It’s no secret that Black Friday is one of the busiest shopping days of the year. Just about every business you can think of runs Black Friday deals, as well as Cyber Monday, and many of them will even extend their sales into the rest of the week. It’s a time of year when people plan their holiday shopping, and try to nab great deals on their essentials. But what about Black Friday pet supplies? How can you find Black Friday pet deals?

Take a look at our best shopping tips for Black Friday deals for pets, and don’t forget to check out our own shop for awesome holiday deals.

Make Your List—And Check It Twice!

Holiday shopping can quickly turn into chaos. That’s why we recommend not only making a list of who you are shopping for but also what products you are hoping to buy. The more specific you are now, the easier it will be to say no to those impulse buys (how many raincoats does your cat really need, anyway?). You’ll want to include your own furbabies, of course, as well as any grand furbabies or other beloved pets you want to shop for.

Be sure not to exclude all of the pet lovers in your life! If your friends and relatives have pets, consider gifts like lint rollers, self-cleaning litterboxes, and other products that make life a little easier for pet lovers.

Window Shop (Online)

We’ve all heard stories of Black Friday shenanigans gone awry. People tend to forget their manners—and their patience—once they get inside a store with great deals. If you struggle with impulse shopping or just want to avoid taking more time than you need, look for deals online before you go to the store. You’ll not only save time browsing, but you’ll be more informed on where to find the products you actually need.

Stick With Brands You Know (And Trust!)

It’s hard to walk away from a “good” deal. However, it’s important to think critically about the actual items you’re purchasing, and where you are purchasing them from. A simple internet search may present you with price cuts that look too good to be true—and they just might be. If a website looks suspicious or has poor reviews, we recommend looking elsewhere. A deal is only as good as what you actually receive with your purchase. The last thing you want is to spend your holiday budget and get nothing in return (or get your items way after the holidays have passed).

Budget, Budget, Budget

Did we mention you should budget for Black Friday shopping? This is especially true for pet products. You want to get the very best for the pets in your life—but there are so many glitzy gadgets and tasty treats out there to choose from, and it’s easy to lose yourself in the Black Friday craziness. Decide what you’re willing to spend on your pets before you hit the store, and avoid blowing your money on products you don’t actually want or need.

Spread Your Holiday Cheer!

If you really want to share the joys of the season (and the joys of holiday deals), consider calling your local animal shelter and asking if they are taking donations. People tend to be extra generous this time of year, but sometimes animal shelters need very specific items—such as laundry detergent or paper towels—that patrons might not otherwise know about. After all, there’s no better pet lovin’ feeling than helping animals that are less fortunate.