Cutting Costs for Local Pet Owners

Last week, when I visited the , I met a woman from Paulding County who runs a small dog rescue.  I had the opportunity to talk to her for a few minutes, and she confirmed something I’ve heard from many rescue groups lately: more and more pets are losing homes due to the economy.   Many shelters across the country are seeing an increase in homeless pets, while pet adoptions are down. 

Some groups, such as the Douglas County Humane Society and West Georgia SPCA, work to help people keep their pets when times are tough, but still, far too many dogs and cats are being turned over to shelters because their owners can no longer take care of them.   With that in mind, I decided to take a look around Douglasville and see what kind of deals are available for pet owners or people who would like to own a pet but are afraid they would not be able to afford them.  

Spay and Neuter

When you adopt a pet from the Douglas County Animal Shelter, you are required to have it spayed and neutered within six months.   Afraid you can’t afford the medical bills?  Here are a few options: 

There are only a few days left of the , but if you hurry, you may be able to have your dog or cat spayed or neutered for free.  Pick up at an application by May 2, 2011 at the Douglas County Animal Shelter at 1755 County Services Road, or you can call the Douglas County Humane Society at 678-838-9123 to find out if you qualify for a free procedure. 

Cat Snip is a mobile surgery unit that travels around the Atlanta area, providing low cost opportunities for you to have your cats spayed or neutered.  To have your female cat spayed, the price is $60, while it is $40 for males.   CatSnip also offers rabies and distemper vaccines for $10 and $15, as well as free nail trimmings and pain relief.  CatSnip will be in Douglasville on the following days:

• May 13, 2011 – CatSnip will be at the Douglas County Animal Shelter from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

• May 17, 2011 – CatSnip will be at Wal-Mart on Concourse Parkway. 

• June 10, 2011 - CatSnip will be at the Douglas County Animal Shelter from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

• June 14, 2011 - CatSnip will be at Wal-Mart on Concourse Parkway.

Check out the CatSnip website to learn more or make reservations to have your cat spayed or neutered on any of the dates above. 

Food and Other Necessities

I’ve investigated a few local stores to see what kind of deals you could get on pet items this week. 

currently has Purina ONE Cat food (3.5 pound bags) buy one get one free.   This sale is good through May 4, 2011

Currently, if you shop online at PetSmart.com, you can save $10 when you purchase $75 worth of items.  Just use the code SPRING10 when you checkout.  

If you prefer to shop in the store, is having some big spring sales for PetPerks members.  Signing up for PetPerks is free and members receive many exclusive offers and coupons.  This week:

• All Martha Stewart Pets Products are 20 percent off.  This includes toys, collars, grooming items, beds, bowls, and more.  

• All Nature’s Miracle Pet Products are also 20 percent off.  These include scoops, odor solutions sprays, pick-up bags, shampoos, wipes, training pads, and litter boxes. 

• When you purchase many brands of your favorite dry dog food, you’ll receive a couple of cans of wet food or bags of treats for free.   Brands included in this deal are Purina products, such as Beneful, Purina One, and Purina Pro Plan; Iams; Blue; Natural Choice; Wellness Super 5 Mix; and Authority.

Fun and Activity 

Finally, if you want to have some fun with your pet and get out of the house to enjoy this beautiful weather, remember that dogs are allowed at all Douglas County parks (though they are not allowed at Douglasville city parks).   All county parks are free to visit. 

Sweetwater Creek State Park in nearby Lithia Springs also allows dogs.  Sweetwater has a $5 parking fee but you can check-out a Park Pass at the just like you would check out a book.  The pass allows you to waive Sweetwater’s $5 parking fee and fees at any of Georgia’s state parks.   If you visit Sweetwater or any of the state parks frequently, you can pay $50 to get an annual ParkPass.  Senior and military discounts for annual passes are available. 

Do you know of any great pet deals in Douglasville?  Feel free to leave them in the comments.