Amazon now has a dedicated site for pet products—Wag.com.  I wonder if this will have an effect on the specialty pet sites (like PetExpertise.com) I like for finding progressive training tools and books.  I hope it means more people will have accesses to quality foods, tools, and information!

(Note: I’m not connected in any way to either site, other than having ordered products from PetExpertise and Amazon.)

Check out the article to learn more and keep your receipts for next year’s taxes, if you’re fostering or providing some other service.

Cute!  Here’s a Pet Tee project for that little someone in your life. (via CRAFT) Ellen over at The Long Thread has a great tutorial on how to make these custom pet tees with pics of your own pets.  She tells you how to photoshop your images and what to do next.  Pretty easy!

You’ll need:

• digital images
• computer
• ink jet printer
• photoshop or image software
• iron-on image transfer paper (don’t use the opaque version or the color of the shirt won’t show through the image)
• iron
• cotton shirt

If you need help with how to use iron-on transfer paper, check out this video tutorial and this tutorial with some more tips.

If you transfer your pet food to bins or other containers, it’s important that you keep the packaging until all the food is eaten so you can provide information on the variety, point of manufacture, lot numbers, best-by dates, etc.  I haven’t been good about this at all.

When you file a report, you’ll deal with your state’s Complaint Coordinator.  Check the FDA list for each State’s contact information.

I think it’s also a good idea:

• to file a report with the manufacturer and let them know you’ve filed one with the FDA
• to get your veterinarian to file a report
• to be diligent about reporting concerns given how long it can take the FDA to respond

You can save some real money on pet supplies using thrift stores and garage sales.  Remember, don’t getting anything that’s broken or questionable.  Don’t save money at the expense of your pets.    Here are some of things I’ve spotted:

1. pet crates (This is probably the best bargain you’ll find.  Crates can be pretty pricey ($20-150), but I see them in all sizes pretty regularly at my favorite thrift store.)
2. bird cages
3. glass aquariums
4. ceramic or stainless steel pet bowls
5. Habitrail components
6. towels (for baths or bedding)
7. kitty condos
8. storage bins with lids (for storing toys or to make your own awesome litterbox)