Hot Petsmart Coupon!

There is a $5.00 off any $25.00 purchase coupon here. It expires July 25th, which gives you plenty of time to use it.

Ways to use it
1. Use free Iams bag coupon if you sent in for it. Today is the last day to do so! Remember, Iams has a satisfaction guaranteed.
2. Eukanuba $5.00 off any puppy food coupon, if you signed up for it. If not there is still time to send in for it. I received mine within three weeks.
3. Science Diet's Nature's best get a $5.00 off coupon printable.
4. Purina Pro Plan $3.00 off coupon
5. Various Pedigree coupons for dog treats etc.

Coupons

Go here for a $5.00 off Science Diet Nature's Best Natural Balance Dog food. You will need to be a registered user for their website to access the coupon.

Petco is having an online sale for Flea and Tick topicals. Go through Ebates and earn additional cash back on your purchase. These prices seems competitive with other online sites and are less than what you would pay in your vet's office.

Get a free health exam from your local VCA vet office. Go here for more information. Personally, I try to avoid larger chain vet offices. They are typically more expensive than local pet hospitals. I konw this from personal experience. I originally took my dog to a large chain vet and the visit alone was $20 more than what I pay now at my vet's office. I did not have a great experience either at the large chain. However, if you are concerned about something go on with your pet this might be a great way to get that checked out. However, do be aware that this only covers the exam, not any treatment services.

Free Sample of doggie detangler available here. This would be great for those of you with long hair pups.

Get $3.00 off Purina Pro Plan dog food here.

Your Help is Needed

Readers, your help is needed! My blogger buddy Your Coupon Buddy has a call on her blog for dog food coupons and kitty coupons to help out a local Humane Society in desperate need of dog and kitty food. While the shelter has received a great response it doesn't mean their need is over! If you have any of the free mighty dog coupons or free cat chow coupons or any other coupons that would make it possible to get dog/cat food a low cost. Please go to her site and send the coupons her way. I'm gathering up my coupons right now to send to her.
Here is one of the news stories about the shelter.

Iams at CVS

CVS has the 3.5-4lb bag of mini chunks for 5.99 this week. While that's not as good of a deal as the Publix price, it could work out well if you need to use up some ECB's. There is a rebate form found in the summer aisle where there is an Iams display. There you will find a rebate for purchase one bag and get a coupon for a free bag.
So buy 1 bag at 5.99(I believe regular price on these is between 7.99-11.99!) and send in for the rebate, get a free bag. Each bag would work out to around 3.00 plus a stamp. This could be a great way to use some of those ECB's from the soyjoy deal or if you have those great x/xx coupons that I NEVER get.
Plus, if you try Iams for 4 weeks and don't like it. You can get your money back! That's right they have a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Dogster

Dogster is an online community where you make a page for your dog. Similar to Facebook or Myspace but for dogs and cats(catster), but with an online community section that includes great resources.
For instance you can go here and get a $5.00 coupon for Adams Flea products(remember there is a 3.00 off coupon in All for You, and the 5/17 inserts). You do need to be a member to receive the coupon, which will be mailed.
I've got some great tips and information from dogster. I've even got freebies! I got a free dog food scoop and portable waterbowl when I joined the frebreeze group on dogster. It's a great place to get breed information and connect with fellow dog lovers.
If you don't have an account it's free to join and you can be as active or inactive as you want.

Great Offers for your cat.

Yes, even the Frugal Beagle is a fan of the feline world. Check out these great offers for your kitty!

Go here to get a mail in rebate form for a 7lb bag of Feline Pine.

For Canadian residents only get a free sample of Purina Pro cat food.

$1.00 off any Cat's Pride kitty litter here.

$1.00 off any Jonny cat litter here.

$3.00 off World's Best Cat Litter here

Buy one/get on free coupon here for Culinary Creation canned food.

Pedigree Canned Food Coupon

Go here to get a buy one/get one free coupon from Pedigree.

Also, did you know Iams offers a 100% guarantee on their products? After trying their product for four weeks if you are not satsified you can call their customer relation line at 1-800-675-3849 for a refund.

Weekly Deals

Publix
Iams 3.5-4lb bags of dog food @ 4.99
-buy one and then send in for the free bag voucher(good through 6/30) if you have not already. Voucher forms found at CVS by the Iams summer display or they are also selling on Ebay.
If this sale includes Premium protection Iams, use the 2.00 off coupon in today's inserts(6/21) to get it for just 2.99!

Pedigree Jumbo Bones multi packs are 6.99. Combine with the 1.50 off any pedigree treat to make them 5.49. If I remember correctly there are 6 in a pack.
or 1.00 off any Jumbo bone(5/7 RP) expires 7/4

I also found Rachel Ray's Isaboo treats for 1.75 a bag, combine with 1.00 off coupon to make them .75 a bag. I tested one out on my pooch and sure enough, she loved them. I wish I had more than 1 coupon!

Target
-Pedigree 20lb+2lb bonus bags of dog food are 11.49
Use the 2.00 off any Pedigree coupon(7/15/09) This may be a regional coupon as I found it at Publix.
Or use the 1.50 off any Pedigree dog food coupon in today's inserts.

Kroger
Pedigree 20lb bags of dog food are 10.69
Plus they are including in the Daytona 10 event(check your local ad).
Use 2.00 off any Pedigree coupon or 1.50 off any bag from today's inserts.

Eukanuba Coupon

My Eukanuba coupon showed up yesterday in the mail. It is good for $5.00 of any Eukanuba PUPPY food. Blast! My pup is waaaay past the puppy stage. This will probably go towards a charitable contribution.

Steals and Deals

I had a great shopping trip at Publix today. I had a 1.90 overage to use so I decided to get dog treats. I bought 1 chewlotta 2pack at 2.99. I used a 1.00 off coupon my sister sent me from the inserts. Then I had the printable from Red Plum where you buy any chewlotta and get a free box of Meaty Bone dog biscuits, a 2.69 savings! So for 1.99 I got two things of treats. With my overage it came out to .09! Then I spotted Rachel Ray's Isaboo treats on a clearance end cap for 1.75. I used a dollar off coupon from the inserts to score that for only .75! Then why I checked the mail today I was thrilled to discover that my free bag of Iams coupon arrived! It's good until 9/30/09. If you have not sent in for yours you have until 6/30/09. This came pretty fast too!

Even if you don't have a Publix in your area, I've heard the Isaboo treats can be found on clearance at Walmart as well. The Iams coupon is good anywhere Iams is sold. It is for a 3.5-4lb bag.

Pedipaw Deal

Do you want a simple way to save on grooming costs? Trimming your pets nails is a great way. However, if the idea of trimming them makes you nervous have you thought about using the Pedipaw?
I have thought about purchasing one but was always turned off by the price. However, Workin' the Deals has a great post about how you can get one for only $10.00! Go here for the link. This would make a great gift as well!

Walmart Deal

The July All For You(magazine only available by subscription or at Wal-mart) will have a 3.00 off any Adam's Flea and Tick product. Some blogs are reporting that flea collars are only .98 at their stores. This would make them free along with overage on this item.

Another pet coupon in the magazine will be $1 off Hydro Surge Pet Shampoo 18oz or 16 oz

Weekly Deals

Target is offering a $5.00 giftcard with the purchase of two Beneful 15.5lb bags @ 14.49 each.
-use 3.50 printable available here(if you used this coupon for the Publix deal a few weeks back, you may not be able to print again).
14.49-3.50=10.99(2)=21.98, plus you would get the 5.00 giftcard back.

Don't forget to get a paper today as there will be a coupon for a FREE can of Mighty Dog!

Save $5.00 off full service groom or bath at Petco with this coupon.

Save up to $15.00 with these great Hill's Science Diet Coupons from Petco. These are great because you can combine them with manufactuer's coupons for even greater savings! Today is the last day to use the $5.00 off any $25.00 purchase too! Combine that coupon with these and get some amazing deals!

Upcoming Dog Coupons

There are going to be some great dog food coupons in this Sunday's inserts. Here is the preview

$1 off Purina Beneful Snackin Slickes dog snacks, any size (9/14)
$1 off Purina Busy Bone Mini 6.5oz OR Busy Bone any size/variety (9/14)
$1 off Purina Busy Rollhide dog treat, any size/variety (9/14)

FREE Purina Mighty Dog Canned Dog food can OR $1.00 on 12ct or 24ct Variety Pack (8/3)
-This will be great to combine with the buy four get 1 free coupon, if you signed up to be a member of Mighty Dog Nation! If you have done so yet, there is still time!

Let's not forget about the kitties
B1G1 Purina Friskies Party Mix, 2.1oz pouch (9/30)

Dog Treat Deal

Did you get the Chew-lotta coupon in your inserts? If you did here is a great way to use it.

Buy 1 Chew-lotta dog treat, use the $1.00 off coupon, and use the free Meaty Bone Biscuits coupon when you buy any chew-lotta dog treat. If your store has the Chew-lottas on sale or at regular price for $2.50 you would get both the Chew-lotta and Meaty Bone biscuits for only 1.50 or .75 each!

Photo Deals

CVS is offering a free 8x10 enlargement through their website. Use the code FREE8X10 and select in store pick up for an absolutely free 8x10.

If you haven't already signed up for their online photo with your CVS card you will also get free prints.

Shutterfly is running a deal where if you create your own photo blog site and share it with your friends they will credit you and your friends(if they have an account) with free 4x6 photos. I recently received 40 free prints doing this. Now I'm going to wait for a great deal on shipping to save even more!

CVS Deals

CVS has Alpo cans for .69 each. Combine with this buy one/get one coupon and get two cans for .69! This would make a great filler item for a transaction if you need one. Here is what I plan on getting this week.
2 Banana Boat Sunscreens@ 7.19 each
-minus 2 (2.00) coupons=10.38
-minus 10.00 ECBs
=.38 cents for 2 sunscreens plus 7.00 in ECB's

Then I'll turn that 7.00 right around and buy
4 cans of Alpo @ .69
use 2 buy/get one coupons=1.38
2 Always Pads @ 2/6.00
use 2(1.00 off coupons) from the P&G coupon booklet back in Jan.
=2/4.00 and get back 2.00 ECBS
2 Milk Bones @ 3.99=7.98
-2.50 off any 2 milk bones(6/7 rp)=5.48
=10.86
-7.00 ECBS from first purchase=3.86 plus tax. Plus the 2.00 in ECB's you'll get back from the Always

Weekly Deals

Sorry for the delay on these, but I was in a wedding this last weekend. Without further fanfare, here are the best deals I see this week.

If your area Kmart is doubling coupons check out these treat deals.
Pedigree Treats are 2.99
-1.00 any pedigree treat for dogs(7/15/09) found in aisle tearpad at Kmart
-1.00 any marrobone treat for dogs(6/20/09)
-1.00 any Jumbobone treat for dogs(7/4/09) or (6/27/09)
-1.00 off any Good bites treats for dogs(7/4/09) or (6/27/09)
-2.50 any dentastix(expiration date would depend on when you printed it)
-1.00 off any pedigree jumbone bone or dentastix mini(6/30/09)-I found these at my Kmart inside the small 2 piece pack that was 1.00. The coupon was inside.
-1.50 off any Pedigree treats for dogs(I found this at Publix with their sales flyers) 7/15/09
Depending on which coupons you have treats would be .99 to free after coupons.

Target
Free $5.00 gift card when you buy the following combinations
1 40lb bag of Pedigree dog food
-use 2.00 off coupon(7/15/09, 15.9lbs or larger) found at Publix
and 1 26oz Marrowbone treats (use 1.50 any Pedigree treats or 1.00 off any marrowbone treat)

2 bags of Purina Cat Chow
-1.00 off any bag of Purina cat chow
Buy 2 @ 11.79 use 2 coupons =21.58 plus a $5.00 giftcard. 16.58 for 32lbs of cat food

2 bags of Iams
-17.5 bag of dog food 17.79
-8lb bag of cat food 14.00

2 35lb boxes of Tidy Cat Litter @ 11.99, use 2 1.00 off any Tidy Cat coupons and pay 21.98 for 70 lbs of cat litter, plus a $5.00 gift card.

20% off all American Kennel Club Leashes, Collars and harnesses.

Also, remember the $5.00 off any $25.00 purchase coupon at Petco is valid through 6/14/09!

Part II: Finding Your New Pet

Part I: Finding the Right Breed

Now that you have decided upon the right breed, your next step is finding the right friend for you. One major factor into your will be if you want a puppy versus a grown dog. Petfinder.com is a great source for finding a pet. You put in search criteria including breed, zip code and any other preferences and it comes up with a lists of pets that match your criteria. They show pictures of the pets along with any contact information on the agency holding the pet. Many Rescue groups will list what shots the pet has received, adoption fee and any known information. This is all very helpful because it will help cost estimation. Remember, even if you are looking for a purebreed, almost 40% of dogs in rescues or shelters are purebreed dogs. I would recommend working with a breed specific rescue group. A google search will put you in contact with any in your area or surrounding area. I highly recommend rescue groups. If you are scared that you will adopt a problem dog, remember many rescue groups work with poor behavior prior to putting the dog up for adoption. Many of the animals have been in a foster home, where the foster parent will let you know about known behaviors. It is also a great way to find out if the dog is good with children. Don't assume that because you adopt a puppy,you will bypass these issues. As you can tell I am very passionate about rescue groups and working with shelters.

If you do insist upon having a purebreed from a breeder, a good starting place is also google. There are some rules to look for when adopting from a breeder. First, don't ever agree to meet them off site. Always insist on meeting them on site with the mother. This will help you see what conditions the puppy has been raised in and legitimate breeders will always agree to this condition. Ask the breeder for recommendations from other customers. Once again, this is a sign of a legitimate breeder, which is very important. As with the rescue groups find out what shots have been given and any other medical history.

Before you start looking into adopting a pet find a vet in your area. Find out the costs a regular office visit along with shots and any other services like pet medication. Many vets also offering boarding and grooming. If your pet is going to need fur trims or nail trims that you don't feel comfortable doing yourself get a cost estimate. This will help you plan for any expenses with your pet. Ask neighbors,co-workers, church members and friends for recommendations, this is the best way to find one in your area. Or look for low cost shot clinics that you can use for the more common ones like rabies and bordetella. Many of the low cost clinics are done by certified vets. Also, if you are going to neuter or spay your pet, find out if there are any rescue groups selling certificates at a reduced cost. This is a great way to save money on the costs associated with it. Another thing to consider is if you are going to microchip your pet. These are all things you should take into account along with the adoption costs.

A break down
1. Adoption Fee
-find out if this fee includes shots or other medical services.
2. Medical Costs
-shots(bordetella, rabies, etc), worm tests, overall vet exam(if needed)
3. County Registration
-Many areas have a pet license fee, find out what it is in your area and what records you need to send in with it. Ask for a copy at the time of adoption
4. Microchipping
-Find out if the microchip has a lifetime or yearly registration and if any fees go along with it.
5. House Supplies
-Food, bowl, leash and collar

In Part III, I'll talk about how to save money on costs once you bring your pet home like food, training and treats.

Petsmart 15% Coupon

Great news, Petsmart is offering a 15% off coupon. This one is good from June 4th-7th. There is another one for 15% off any grooming service. If you prefer to shop online there is another one for 15% off any $60.00 purchase.
Go here to get the great savings. You will need a Petsmart Perks card, but if you don't already it is FREE to sign up.

Don't forget the Petco coupon for $5.00 off any $25.00 purchase is good through June 14th!

Yes, I coupon and yes, I know the rules

I must admit I've read horror stories on other blogs about how a cashier or management treats someone when using coupons. I've been relatively lucky during my adventures in couponing. Usually, I have found that if you are polite and ask them to just try, they will. I used to work in retail. I know that cashiers usually get very little training due to payroll constraints and other factors. It really can be a tricky situation because they usually are doing what they THINK they can do and if they don't do something right, well the management will let them know. Trust me, because not only did I work in retail, I did HR. So I had all that in the back of my mind today while I was checking out at Publix today.

I bought two bags of Beneful, it was buy/get one at 5.49. I had two coupons to use with them, then I bought sushi for lunch and some bananas as I knew I would have overage. My cashier rings me up and tells me my total which was around 13 dollars. I hand over my coupons, she looks at them then her screen. She tells me I can't use coupons on a sale item. I give her a confused look, before I can even ask her to just scan them. She decides she is going to find a manager. I stand there, waiting for her to return. Finally, after what feels like hours the manager comes over. Looks at the coupons, looks at her and tells her to scan them. They go through just fine. She then starts telling the manager she doesn't feel it's right that I can use them because the coupon is for more than the item. The manager looks at her and goes, we get reimbursed for the value of the coupon, really it is fine. Then she points to my total and goes, yeah but look at how much it took off?! He looks at me and goes "Yes, it's fine". I pay for my purchase.

I am really grateful that manager knew the correct coupon policy and how to react to the situation. I'm sure he has dealt with a lot worse than this. However, I could not believe how the cashier was treating me, the customer. As if I was stealing dog food from their shelves and then demanding they give me free bananas while I was at it. Clearly, this was not only a training issue but an attidude issue from the cashier. It's unfortunate, as the economic stays stagnant, more people will be using coupons. More people will be looking for ways to save money. I wrote Publix to let them know how much I appreciate this manager and how their cashier may need a little assistance with training on the proper use of coupons.

The important thing is to not let situations like this deter you from using coupons. Know what your rights are as a consumer and always remain polite with management. Usually, management will be on your side if you explain your position and are working within the stores boundaries. Stay the course in coupoing, because that 7.00 I saved today was worth the hassle and the free dog food.

Meaty Bone Coupon Returns!

Remember that great Buy a Chew-lotta get a free box of Meaty Bone Dog Biscuits? Sure you do, I know I missed it when it suddenly went away. Great news, it's back. No, I'm not dreaming because my dog is running "low" on treats. No, really it's back.

Go here to print one today.

Even better news? It's good until the end of July.

Part I: Picking the Breed that Is Right for You

Here at the Frugal Beagle I will be starting a summer feature called "So you want a dog...". The purpose of this series is an education resources about getting a dog. The focus will be on how you can save money by doing research, decisions,tips and tricks.

Did you know that one of the most common reasons dogs end up in shelters is because their owners did not understand the breeds they selected? Another common reason is because they move and cannot take their pet with them and because they don't have time.

Today, will feature part one of the series, Picking the Breed that Is Right for You. Alright, so after much thought and consideration you have decided that you want a dog. After all, this is not a small step. Think about what you want from a dog, how much time you will have to devote to your new friend. Here are few questions I found to be helpful when I got a dog.

1. What size? Dogs range in size from toy to very large. Be honest with yourself, yes, Labs are very cute dogs but are a large dog. Many apartment buildings have weight restrictions, check with your building managers before committing to one breed.

2. How energetic will they be? Some dogs enjoy lounging on your lap, others consistently want to be on the move. Will you be able to accommodate their energy?

3. How much does the breed cost? Different breeds carry different prices. This is one advantaget to adopting a shelter dog, you pay the adoption fee which is typically much lower than buying from a breeder. However, there are things you may not know about the dog when adopting a shelter dog like known medical histories, age, and behavior problems. For instance Purina.com lists beagles costing between $600-1000.

Now that you have answered these questions start researching breeds that interest you. There are several online databases that will help you learn about the breed. Dogster.com, Petfinder.com and Purina.com all have extensive breed databases. Often, they will list a general description about their mannerisms, size, known health problems, intelligence(how easy to train), and other facts. This informatin should match what you have listed above and if not you may want to reconsider the breed. Unless you have your heart set on one dog, don't be afraid to change your mind. If you already have a dog, it will be important that your pets get a long.

Purina.com also offers a nifty quiz to help you find out what breeds may fit into your lifestyle.
Go here to take it.