Another Mail in Rebate Offer

Your Coupon Buddy has a link to a Heartguard Plus Mail in Rebate form. It is for $5.00 off 12 doses(1 year) and expires 12-31-09. For the rebate form head on over to her post here.

Cost of Pet Ownership

Over at Her Every Cents Counts, she has a blog post about the costs of pet ownership. Within the article it sites a 2001 survey that estimates the costs as this

Dogs cost about $730 per year.
Cats cost about $355 per year.
Rodents cost about $160 per year.
A tank of fish costs about $200 per year.
Birds cost about $770 per year.
Lizards cost about $745 per year.
Snakes cost about $520 per year."

Since this was in 2001, now 8 years old, we can only assume these costs have increased. Although, given current economic conditions they probably are not as high as they might have been in say 2007. Anyway, I'm not an economist I just follow what my own price points are telling me. I can say that I have noticed an increase in the cost of pet food, which is probably related to overall increase in food prices. For instance when Iams Premium Protection was first introduced it was 4.99 a 4lb bag. Three months later it was 7.99. Now the 3 dollar price hike was probably for a variety of reasons but still that's a rather large jump for a 4lb bag of dog food that is going to last maybe a week.

Now I am not going to get into the argument of is the cost worth it. My position on this is obvious as I am a pet owner. But in a way I find the "it's too expensive" argument to be similar to the "child are too expensive" argument. Yes, it will cost you money. Does it cost you exactly what the estimates above show? Well that depends on several things. The biggest I think is your own spending style. For instance, if you like to buy yourself accessories and stay on top of the latest trends and styles are you going to let your dog wear the same collar for it's entire life? Maybe, but chances are you will probably buy them several. I know this because my own sister has bought her beagle more collars than I care to count. Does this mean she is wrong in doing so? No. It just means that her costs of pet ownership are probably going to be higher than someone who buys one collar and that is the only collar their dog will ever have for it's lifetime. I know that my first year of pet ownership I spent a lot more $730 dollars thanks to vet bills alone. But now I am curious as to what my cost of pet ownership is going to come in at for the year. So starting in April, I am going to track my monthly pet costs right here on Frugal Beagle.

I hope that with this blog you can find ways to enjoy pet ownership without breaking the bank. Even if you are not a pet owner but a pet lover, there are still ways you can give back to the pet community without breaking your budget.

Weekly Coupons

Just like with the weekly deals the coupons were lacking pet coupons. Here are the few I received this week.

$1.00 off any Goodlife Dog or Cat Treats
Buy 2 Cesear Dog Food get 1 Free
-These are around .79 a piece, sometimes you can find them on clearance.
$2.00 off any Whiskas 12 pack pouches

Pet Insurance

Miss M over at M is for Money hosted her weekly weekend link love over at her blog. One of the featured posts was about Pet Insurance and is it worth the cost. You can read the post here.

I found it to be an interesting read. After all, I can recount several stories of my siblings pets requiring trips to the e-vet due to something they did(eating excedrin, trying to escape from their garage kennel, etc). It does raise an interesting point of is it worth the cost? The only time I looked at pet insurance was to receive a free 3.00 off Purina coupon. I've never actually crunched the numbers for it. However, I'm not sure if my pooch would even qualify and here is why. When I got her she was already 3 yrs old. I know nothing about her previous history up until the point when I adopted her as she came from a shelter. The only reason I "know" her age is because that is what the vet estimated it as. Also, any health problems she may encounter as she ages could be blamed on the breed and therefore excluded(beagles are known to have hip problems).

So would it really be worth it? I think I'd rather just continue to have an emergency fund that is set aside to cover an unexpected vet costs. I like this idea because it's less paperwork, less headache and I know where my money is going and it's there for me when I might need it.

Weekly Deals

Today is the last day to use the Petsmart coupons.

Otherwise, here are a few of the weekly sales I see.

Kroger has 15lb bags of Iams dog food for 15.99(when you buy 3 or 3 of the mix and match items)
Use the 1.00 off any size Iams(exp. 3/31/09)

Target has Iams Premium Protection 15lb bags for 18.99
Scoop Away Litter for 9.99
Towels are on sale for 5.00. Towels make a great inexpensive bedding for your pets kennels or sleeping spots. I like to use them because they are easy to wash and cheaper than blankets.

It's also reported that Target has pet items on clearance including pet beds, collars, outfits, and canned food. I'm not sure what the prices are but it could be worth checking out if you are already going.

Natural Solutions for Your Pet

I've written before about the importance of keeping your pet on a flea and tick preventative. No matter what area of the country you live in your pet is at risk throughout the year of these critters. The treating fleas rather than preventing them is not frugal nor fun for you and your pet. I've dealt with it several times.

I use K9 advantix on my pup to help keep those bugs off her. Though I know its safe for use, I wonder what those chemicals that are killing the bugs may do to her. At the same time I wonder if "natural" solutions are enough to keep the bugs off of her.

My mom recently sent me a website my Aunt started. It presented me a solution to the above conundrum. Amber stone necklaces offer your pet tick and flea prevention in a natural way.

Go here for more information. Amber Stone Pets

Weekly Shopping Round Up

Wow, what a week for savings thanks to double coupons, store coupons and sales. Frugal in Virginia asked us to show of our score this week. I wish I had pictures but my sister has my camera at the moment. Instead, I'll just share another picture of the Frugal Beagle.

Rite Aid
1 Tampax @ 2.99-1.00 off coupon=1.99
1 Sudafed PE @ 3.99-1.50 off coupon= 1.49
1 Huggies Natural Fit @ 9.99-3.00 off coupon=6.99
1 Gatorade@ 1.00=1.00
Total after coupons was 13.69
I used my 10.00 gift card from the Bayer rebate and paid 3.69 oop
I'll get back 3.00 from SCR(1.00 for the Tampax, 2.00 for the Huggies).

Kmart
4 Kotex liners @ 1.29 each used 3 (.75) off coupons= .66
2 Gillette Bodywashes @ 4.49 each used 2(2.00) off coupons=.98
5 Soyjoy bars@ 2.75 used $1.00 off 4 coupon=.75
1 Halls Cough Drop @ 1.49 used .75 off coupon= free
1 Goodlife Dog Food @ 4.99 used 2.00 off coupon=.99
1 Pupperoni Dog treats@ 2.99 used 1.00 off coupon=.99
1 Natural Source Cleaner @ 2.50 used 1.00 off coupon= .50
1 Secret Flawless@ 4.49 used 2.00 off coupon=2.49
*my cashier actually took off my 1.00 on this instead of the 2.00 one making the oop higher*
1 Secret Deo@ 2.49 used 1.00 off coupon= Free
*used the 2.00 off on this and it doubled to .49 making it free*
1 Sure Deo @ 1.99 used .75 off coupon= .49
Total was 43 dollars before coupons. Came to 10.87 after tax after coupons!

Petsmart
2 Science Diet Natural @ 14.49 each-2(5.00) off coupons=18.98
1 Science Diet Small Kibble @ 9.99-1(5.00) off coupon=4.99
1 Rawhide 1lb bag assorted @ 5.99=5.99
1 disposable bags@ 9.59=9.59
Used a 15.00 off your 50.00 purchase coupon(expires 3/29) along with 15.00 in Science Diet coupons.
Total oop after tax was 27.32
My total was less than what two bags of the Science Diet!

Petsmart Trip

The Petsmart coupons that popped up this week came at the perfect time for me. I needed dog food and rawhides. I printed off the coupons and here is how I did.

2 bags of Science Diet Natural Chicken and Rice=14.49(2)-2(5.00 off coupons)=18.98
1 bag of Science Diet Lamb and Rice small bites=9.99-1(5.00 off coupon)=4.99
-this was on sale from 11.99
1 bag of rawhides =5.99
-on sale from 6.99
1 bag of waste bags with a bonus bags=9.59
-on sale from 11.99
My total before coupons was $63.00

I used the $15.00 off 50.00, 3 5.00 off science diet, plus my petsmart savings, brought my total to 27.32 after tax.

Goodlife Cat Food Deal

I've already mentioned that you can get Free cat food this week at Kmart if your store is doubling coupons. Here is another deal on Goodlife Cat food if you have a Publix near you, thanks to Amy at Who Said Nothing in Life is Free for alerting me to the deal!

Publix has the 3lb bags on B1/G1, shelf price at her store is 4.49. It may vary on where you live, but the price is not listed in my add, just "surprisingly low price". Publix in my area lets you buy only 1 of the item and still receive the sale price. So in this case 4.49/2=2.25
You can use the $2.00/1 from the coupon inserts and get it for .25 cents or you can go here, and print off a $3.00 off coupon. You would receive the .75 overage. Print two and you could get two bags of cat food for free plus 1.51 in overage.

It does not appear that dog food is a part of this deal. The sale is good through April 1st.

Hot Pet coupons!

Common Sense with Money has some great Petsmart Coupons available on her website!

Go here for the scoop!

K9 Advantix

Petco.com is currently offering a four month supply of K9 Advantix from 48.99-51.99! You can also get free shipping on orders over $45.00 by entering springsave at checkout. Shop through ebates and earn 6% cash back on your order. You can also go in through an ebates link that would give you 10 dollars off a $60.00 purchase. If you have other items to order this could be a pretty good deal.

If you don't have an ebate account sign up today. Not only do you earn cash back by shopping online, you can earn extra money through referrals. You can receive your money through paypal or a check every three months. I was amazed at how quick and easy it was to use!

Pet Emergency Supply Check List

I got this in a newsletter from Dogster. No matter what part of the country you live in chances are you could be affected by a natural disaster. The Midwest experienced record flooding last spring, the coast of TX by a hurricane, right now there is a volcanic ash dusting parts of Alaska! If you don't already have an emergency plan in place for your family, I strongly encourage you to put one together. When doing so don't forget about your pet. Go here for a list of supplies you should have on hand.
How many of these items do you currently have on hand? I have all of them, well if I could remember where I put my flashlight.

Coupon Match Ups

Kmart is running double coupons this week, check your local ad to see if your store is participating.
My sister was able to get free cat food from her Kmart. The Goodlife 3lb bag is on sale for 3.99. Use the 2.00 off any goodlife cat/dog food. The store will double the coupon to 1.99 making it FREE. If you don't have the coupon you can get a printable coupon here. Some Kmarts will accept I.P coupons, some will not. However, there have been several Goodlife coupons that are still good from the last few months. Even if you don't have a cat, this could be an excellent donation to a local shelter. Please check with your local shelter first, some do not accept certain brands of food.
I was able to get a 4lb bag of Goodlife Dog food for .99 yesterday!
sale price 4.99-2.00(2.00)=.99
I also got a bag of Pupperoni with 25% more free for .99 as well. 2.99-1.00(1.00)=.99
Those were the only deals I saw for pups at my local Kmart this week with double coups.

There is also a 2.00 printable for Kibbles and Bits wholesome Melody available here. I saw this on clearance at Publix for less than 6 dollars. Combine with the 2.00 off coupon and you could get a pretty good deal. Thanks to Hip2Save for the coupon link!

Target has 8lb varieties of Iams cat food on sale for 14.00. When you buy 2 get a $5.00 giftcard. If this includes the kitten variety you could buy (2) 8lb bags @ 14.00(2)-5.00(2)=18.00 then get the 5.00 gift card back. Making your total cost 13 dollars for 2 bags of cat food. There are several 1.00 off Iams coupons from the 3/1 P&G.
Fresh Step is on sale for 12 dollars for 25-28lb varieties. Purchase 2 and received a 5.00 giftcard. I don't think you can combine the two offers, to get a giftcard. I believe you would need to purchase 2 of each product to get the 5.00 giftcard. You could do the cat food deal and use the 5.00 gift card in the Fresh Step transaction. So it would look you would pay 19 dollars oop and get another 5.00 back.

The Pledge Fabric Sweeper is on sale at Walgreens this week for 3.50. Use the 2.00 off coupon here and send in the for the Walgreens Mail in Rebate(found in the ESR booklet at your local store or online!) for 1.00. Total cost .50! Thanks again to Hip2Save for pointing out this deal. These are great for removing fur from your couch, car seats, curtains and other popular pet spots!

Working the Deals for your pet

Yesterday, I was out early picking up my class registration packet. I decided that while I was out I might as well stop at Walgreens as well. After a nearly tragic run at the CVS across the street I decided that Wags would have to be better. Little did I know how true that would be. In my first guest post at Your Coupon Buddy, I talked about how you can save money buying pet toys through your Register Rewards. I did this yesterday and I wanted to share with y'all how I did it. 

Now granted there are always ways to combine your deals so that it lowers your out of pocket. I don't do this as well at Walgreens as I do with CVS. Partly I blame it on the register not displaying your entire transaction on the screen because of this I have no idea what my tax is versus how much I owe. So in the first transaction my cashier estimated I needed to spend 3 more dollars to use my $10 RR. I decided that I would do this with a clearance dog toy. A hedgehog named Booda(their spelling not mine) it was on clearance for 3.59 cents.  I spent 3.96 oop for 2 tubes of toothpaste, 2 toothbrushes, 1 floss, 1 listerine rinse, 1 listerine pocket spray, anti bacterial wipes, 1 pack of mints,  1 pack of gum and of course, Booda. My advertised savings and coupon savings was 32.40. And I earned another 7 dollars in RR. 

So I could have spent about the same oop for just booda or all of thee above. Now mind you this doesn't happen every time I walk into Wags, CVS or any other store. But, when it does my pooch is happy and entertained for several hours. 

K-Mart Double Coupons!

Yes, it's that wonderful time of the month when K-Mart annouces they have double coupons. Check their ad for the week of 3/22-28 to see if your store is participating. Mine has the banner splashed across the front of the ad!
There have been several coupons for dog treats in the last few inserts. I'm also going to check out the price of various dog food coupons I've got.

This could be a great time to use those Pupperoni coupons, pedigree and other treats that are valued at a 1.00 or more! Remember you can only use four of the same coupon in each transaction.

Allergy Season

It's allergy season here. I know because my dog has taken up her semi annual itching and all the pollen lingering on the ground.
Last September I took my pup to the vet because I thought she might have had an ear infection as that was the primary area she was itching. Turns out, she like I, has allergies when the pollen decides to grace us with it's presences. However, instead of taking her to the vet twice a year for a cortisone shot, my vet gave me a simple solution. When allergy season strikes, give your dog half a Benadryl. Yes, the same thing I take works the same way for her. Only I give her a smaller dose than I take for myself. While it's always best to take your dog or animal to the vet first to get a proper diagnosis, always remember to ask your vet if there are any home remedies. Most places will give you an honest answer, and if they don't it may be time to find a new vet. After all avoiding a vet visit is a better solution for you and your pooch. My pup does not enjoy any time spent in the vets office! Please note, this post is not to say never take your animal to the vet. Of course, you should take your pet to the vet if you feel it necessary. But remember to ask questions like you would at your own visit. After all, it may help you and your pet with a better recovery.

Attitude of Gratitude Award

Your Coupon Buddy awarded the Frugal Beagle with this delightful Attitude of Gratitude Award. It's exciting to accept and I understand how Oscar winners feel now. :P
I'm thankful for all the fellow bloggers out there that helped me learn the tricks of the trade. I love hearing cashiers and others comment on the great deals I've been able to get from reading fellow blogs. Not only does it help me keep more money in my pocket I've been able to help others as well through donations and handing out extras from my stash. When my friends call me the coupon lady, I take it as a compliment. I know that many are looking for ways to save money and see that deals are not just limited to free shampoo but your pets too! Many shelters are becoming overwhelmed by people turning over their pets because they can't afford them or have lost their homes in foreclosure. So I will continue to be that coupon lady and use the power of the coupon to help those that I can including our four legged friends.
Now as a part of this award I would like to present it back to those that have helped me on my journey to becoming the Frugal Beagle.

Following the rules of acceptance here are those that I pass it along to and the rules.
The Rules of Accepting and Sharing this Award

1. put the logo on your blog or post

2. nominate at least 10 blogs that show an attitude of gratitude

3. link to your nominees within your post

4. comment on their blogs to let them know they've received this award

5. share the love and link to this post and the person who nominated you for the award

6. tell us how you've come to have an attitude of gratitude

1. Saving Cents with Sense
2. Frugal in Virgina
3. It's Hip to Save
4. Cheap but not Easy
5. Who Said Nothing in Life is Free?
6. Mommies with Cents
7. Sales Addict
8. "Cents"able Momma
9. A Lot of Savings
10. Frugal Girls

Weekly Deals

K-mart has Alpo Can food 20 for $12.00 making them .60 a can. Use the printable buy one get one can free here. You can get two cans for 60 cents!
They also have Beggin Strips on sale 4/$10. This isn't great, my local Target's regular price on these is 2.24. However, if you still have the 3.00 off any Purina snack or the b1/g1 coupon it could work out to be a pretty good price point.

I noticed Kibbles and Bits Wholesome dry food on clearance at my local Publix. They also have Iams Puppy/Kitty food for 6.49 combine this with the 5.00 off coupon from the 3/1 P&G insert and you can get a bag for 1.49. Several blogs are also reporting that Walmart has the Iams food for 5.99 making it only .99 a bag after coupon, if your store carries it in the small bag size(some are reporting not to).

Moneysavingmom has a 5.00 off Purina dog food printable on her site. Check it out here. It appears to only be valid at Pet Supplies Plus. Please correct me if this is not true.

Printables are still available for the buy any chew-alot bone and get a free box of Meaty Bones and Pupperoni.

More Offers for Your Pup!

Go here to sign up for the Purina Completely Puppy Care program. Once you register you'll have access to training videos, articles and best of all a $2.00 off Purina Puppy Chow coupon!

Do you currently use Fortiflora for your pet? If so go here for a $5.00 mail in rebate form. Please note, this product can only be given to you by your vet.

Coupon for Whole Meals

I received an email today from WholeMeals food for dogs offering a 3.00 off coupon. Here is what they say about their product.

WholeMeals™ Food for Dogs is a new way to feed your dog with a shape they naturally love. Its unique shape is perfect to help:

• Clean Teeth
• Freshen Breath
• Finicky Eaters
• Reduce Gulping
• Portion Control
• Feeding on the go

I received a sample of these with a Petco.com order a few months back. It reminded me of a Jumbo Bone or a chew-a-lot if you have ever given your pup one. It's a similar size and consistency. However, unlike the Jumbo Bone which is meant as a treat, this is intended to replace your dog's actual meal. I think they would be handy for car trips or if you need a quick way to pack a meal for your dog like if you were outdoors hiking etc.

I personally would not use them for every meal. They are available at Petsmart, Petco and other speciality stores. Use the find store locator to see if they are offered at a store near you.

Go here for to get your $3.00 off coupon.

Free Milkbone Coupon

It is being reported that there is a coupon for a free box of Milkbone Dog biscuits in Entertainment Weekly(Slumdog Millionaire Cover) and People Magazine(week of March 2nd on pg 15).

Can anyone verify if they got one in their issues?

The Goodlife Recipe has a printable 1.00 off any treats coupon along with a 3.00 off any food purchase here.

Guest Post

The Frugal Beagle has a guest post up at Your Coupon Buddy about how I save money on my pets flea and worm preventatives. Go here to learn more!

Bissell MVP

Hello All, you might have noticed there is a new button over on the right hand side promoting a pup that is not the frugal beagle. Fear not, this was not an accident. My friend decided to enter her adorable senior pup Moose into the contest. Please go vote for Moose by clicking on the button!

Another Rebate

Save $5.00 when you buy any bag of BLUE brand dog or cat food plus the Space Buddies or Oliver and Company on DVD. This mail in rebate form can be found here. The purchase must take place between January 1, 2009 and March 31, 2009. It must be received by April 30th, limit one per household.

Plus, if you go to the Blue website you can request a $5.00 off coupon for their dog food. Simply click on the compare my dogs food button. Once you select the brand and fill in your dogs name another page will pop up showing you how they compare and on the right hand side you'll can request a welcome kit that includes a $5.00 off coupon!

Dog Food Mail in Rebate Offers

My co-worker has a senior pup that requires special dog food for his tummy. This can be pricey as it's not a great deal to buy it online either due to shipping costs. Hill's Science Diet is helping to alleviate some of those costs with their mail in rebate form for up to $25.00 dollars back.
Purchases must be made by 3/31/09.

This is just on the Prescription Diet food.

*Update, the offer below is for Canada residences only! Thank you for point this out Jray! *
Science Diet Nature's Best also has a mail in rebate of up to 15.99. The offer expires 3/31/09 and cannot be combined with manufacturer's coupons or any other offers. Buy one 4lb bag of Science Diet Nature's Best(this may be with the other natural, organic like dog food and not by the other Science Diet brands, so look there). Complete this form along with sending in your original receipt and UPC off the bag. You might also find the mail in rebate forms in the aisle at Petsmart. My sister gave me this offer a while back when she located the form a Fleet Farm. I got my rebate check in 8 weeks for my full purchase price.

There is also a coupon found on the Nature's best website for $5.00-3.00 off(I found a link for both, not sure how that is but I'll keep both up.

The Missing Link is offering a 2.00 MIR on their dog food. Go here for the form.
Go here for more mail in rebate opportunities for your pet.

Weekly Deals

Target
Pupperoni 20-25oz bags for 8.99
Other select dog treats 10%
*this may also include smaller bags of pupperoni that have the bonus sizing. Depending on the sale this might be a good time to use those 1.50 off coupons!

Beneful 31lb bags for 26.99
other select Beneful products

Publix
Pupperoni dog treats 3.00
Goodlife Dog food 15lb bags for 11.99
-coupon in 1/4 Red Plum and this week for 2.00 off
-3.00 off printable available here

This would also be your last week to use the Petco coupon for $5.00 off a 25.00 purchase(exp 3/15)

In the inserts this week I found 2 Pedigree coupons and Goodlife coupons.
Depending on your region here is what you can find.
1.50 off Purina T Bonz Dog Snack Porterhouse Flavor
3.00 off WholeMeal Bones for Dogs(these are like jumbo bones but are used as a meal. Very hand for traveling.)

Free Bumper Sticker

Head over to Savings Cents with Sense to snag an adorable and free bumper sticker reading "Life's A Dog".

Check out her other freebie links while you are over there.

Save Money on your Pet

Go here for a great list of ways to save money on your pet by M is for Money.

Alpo Coupon

Go here for a buy one get one free coupon for canned Alpo.

Pet Contests

Believe it or not there are several contest you can enter your pet in beyond "World's Cutest Dog".

This Friday I am running in a local 5k. They give out prizes for best costume including one for your pet. By dressing up my pup, I could win $100 dollars! Now, I will not be doing this for several reasons including that my dog would destroy any attempts to costume her and hates crowds. However, it presents an opportunity to make $100 dollars while having fun.

Bissell is currently running a Most Valuable Pet Photo Contest. Go here for the details. You could win your choice of bissell product, your pet's picture on their packaging and 10,000 donated to a charity of your favorite pet cause.

Dogster is a dog resources website that is sort of like a dog version of Myspace. You can create your pup a profile and make friends with other dogs. Another great aspect of this site though is the abudnant resources on it. You can find information on breeds, adoption sites, forums, and the list goes on. They also have contests. Earlier this year I joined a Febreeze group and got the cutest little pack of items for my pet including a portable water bowl and food scoop.

While your pet will probably never make you rich or be the next Lassie. You can still find cute contests to enter them into and win fun prizes. After all, why not?

Weekly Deals

Petco is offering 8.00 off a 40lb bag of Science Diet. Combine with the 5.00 off any size bag of Science Diet(there is a printable version when you sign up for the free pet food contest, three bag challenge or from an insert back in January). Combine this with the 5.00 off a 25.00 dollar purchase and you can get 40lbs of dog food for between 20-25 dollars. You will need to use your P.A.L.S card but the great part is that it counts towards your 10 bags for a free bag. The free bag is something your P.A.L.S card tracks for you automatically, you just need to buy the same size and flavor as you always do to earn it.

Petco is also running some great rawhide deals. They have PetAg Rawhides buy one get one free.
$5.00 off Petco Pig Ears or Round Knots.

25% off Pupperoni, Chewalott, Snausages, when you buy 2 or more. Use the buy one chew a lot bone get a free Meaty Bone biscuit and save 25% plus get a free box of dog biscuits(if meaty bones count towards the 25% they are not in the ad but are a Del Monte product). If you signed up for the free can of Snausages Apple and Peanut butter you could use that towards this deal as well! There have been several 1.00 off Pupperoni coupons offered and in this week's inserts.

Target is offering a $5.00 gift card when you buy 2 Tidy Cats. They are 10.99 each plus the 1.00 off coupon. You would pay 19.98 out of pocket and get 5.00 back.
Select Purina items are on sale as well including Beggin Strips and Purina One dog food.