News
Take a Bite Out of Veterinary Costs
December 15, 2008, 5:8PM MT
By Leslie A Lao
Pet owners can save thousands of dollars on veterinary care with careful planning.
Pet owners can save thousands of dollars on veterinary care with careful planning.
By: Leslie Lao, Best Friends Network
It’s hard to say no when your veterinarian says your pet needs special, and often expensive, treatments or medicine.
But it’s sometimes hard to say yes when one learns of the high costs of such care, especially in today’s current economy.
Every pet owner, at some point, is faced with unexpected veterinary bills. Though the cost of pet health care is fairly reasonable in comparison to human health care, an unexpected emergency could potentially become a financial disaster for an unprepared pet owner.
Here are some budget-minded tips on what pet owners can do for their furry loved ones:
Veterinary Services
• Choose a vet before you need one. Ask for price quotes on routine procedures, like annual exams, as well as non-routine, like broken limbs and surgery rater-per-hour.
• Ask the veterinarian if a payment plan can be worked out. Many veterinarians are willing to set up a weekly or monthly payment schedule.
• Contact local shelters. Many shelters can assist with locating local subsidized veterinary clinics or veterinary assistance programs.
• If the animal is a specific breed of pet, contact the National Club for the breed. These clubs sometimes offer a veterinary financial assistance fund.
• Check veterinary schools in your state to see if they offer discount services. For a list of veterinary schools, visit the American Veterinary Medical Association’s (AVMA) website, avma.org.
• If the pet is from a breeder, check the purchasing contract for a health guarantee that may cover a pet’s ailment. If the terms and conditions are met, reputable breeders should honor this guarantee.
• Get a second opinion. Probably the best money you ever spend if the vet does not seem to have determined the diagnosis and the pet isn't responding to treatment.
Pharmaceuticals
• Ask for a written prescription. Then, shop around for the best price.
• Look for pet drugs at regular pharmacies. Often their prices beat vet prices. Remember, don’t give human drugs to a pet without consulting a veterinarian!
• Buy generic. It’s often cheaper. For those drugs that need long-term refills, buy in bulk.
Prevention
• Keep vaccinations up to date. Probably the single most important thing owners can do for pets are vaccinations. Pets should be vaccinated to protect them from many highly contagious and deadly diseases
• Get pets spayed or neutered. These procedures ($65 to $170) control stray animal populations and cut future costs.
• Don’t forget annual exams. This is where illnesses and ailments are discovered before they become serious—and expensive—problems.
• Perform good dental care. Like humans, pets need their teeth cleaned to prevent cavities and periodontal disease. Brush their teeth every day with a toothpaste made especially for them.
• Provide good nutrition and exercise. Keep pets healthy inside and out. Choose complete and balanced food for pets from a reputable company. Exercise keeps the animal from gaining too much weight and having behavior problems.
• Develop good parasite control. Work with a veterinarian for safe and effective strategies for fighting fleas, ticks, and worms.
• Pet-proof the house. Eliminate anything that may injure or harm pets. Pick up small household items and toys, so nothing gets swallowed. Keep pets clear of household chemicals. Watch out for toxic plants. Keep pets fenced or leashed when outdoors.
Please remember that even the best care that money can buy may not be the best choice for an ailing pet. Research pet disorders and consult a good pet health care reference, like the Merck Veterinary Manual. Discuss in detail the prognosis and treatment options with a veterinarian, including the animal’s comfort level and quality of life.
With the proper preparation, owners can provide excellent care for their pets without breaking the bank. By regularly setting aside money to cover both routine and unexpected expenses, pet owners could curb financial trouble that sometimes stems from veterinarian visits.
Photo Credit: Leslie Lao, Best Friends Network