $60 on my kitten’s first round of shots.  (Some people may not agree with going to older veterinarians.  I am trying to save money.  It is not my goal to put someone else through college.)

4)  Consider using a veterinary school for care.  Some veterinary schools offer services to the public.  Of course, you’re not seeing someone with experience, but these students are supervised by their instructor.  If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, you may just consider using their services for basic needs such as vaccinations.

5) Groom your pet at home.  Trim their nails, wash them, give them flea treatments, and cut their hair.  All of these expenses can really add up quickly. 

6)  Keep your dog in a fenced-in yard and keep your cat inside.  When animals leave your yard, they are more susceptible to parasites, injury, and other dangers.

7) Research, research, research.  If you’re thinking about getting a new pet, then I strongly urge you to research price of the pet and the needs that they have.  Because of our research, we have kept ourselves from purchasing a chinchilla, a hedgehog, and I’m sure some other critters as well.  We simply found that these pets were not for us.

8)  Research the different brands of food.  Most expensive doesn’t always mean best.  For a while, we were able to buy an equivalent generic of the brand we wanted to use. 

9) If you are brand loyal to the pet food you purchase, then visit the company’s website. Sign up for their newsletter and special promotions.  Many companies will email you coupons and special offers. 

10) Check your local veterinarian’s bulletin board.  I can’t tell you the number of animal postings I’ve seen on vet’s bulletin boards.  I guess if you have an animal that needs a home, a vet’s office would be the place to post the ad because those people are likely to care about animals.  Many people will give their animals away if they know they’re going to a good home.

Well, that’s my list of 10 ways to save money with pets and animals.  I can think of a few more ways, but I want to hear from you too.  Can you add something to this list?

image by Karen

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

She just lays there on the dresser, soaking in the sun from the windows.  At least this is keeping the cat hair off of my bed!  Looks as though my cat is being thrifty too by finding new purposes for old items.   ;)

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

My email from PetsMart stated that free shipping was for orders of $40 or more.  I am guessing this is available to PetPerks members.  If you haven’t done so, you may want to sign up for PetPerks and order less.

This free shipping sounds like a good opportunity to avoid a trip to the store with kids.  lol

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

I hope to finish up tonight or tomorrow afternoon and then I’ll be back on schedule. Until then, I have some cute pictures for you to look at over at The Weather Channel.  You go can there and view the animal pictures, get yourself some smiles, and even submit your own photos.

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

• Chocolate – of course! It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, irregular heart beat, seizures, and death due to the Theobromine
• Easter Grass – when digested, it can cause intestinal blockage
• Easter lilies – kidney failure to cats
• Small toys – choking hazard

Please keep your animals safe and happy and if you put Easter ears on your beloved pets, send us a picture.

Post from: Thrifty Mommy