Pet carriers are essential for traveling safely with your furry friend, whether for vet visits, road trips, or air travel. However, high-quality pet carriers can be expensive. Fortunately, there are several ways to save money while ensuring you get a safe, comfortable, and durable carrier for your pet. Here are some of the best hacks to help you score deals on pet carriers without sacrificing quality.
1. Shop During Sales Events
Timing your purchase around seasonal sales events can help you get discounts on pet carriers from major retailers.
Best Sales Events to Watch For:
- Black Friday and Cyber Monday: Look for deep discounts at pet stores, Amazon, and Walmart.
- Amazon Prime Day: This event often features markdowns on pet carriers and other pet accessories.
- Back-to-School and End-of-Season Sales: Retailers sometimes include pet carriers in clearance sales to make room for new inventory.
- Holiday Sales: Look for deals around Memorial Day, Labor Day, and New Year’s sales.
Sign up for email alerts from your favorite retailers to receive notifications when sales events start.
2. Compare Prices Across Multiple Stores
Pet carriers are available at a variety of retailers, and prices can vary significantly between stores. Use price comparison tools like Google Shopping to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Top Retailers to Check:
- Amazon
- Chewy
- Walmart
- Petco
- PetSmart
Some stores also offer price-matching policies. If you find a lower price at another retailer, your preferred store may match it.
3. Use Coupons and Cashback Apps
Coupons and cashback apps can save you extra money when purchasing a pet carrier.
How to Maximize Savings:
- Install the Honey browser extension to apply the best available coupons at checkout.
- Use Rakuten or TopCashback to earn cashback on purchases.
- Check pet store websites like Chewy, Petco, and PetSmart for promo codes or special offers.
Stacking coupons with store sales can result in significant savings.
4. Consider Open-Box and Clearance Sales
Many stores offer open-box or clearance items at a discount. Open-box pet carriers are typically returns in excellent condition, while clearance items are often discounted to make room for new stock.
Where to Find Open-Box or Clearance Deals:
- Amazon Warehouse
- Petco and PetSmart clearance sections
- Walmart’s open-box and rollback sections
Always inspect open-box items to ensure they are in good condition and include all necessary parts.
5. Look for Bundles and Value Packs
Some retailers offer bundle deals that include pet carriers along with other travel accessories, such as harnesses, seat belts, or blankets. Bundles often provide better value compared to buying items separately.
Where to Find Bundles:
- Amazon frequently offers bundle deals on pet travel products.
- Check Costco or Sam’s Club for multi-item packages at discounted prices.
- Pet stores like Chewy may offer bundled promotions on carriers and travel essentials.
Bundling ensures you get everything you need while saving money.
6. Buy During Off-Season Periods
Pet carriers are in higher demand during the summer travel season and holidays, which can drive up prices. If you can plan ahead, try purchasing a carrier during off-peak seasons, such as early spring or late winter, to take advantage of lower prices.
Off-season shopping allows you to avoid price spikes and secure better deals.
7. Opt for Store Brands or Generic Models
Many stores offer private-label pet carriers that are just as durable and comfortable as name-brand options. Store-brand products often provide the same features at a lower price.
Top Store Brands to Consider:
- Walmart’s Vibrant Life line
- Chewy’s Frisco brand
- Petco’s EveryYay collection
- Amazon Basics pet carriers
Reading reviews can help you find a reliable, affordable store-brand carrier for your pet.
8. Join Loyalty Programs and Membership Clubs
Retailers often reward loyal customers with exclusive discounts and rewards points. Joining loyalty programs or membership clubs can provide long-term savings on pet carriers and other pet supplies.
Loyalty Programs to Join:
- Petco Pals Rewards: Earn points with every purchase for discounts.
- Chewy Autoship Program: Get discounts on repeat orders and special promotions.
- Amazon Prime Membership: Enjoy exclusive deals and free shipping on eligible products.
Using rewards points to reduce the price of a pet carrier makes these programs even more valuable.
9. Check for Refurbished or Gently Used Carriers
Buying a refurbished or gently used pet carrier is a budget-friendly way to save money. Look for carriers in good condition that meet your safety and comfort standards.
Where to Find Used Carriers:
- Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist: Search for local sellers offering used carriers at a discount.
- Secondhand pet stores: Some stores sell gently used pet supplies at lower prices.
- eBay: Look for listings with photos and detailed descriptions to verify the condition.
Ensure the carrier is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before use.
10. Use Financing Options or Pay Later Plans
Some retailers offer buy now, pay later (BNPL) services that allow you to spread the cost of a pet carrier over several payments. While financing won’t reduce the overall cost, it can make purchasing a higher-quality carrier more manageable.
BNPL Providers to Consider:
- Affirm and Klarna: Available at many online stores, including Chewy and Petco.
- Amazon Monthly Payments: Select products qualify for installment payments.
- Afterpay: Split purchases into four interest-free payments at participating retailers.
Using these payment options allows you to invest in a safe, durable carrier without straining your budget.
Saving money on a pet carrier is easy if you know where and how to look. Take advantage of seasonal sales, coupons, and cashback apps to get the best deal. Compare prices across multiple retailers, explore open-box and clearance sections, and consider store-brand options for additional savings.
With a bit of planning and smart shopping, you can find a high-quality pet carrier at an affordable price, ensuring your pet travels comfortably and safely without breaking the bank.
