Can I Buy Things For My New Pet Second-Hand?

If you think your responsibilities as a pet parent start and end with bringing the pet home, you are so wrong. There are so many things you need to start doing well in advance before the pet is home. Some people are skeptical about it all because of the work that goes into it. However, if you keep the task list aside for a minute, know that the unconditional love you receive from your pet is unlike anything else. And if that weren’t enough, think of it as your way of giving back to the universe by providing a comfortable and loving home for an animal in need. 

If we have managed to convince you to adopt (preferably) or buy a new pet to take home with you, let us talk about the things you need to do as a pet parent. One of the most important things to do as a pet parent is to invest in a pet insurance policy. It will help you deal with unwarranted vet bills and will also help cover complicated medical procedures and accidents. There are various types of insurance like dog insurance, cat insurance, and so on. It is essentially a financial fallback for your pet. The next thing you need to focus on is getting some much-needed accessories and supplies for your pet. These accessories make your pet’s life comfortable.

Some of these accessories include a pet bed, collar, litter boxes, brush, shampoo, bowls, and so on. However, taking care of a pet is an expensive task. And if you add the cost of these accessories to it all, the expense becomes a bit too much for most of us to handle. In such a scenario, the obvious thought that comes to mind is opting for second-hand accessories. But the question, we get asked often is if it is safe to choose used things. Well, firstly, it is a personal choice. And secondly, yes you certainly can choose them but there are a few things you need to do before you give these things to your pet to use. Mentioned below are a few of those things. 

• The hard objects need to be inspected thoroughly before using them. For example, if you are considering buying second-hand crates to bring home your pet in, you should check if they are sturdy. Check the screws and edges to ensure that your pet will not be hurt in any way possible. Clean the hard objects as thoroughly as possible before you put them to use. Sanitize and disinfect them if need be. 

• If you plan on buying used plates and water bowls to serve food and water to your pet, check them with extra vigilance. Since these items have been used previously by another animal before you let your pet use them, it is always better to wash them with a detergent and disinfect them properly. This is to avoid the possibility of an infection or a disease, which could then lead to extra expenses. The thing you were trying to avoid in the first place. 

• Pet clothes are becoming the new normal these days. Not only do the pets look cute wearing these costumes, but they also protect your pet from harsh weather. However, if you intend to buy your pet clothes from a pet thrift store, you better make sure that you wash these clothes in detergent a couple of times before you allow your pets to wear them. We say this because the previous wearer could have left a hint of fleas and infections in these clothes. It is always better to be extra cautious. 

• One of the most commonly chosen second-hand items when it comes to pet animals is the bed. A bed is a must-have for your pets because it gives them a corner in your home that is their own. It enhances a sense of belonging. However, using a second-hand bed can be problematic if you, as a pet parent, are not careful. The simplest way to check whether or not you can use the bed or any fabric for that matter is to perform an odor test. If you think it does not smell right, we recommend checking a different one.

Using second-hand accessories isn’t such a bad idea when it comes to pets. However, you need to make sure that the accessories in question are safe for your pet. Nevertheless, try and buy the best your money can buy for your pet. After all, they are your family members and deserve the best of everything for the love they shower you with.