How to Save Money on Vet Care
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Saving Money on Vet Bills
Vet bills are an expensive but necessary part of responsible pet ownership. Learning how to save money on vet care is super important so you can continue to do what is best for your pet without worrying as much about your pocketbook. To help pets live long and happy lives, they’ll need regular vet visits that will become more frequent as they reach their golden years.
When you add on the surprise tests and treatments when your pet isn’t feeling well, the financial burden can quickly become overwhelming. To help lower the stress of mounting vet bills, we’ve put together a list of the things you can do to help cut down on the costs while still providing the medical care that your pet needs to stay healthy.
10 Ways to Save Money on Vet Care
Vet care encompasses everything from regular and surprise visits to specialists, medications, and treatments. Prices can vary widely depending on where you are living and even from clinic to clinic. With the differences in prices, it can be hard to know the best ways to save. Use these 10 tips to help you save money on your vet bills.
Low-Cost Vaccination Clinics
Low-cost vaccination clinics can be great when you are short on money, and your animals need annual vaccinations or even to be spayed or neutered. Look for Community Vet clinics or check with your local humane society and pet stores for pop-up opportunities.
Check Clinic Prices
Every clinic will set its own prices so you are able to shop around to get the best deal. Privately owned clinics will have different prices than nationwide companies and clinic prices will vary from city to city and state to state. Board Certified veterinarians will also cost more than non-board-certified veterinarians.
Check Prices for Specialized Procedures or Tests
If you have time, shop around to get the best price for tests and specialized procedures. Prices for tests like CAT scans and MRIs vary GREATLY between facilities. You can save hundreds and even thousands of dollars by driving an extra hour or two.
Check your clinic’s prices for lab tests. The fees that each clinic will charge for ordering your pet’s lab tests (even when they are done at the same lab) can be drastically different. We saved $300 by having our regular vet clinic (instead of the oncologist) order a specific lab test.
Shop Around for Medications
Check the prices at different pharmacies versus your vet clinic. Research different pharmacy discount programs. Use off-brand medications when possible.
Prices will also vary between the capsule or tablet size. It may be cheaper to get a bigger pill and cut it in half or quarters for the correct dosage than to get the exact mg your pet would need.
Consider University Programs and Vet Clinics
Most universities and colleges that have vet programs will also have vet clinics to help their students learn. Because your vet visit will double as an educational opportunity, their services may be cheaper than your local vet clinics.
Medical Studies
In the unfortunate event that your pet has a more serious illness or injury, consider looking into veterinarian clinical studies for treatment options. Depending on the study, the treatment may be partially or even completely covered. You may even get a stipend to go towards further treatment. These studies do come with measured risks, so it’s important to fully understand the pros and cons before signing up.
Prevention
The best way to save money on vet bills is to keep your pets healthy. Just like with humans, giving your animals healthy meals, regular exercise, and keeping them at a healthy weight will go far in preventing many injuries and diseases.
See a Problem? Don’t wait!
Pay close attention if you notice a change in your pet’s appetite, bathroom schedule, or behavior. Many health issues can be dealt with quickly and for less money if it’s caught right away. It will also help if you properly prepare for your appointment so your vet will be armed with the right information to help your pet.
Make a Judgement Call
Depending on your pet’s species and individual health history, things like diarrhea, vomiting, and slight injuries like limping can and will happen. It can be expensive if you run to the vet every time your animal seems a little bit off. You will need to make a judgment call on whether it’s serious enough to see the vet right away or if you should wait and monitor it for a few days.
When in doubt, call and reach out to your vet for an expert opinion. You should also consider if you are close to any upcoming holidays or the weekend. If your pet goes downhill and your regular vet clinic is closed, an emergency vet visit will cost you quite a bit more money.
Research Comprehensive Pet Insurance Packages
Finding the right pet insurance policy can help you save money on your vet bills. You will need to do your research before you sign up as every company and policy will have its own rules, restrictions, and deductibles. Some policies will only cover emergencies and others will help cover your regular vet visits. The price of insurance plans will typically increase with your pet’s age and health issues so it may not be the best fit for your household.
Just Breathe (and do your research)
When you are a responsible pet owner, you want to do whatever you can to keep your pets healthy. Unfortunately, it can be hard to afford the care they need when they get sick because you have other bills that you are responsible for. Use these tips to help ease the financial burden so you and your pet can enjoy as many happy years together as possible. Taking the time to research your options before you swipe your credit card can save you a ton of money and stress!
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