Pet owners have learned over the years that, like humans, pets require medical treatment and preventative care. Since pets are like members of the family, we want to keep our dogs, cats, and all other pets healthy and pain-free. Unfortunately, sometimes the costs can be overwhelming.
So, before you break the bank at the vet’s office, check out these seven ways to save money on vet bills.
7 Ways to Save Money on Vet Bills
1. Consider Purchasing Pet Insurance
There are a slew of pet insurance companies out there that have policies that are customizable so you can choose something that fits your budget and provides coverage specifically for you and your pet’s needs. For example, you can purchase a policy that only pays for accidents and emergencies or all-inclusive coverage for a variety of medical needs.
Depending on the company, you can get multi pet discounts and healthy pet perks. If your budget allows, this might be a good way for you to easily manage your veterinary expenses.
2. Compare Costs
When it comes to the care of our pets, we may have a particular vet that we know and trust. However, when it comes to certain testing or procedures, sometimes it may be cost-effective to shop around.
For example, if your pet needs an MRI or an ultrasound, the cost can vary greatly from one facility to the other. In some instances, you may find that traveling out of town is less expensive than going to a facility that is close to home. Take the time to make some calls and shop around. No matter where the testing is performed, the results can be sent directly to your regular vet.
3. Be Diligent With Preventative Care
As the saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Preventative care and wellness checks can prevent minor issues from becoming expensive and jeopardizing your pet’s life.
For instance, brushing your dog’s teeth and getting annual teeth cleanings can prevent dental decay and avoid costly surgery for a tooth removal. In addition, routine vaccinations and spaying or neutering your pet can help to prevent problems that can become costly and dangerous.
4. Practice Healthy Habits
Pets that are overweight run the risk of having many health problems. Chronic diseases and health issues mean more trips to the vet, costly medication, prescription diets, and increased vet expenses.
To help keep vet bills to a minimum, it is important for pet parents to feed their furry friends a healthy diet. Limit their treats, avoid feeding them table scraps, and provide adequate exercise to keep them at an ideal weight.
5. Ask About Animal Charities
In some cases, there are animal charities that will cover the cost of treatment for your pet when you are having financial hardship. For instance, the Angel Fund is a non-profit organization that helps qualifying pet owners for emergency veterinary treatment.1
There are also organizations that are breed- and disease-specific. They will help with emergency treatments for specific diseases or breeds.
6. Discount Veterinary and Credit Care Plans
If the cost of vet bills is deterring you from getting a loving animal or you are struggling with the cost of vet care, do some research. You may be able to find a vet in your area that offers a discount plan for preventive care like vaccinations, office visits, and dental cleanings.
There are also credit cards that are specifically for vet bills. And, since it only pays for veterinary care, you won’t be tempted to use it for other purchases.
7. Humane Society Discount Services and Free Clinics
As we know, preventative treatment can make all the difference in your pet’s health. Check with your local Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) about free vaccination clinics or discounted services in your area. The free clinics are usually held in shopping centers or public parks on the weekend or for a certain number of days once or twice a year.
If there are no free clinics being held in your area, they may be able to point you in the right direction for other resources in your area.
Conclusion
The increasing costs of veterinary care are a concern for all pet owners. We love our pets and want them to be healthy and pain-free. The mere thought of not being able to provide them with the treatment they need is heartbreaking and anxiety-provoking. That is why these seven ways on how to save money on vet bills can help us to know how to be proactive with our pet’s health. It is important to know what type of pet insurance, discount plans, and charities are available in case we may need them.
Featured Image Credit: Friends Stock, Shutterstock
