Your dog doesn’t care if their harness was R1 200 or R120 *unlike your teen. But you should care that its safe. Thrifting pet gear is booming in South Africa – it’s kinder on your wallet but also to the environment and gives good gear a second chance. Do it right and you and your pet wins – do it won and you risk comfort, health and safety.
Here’s your no-guilt guide to thrifting like a pro.
The dos
1. Inspect for structural integrity:
Check all seams, buckles, stitching and metal hardware. Give collars, leashes and harnesses a firm tug. For crates and carriers, ensure latches lock and there’s no rust or cracks. If it would fail with a sudden tug, leave it.
2. Prioritise easy-t-clean materials:
Beds, blankets and soft toys should be machine washable or have removeable covers. Look for hard plastic, nylon, or canvas you can disinfect. Second-hand fabric that’s stained or smells, even after washing is a no.
3. Size up correctly:
Thrift stores won’t have a fitting room for Spot. Measure your pet’s neck, chest and length before you go. A too-tight collar or crate that’s too small is uncomfortable and unsafe. When in doubt, go slightly bigger for adjustable gear.
4. Thrift the right categories:
Best finds: study crates, travel bowls, slow-feeder bowls, raised feeders, jackets, toys and grooming tools. These are easy to sanitise and hard to ruin. Premiumm brands often show up for a fraction of retail.
5. Sanitise everything:
Hot wash fabrics, soak hard items in a pet=safe disinfectant and run metal combs through boiling water. Think of it like adopting – everything gets a clean start.
The don’ts
1. Buy used flea collars, medication or supplements
These expire, lose potency and you can’t verify storage. Never risk your pet’s health to save a few bucks.
2. Thrift chewed or broken items
Anything with frayed rope, cracked plastic or missed pieces is a choking or ingestion hazard. Toys with squeakers that are exposed? Bin it.
3. Buy second-hand beds for sick or elderly dogs
Senior, arthritic or post-surgery pets need specific orthopaedic support. A flattened second-hand bed won’t cut it. New supportive bedding is medical gear, not a luxury.
4. Ignore recalls or wear
Google the brand and model. Some older hardnesses and retractable leashes have been recalled for failure. Also check for UV damage – nylon that’s faded and brittle is ready to snap.
5. Forget your pet’s personality
A terrified rescue may not adapt to a used, smelly carrier that smells like another animal. Sometimes new is kinder for anxiety-prone pets.
The bottom-line
Thrifting is brilliant for budget-conscious, eco-minded pet parents. Stick to the structurally sound, cleanable gear, skip anything health-related and always sanitise.
Save the big money on safety and comfort, Thrift the rest and spend the difference on treats!
Leave a comment