Ever since I rescued my pup last March, I’ve turned into one of those slightly obsessive, doting pet parents who pampers her furry friend with treats and playthings.
I can’t help it — that squishy face and constant tail-wag get me every time! I’d gladly spend every penny on Wrigley if I could.
All those fun extras add up fast, though. Luckily, I found a handy way to ease the financial pinch: pet loyalty rewards programs.
If you’re anything like me and would spoil your pet with everything under the sun if funds allowed, these programs make pet ownership a bit kinder to your bank account.
How Pet Loyalty Rewards Programs Operate
Many of these programs work a lot like grocery or retail loyalty schemes: Spend money, and you get something back, often in the form of points. Others give you early alerts about sales or deliver coupons for exclusive member-only deals.
Programs that use points log your purchases over time and reward you for spending. Once you’ve gathered enough points, you’ll unlock freebies or discounts on future buys. The simpler ones just send coupon offers directly to your inbox.
(Heads up: Most of these programs require an email address to join. If you’re concerned about promotional mail cluttering your inbox, try these methods for keeping it under control!)
And these clubs aren’t limited to dogs. Rewards programs exist for a wide range of pets — from reptiles to felines and everything in between.
Rewards Programs That Are Paws-itively Purrfect
Pet Supermarket: V.I.P
Pet Supermarket’s V.I.P loyalty program is ideal if your dog or cat prefers a specific food brand.
If you purchase 10 bags or cases of the same brand of dog or cat food within 12 months, you’ll earn a coupon for a free bag or case of that brand.
If you have both a dog and a cat, you can buy multiple bags together to hit 10 purchases sooner. Or you can keep dog and cat purchases separate. The same applies to wet versus dry food. Bear in mind, though, that the coupon you receive will be for the smallest item by weight that you purchased.
Petco: Pals Rewards
The Pals Rewards program gives you five reward dollars for every $100 you spend, which essentially becomes $5 off a future purchase.
I use this loyalty plan because it also offers 20% off recurring orders and free shipping. I originally signed up to get 20% off a large bag of puppy food. Since Wrigley was growing and couldn’t stay on puppy food forever, I cancelled the subscription, but I still received the discount.
Rewards load automatically onto your account, which is handy for someone like me who doesn’t print coupons.
Pals Rewards also sends free birthday treats for your pet. Occasionally, it runs double-rewards promotions on services like full-service baths, training packages, supplements and more.
One crucial detail: Pals Reward Dollars expire 45 days after issuance. But if you shop there regularly, it’s a solid option. You can also save via petco online ordering discount when appropriate.
PetSmart: PetPerks
PetPerks doesn’t use a points system, but it’s still useful for trimming costs on pet purchases.
By creating a free account — just enter your email and basic details — you can opt into deal alerts tailored to what you buy most: dog beds, treats, grooming items, toys and more.
Plus, PetPerks members can access exclusive in-store coupons through the website.
Publix: Publix Paws
Here’s another reason to appreciate Publix: The grocer has its own pet loyalty offering!
The Publix Paws club is aimed at cat and dog owners. Signing up is simple — just provide your email address. Members get monthly coupons for pet foods, accessories, toys and treats!
Beyond delivering alerts for pet product sales, Publix Paws will also send expert tips to help keep your furry companion healthy and content.
PetFoodDirect: PFD Rewards
I’ll admit: PetFoodDirect was new to me until recently. Its rewards setup is similar to Petco’s — but it’s even more rewarding, so I’m signing up.
PFD Rewards uses a point-for-dollar system where every dollar spent earns points. Members using the Auto Ship option for recurring orders receive double points. If you refer a friend, you score 300 points. And you even get 15 points just for registering!
So, what can you do with those points? Use them toward purchases…
…Or donate meals to animals at approved rescue groups and shelters. *Be still, my soft spot.*
Redeem 150 points to donate one meal; 400 points for three meals; or 600 points for five. I adore that option.
If you accumulate a lot of points, you can treat yourself — or rather, your pet. Once you hit 1,000 points, you can redeem them for a discount on any single order.
I adopted Wrigley, so programs supporting animals in need mean a lot to me. If you want to help while you shop, consider enrolling in this rewards program.
Kaytee: Email Newsletter
If you’re into smaller or more unusual pets — think lovebirds, gerbils, rabbits and chinchillas — you might know Kaytee, which sells supplies for small animals, pet birds and wild birds.
Kaytee offers an email newsletter you can sign up for here that includes coupons and special deals.
When you subscribe, you can indicate what types of animals you own, so the offers you receive are relevant to your pets.
Tetra Rewards Program
This one isn’t aimed at cat or dog owners — Tetra focuses on food and products for fish and aquatic reptiles!
According to Kiplinger, caring for a fish over its lifetime typically costs between $270 and $410, with tank setup being the major outlay.
The upside is that by joining Tetra’s rewards program, you’ll get coupons and updates on sales and special offers that can help lower those expenses. If you’re thinking about an at-home aquarium, consider signing up for Tetra’s program!
To join, visit Tetra’s site, scroll to the bottom of the homepage, and enter your email in the “brand newsletter” box. You’re good to go!
Your Turn: Will you join any of these pet loyalty rewards programs? Tell us in the Facebook comments!
Amanda Rivera is a staff writer and engagement specialist at Savinly and a senior at The University of Tampa. She adores her doggo.
