I've made an entire group for people looking for cheap supplies. You can find cheap cage liners, pre made cages, fleece, uhaul, cloroplast, grids, hay, and online pet stores. Feel free to check it out and/or join our group. Here's the link..
(broken link removed)
Also, heres a comparison of popular guinea pig products at my favorite store vs. other big name stores. Your not limited to these brands for things such as bedding, but it's just a general idea of what stores are cheaper.
Oxbow Hay Products
OXBOW TIMOTHY HAY, 40oz
PETSMART: $13+tax
PETCO: Doesn't sell
DRSFOSTERANDSMITH.COM: $9.50
OXBOW ORCHARD HAY 15oz
PETSMART: $6.50+tax
PETCO: Doesn't sell
DRSFOSTERANDSMITH.COM: $4
Oxbow Pellet Products
OXBOW ANIMAL HEALTH BENETERRA ORGANIC GUINEA PIG FOOD 3lb
PETSMART: $15+tax
PETCO: Doesn't sell
DRSFOSTERANDSMITH.COM: $10
OXBOW ESSENTIALS YOUNG GUINEA PIG FOOD 5lb
PETSMART: $13+tax
PETCO: Doesn't sell
DRSFOSTERANDSMITH.COM: $9
OXBOW ESSENTIALS ADULT GUINEA PIG FOOD 10lb
PETSMART: $25+tax
PETCO: Doesn't sell
DRSFOSTERANDSMITH.COM: $18+extra shipping
OXBOW NATURAL SCIENCE ADULT GUINEA PIG FOOD 4lb
PETSMART: $15+tax
PETCO: Doesn't sell
DRSFOSTERANDSMITH.COM: $11
Kaytee Hay Products
KAYTEE TIMOTHY HAY 48oz
PETSMART: $10+tax
PETCO: $11+tax
DRSFOSTERANDSMITH.COM: $8
KAYTEE ALFALFA MINI BALE HAY 24oz
PETSMART: $6+tax
PETCO: $6.50+tax
DRSFOSTERANDSMITH.COM: $3.50
Kaytee Bedding Products
KAYTEE CLEAN AND COZY BEDDING 16L
PETSMART: Their listing was very confusing and misleading: N/A
PETCO: $17+tax
DRSFOSTERANDSMITH.COM: $12
Carefresh Bedding Products
CAREFFRESH ULTRA 23L
PETSMART: $16+tax
PETCO: $15+tax
DRSFOSTERANDSMITH.COM: $10
CAREFRESH NATURAL 30L
PETSMART: $14+tax
PETCO: $14+tax
DRSFOSTERANDSMITH.COM: $9
CAREFRESH BASIC BLEND 60L
PETSMART: $19+tax
PETCO: Doesn't sell
DRSFOSTERANDSMITH.COM: $12
If your planning on buying large bags of food, hay, or bedding, then this may not be your best option. But for the weekly/monthly purchases, this is a GREAT resource.
For hamsters, compare foods at the stores above (and below). Also, skip the tubes and 'fancy' cages. They need square footage on one level just like a guinea pig.
As far as pet food goes for dogs, there is such a wide variety of approvable foods that I can't pinpoint where would be cheapest. It would be useful if we knew exactly what foods we are comparing and if the foods you want are at certain stores. Some stores to look at- Drsfostersandsmith.com online store, PETCO online, Petsmart online, Pet food direct online, Walmart, Target, Amazon, or a Tractor Supply store. Be sure though not to just buy the cheapest food you see, but the most nutritious with the least harmful/controversial additives as possible; all while maintaining a budget. A lot of work, I know! Here's a list of dog foods and their ratings, and why they're rated this way. You'll have to choose between wet, dry, or raw. You can use this to decide what the best foods are. Then, do the research with the above places to decide what place is cheapest for the food brands you want to recommend.
https://www.dogfoodadvisor.com
The same goes with dog shampoo and conditioner- look at the above stores.
If they want dog toys, try to get the most durable toys, such as a good kong (maybe even the advanced strength kong). I've read a review about a sturdy toy that lasted years- the only reason they bought another was due to fading of color. It may be more expensive at first, but they will last longer.
Also, try not to get any toys with stuffing or squeakers if at all possible. Some dogs will love squeakers, but some will try to destroy and even eat them. Also, dogs can ingest stuffing.. Yikes! Vet bills and stress! I would only give stuffed toys if they can be supervised, which is hard with a busy schedule. So to avoid the stress and vet costs, skip the stuffing and squeakers.
If your shelter likes to give dog treats, then I would suggest skipping the biscuits. They're typically fatty and more expensive. Instead, try steamed or cooked vegetables such as green beans, carrots, or sweet potatoes. These are only a few. They should be fed in moderation- probably not even daily. Stick to the idea of it being a treat. These won't promote weight gain and may end up being cheaper. Do some research for exact pricings to be sure.
To save time and mess, I suggest bowls that can't tip, such as these:
www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3307+15+90+2792&pcatid=2792 They're still fairly cheap. I can understand the pain of a spilled water bowl! You'd have to stop what your doing to clean up the mess and refill the bowl with each dog that tips it. Yuck!
Also, anything you can get that can be used again is GREAT. Recyclable puppy pads is a good thought for dogs. It seems as though it will pay off in the end.
The same goes for cats- good quality toys. I'm not sure if cats eat stuffed toys or not.
Also, dogs especially can get bored and then depressed in a shelter. Depression can make a dog "unadoptable" leading to euthenization. To keep their minds active, consider a few things..
One thing to consider is mind games. Games that keep them active. I'm sure you've heard of dog and cat puzzles before.
Also, try pairing able dogs together. I'm sure a COMPATIBLE friend will help ease the stress. Make sure the pens are still big enough, though.
Another thing would be expensive, but very beneficial. A fence. Fresh air! A safe way for exercise and stress relief.
For cats, you could consider the well tempered ones being not in pens depending on the set up of the shelter. Give them litter boxes and let them have a good time!
To help the shelter overall, get publicity. Update their website and hook them up with social networking. Make sure they're on sites such as Petfinder. You can sign up for safe charity sites such as Gofundme.com for extra funds. Post ads at shops, stores, and vets that will allow it. (Some places have bulletins) Ask certain stores (probably more likely are small stores or privately owned stores) if you can place a jar for donations at the checkout. Pass out pamphlets at random places (for random publicity)
Also, host fundraisers for publicity and money. There are many fundraiser ideas, some simpler than others. A few ideas:
Car Wash
Silent Auction
Karaoke Party
Smoothie or Lemonade stand
Bake sale
Adoption booths
Hope I helped!
