Hotel or RV? A
motor home is
an expensive
purchase but,
depending on
how many shows
you attend and
how far you go, it
may be cheaper
in the long run to
invest in an RV
rather than stay
in hotels.
Save on Lodging and Food
One owner-handler I spoke with at length told me he
would rather spend his dog show dollars at four- or fiveday show clusters about a two- to four-hour drive from his
home that offer good motor home parking fees and services. Cluster shows are a cost savings to him, and he will
enter all the days of the cluster unless one of the judges is
particularly distasteful to him. He also finds the camaraderie of
fellow campers contributes to his show experience. This works
for him, however showing dogs is not a one-size-fits-all sport.
People tell me that after the initial cash outlay, a motor
home is a less expensive alternative than hotels. This might
be true for those who can use one year-round, but for those
of us who live in the snow belt, sharing a hotel room with
another exhibitor might be a better way to stretch your show
budget. Look for hotels that have a fridge and microwave for
even more savings, as you can bring your own pre-prepared
meals and save on restaurant meals, which can really add up
over four or five days at clusters.
After a particularly horrible case of food poisoning due to a
meal purchased at a local show, I now bring my own food and
beverages, which reduces my chances of getting sick while
also saving me money. Bottled water for me and the dogs, soft
drinks, ice tea, lunch and fresh fruit are easy items to pack.
You can make purchases at a convenience store for less than
the cost of lunch at a dog show. If you need a coffee midday,
you might have to resort to purchasing it at the show site, but
surely a better cup of morning coffee can be made at home
or purchased on the way to the show. It’s not a great amount
of money saved, but it all adds up.
Share and Buy Used
In my experience, one of the simplest and most enjoyable
ways to save money and energy showing dogs is to travel to
shows with a friend who also exhibits. You share the costs
of gas and parking, set up at the show together and have an
extra hand if you need one. And you will have a much safer
drive home after a long, hard weekend if you’re able to talk
with a human companion and have a backup driver if you
get too tired.
A major equipment purchase can severely impact one’s
budget. Look for gently used equipment from friends, on the
used show dog equipment lists, Facebook groups, etc. Dog
crates can be found at yard sales, but grooming tables and ex
pens aren’t as easily acquired. Great bargains on used equipment can be found when your fellow exhibitors purchase a
new car and their equipment no longer fits or when they are
downsizing dog breeds. If something you’re interested in buying looks dirty, remember that bleach is an inexpensive but
effective cleaner.
In researching this article, I found six groups on Facebook
devoted to the buying and selling of dog show clothing. So it
appears that many people other than myself have discovered
the joy in finding great second-hand deals. Local consignment
stores, Savers, Goodwill and Salvation
Army shops are great places to check for
show clothes for men and women, and
sometimes you might even find a used
Most of us travel to shows by car and know that money spent at the pump
crate in their stock.
really adds up. Here are four ways you can save.
One thing you should spend money on is a good pair of shoes. Uncomfortable shoes at a dog show are your
GASBUDDY
REWARDS
BETTER
APP
AND
RIDESHARES
worst enemy. Pantyhose can be purGAS
MEMBERSHIPS
(GASBUDDY.COM)
MILEAGE
chased online from the manufacturers
at a substantial savings and ordered
Some grocery stores
GasBuddy lets you
Get the best gas
You can cut your gas
in bulk for quantity discounts. Genand gas stations
search for real-time
mileage that you
expenses in half if
tlemen, I’m sad to say that I couldn’t
have partnered
gas prices in your
can for your vehicle.
you travel to a show
up to offer 10,
area so you can find
Don’t slam the
with an ex hibitor
fi nd a single decent group on Facesometimes 20¢ off
the best place to fill
pedal to the metal,
friend!
book for gently worn menswear, but
a gallon. And don’t
up while traveling
use cruise control
great buys can be found on eBay and
forget about Costco
to and from shows.
on the freeway and
in thrift stores.
and Sam’s Club
don’t ignore routine
Finally, two things that are tomemberships! They
maintenance on
sell cheap gas too.
your car.
tally free and a definite asset for an
owner-handler: a positive attitude and
a smile. Break a leash! DIR
4 Ways to Save $$ on Gas
ABOVE: GINA CIOLI/LUMINA MEDIA; BELOW: T-KOT/SHUTTERSTOCK
82
DOGSinREVIEW.com
78x82_Budget.indd 82
8/16/16 7:16 AM