Plan: How to Save Money on Vet Bills
How to save money on vet bills; have a plan. Having pets can be costly. Incidentally, that first year with a kitten or puppy is especially expensive. They generally come with parasites and need those to be treated. Repeat vaccinations are done through the first four months, until they are adequately protected from potentially lethal diseases.
In addition, depending on where you live, you will need something to prevent external parasites. In the meantime, have the necessary spay or neuter surgeries done. Absolutely necessary; do not let them breed! There is information on Spay/Neuter here from Cornell Feline Health Center
Ahead, Please!
When people learn the cost of pet care, they often discard the pet. They can barely afford to feed them, much less provide veterinary care. It is an impossible situation so the pet is put outside to fend for itself. This is animal abuse! The pet ends up on the street and gets pregnant! Therefore, the number of stray animals just escalates! No city can keep up with this!
Incidentally, you can save much of those early expenses by adopting a pet from a shelter. Tests and vaccinations are already done; and most animals are spayed or neutered, as many states require this when pets leave shelters. A good thing! You probably will need to set up boosters and parasite prevention. By the way, there will be an adoption fee but this is always a good deal. Keep in mind; this is a lifetime commitment!
Saving Money!
Keep up With Check-Ups
Vaccinations and parasite prevention are scheduled while pets are young. Those can provide a sort of baseline. In addition, yearly exams are important; so you can compare their health year to year. Older pets or those with special conditions may require more frequent visits to monitor changes. Nip problems in the bud, if possible. Go with your veterinarian’s recommendations. Incidentally, the plan is to give your pet the longest and healthiest life possible.
Ask About Discounts.
I live in a military city and most veterinarians offer military discounts, for both current members and veterans. Others offer packages for new kittens or puppies. These generally cover the entire first year and provide considerable discounts on everything required, including spay or neuter. In addition to those packages, there are packages for adult pets that help a lot as they include dental care. Ask what is available for your pet; you will have some great savings. By the way, February is Pet Dental Month, so plan ahead. Be sure to sign up for the clinic newsletter so you stay up to date on other specials throughout the year.
More Good Ideas on How to Save Money on Vet Bills
Consider Insurance and Payment Plans.
There are quite a few insurance companies offering pet insurance, so do your homework. Check to see what your veterinarian works with; they should have a recommendations. Years ago, many companies were basically uncooperative; ask the receptionists what they recommend. Your clinic may have a payment plan. Another consideration is Care Credit. I’ve used that and it’s very convenient and easy to work with. Therefore, many clinics work with Care Credit.
We have recently discovered a website that really saves money on tons of things; including pet insurance! You will want to check this out; you could save a lot. See my Affordable Pet Insurance page. This could change your life.
Tap Into Community Services.
Some veterinarians offer mobile services. A friend of mine has offered discount vaccinations and basic lab every Monday afternoon at our local animal control services campus. He also sets up mobile clinics at community events and parks. Others work out of feed stores several times a month. However, make sure your pet is secure and protected from the heat. Bring water! In addition to that, consider whether or not your pet will be safe. Young puppies should not be allowed to walk around because of parasites that can be picked up from the ground. This goes for pet stores too. This situation may be too stressful for a cat; so think about your cat’s age and general demeanor. Your cat may have a really long wait in the carrier too. A quiet visit to your vet clinic may be a better option.
Help for Feral Cats: How to Save Money on Vet Bills
Local Animal Care Services and some shelters offer discounts on spay or neuter surgeries. By the way, those cats get at least a Rabies shot and their left ear tipped; that marks the cat as a legal and beneficial member of society.
It’s important that Feral Cats or Community Cats get vetted as well. Contact the shelters in your area. For cats, contact Alley Cat Allies to find your local feral cat coalition. (202-667-3630) They can put you in touch with the local agency. You can learn how to handle TNR; trap/neuter/return, get traps and all the information you need to care for those cats. Most agencies have someone who will help you with the TNR.
As a professional cat sitter, I’ve seen all kinds of things folks have purchased. Therefore, do not buy the first thing you see. Those clerks in the stores are supposed to sell whatever they have; it might be perfect, or not! Always consider how each purchase will work at your home! Go on Amazon or eBay and browse, to see what is available before you buy. Just a little homework can mean you have bought what will work the best in your home. By the way, I’ve seen litter scoops that would make better snow shovels!
Check out my pages that list foods, plants, and medications that are toxic to pets. Hopefully, you will never need that information but keep it handy. Also, the number for Poison Control: 888-425-4435
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