10 Ways To Save Money On Your Pup's Medical Care

One of the biggest reasons that pups are given up for adoption is due to their parents being unable to afford their medical care.

Having a dog is a huge financial responsibility, but there are ways that you can cut corners at the vet without sacrificing your pup’s health and happiness.

1. Do research before choosing a vet

Different vets offer different prices. A specialist vet may charge more for certain procedures due to their extra Board certifications, but many general practice vets can do the same job well for less. Compare prices and ask about different vets’ experience and credentials.

2. Do research about medication, too

Many prescribed medications are human drugs in smaller doses. Ask your vet if you can get some of them from a pharmacy instead, as these often are available at lower prices.

3. Ask about vaccination protocol

If your vet recommends yearly vaccinations, ask about alternatives. Recent studies suggest that canine vaccines can remain effective for three years, and even longer.

4. Ask for an estimate

Talk to your vet to find out what you will be paying for and how much. This allows you to eliminate non-essential procedures and discuss what can be put on hold.

5. Focus on preventative care

It’s much cheaper to invest in proper care that prevents parasite infestation than it is to deal with getting rid of them later on. Do your research to find reasonably priced preventative care products for your pup.

6. Avoid overfeeding

Not only will this result in a higher food bill, it will also potentially lead to an overweight pup, which comes with its own host of problems that are best avoided.

7. Be honest

Talk to your vet about your financial situation. Of course, this doesn’t mean you’ll get a discount if you do. But it can help a vet come up with a treatment plan that is more financially conservative for you.

8. Pet Insurance

Ask veterinary staff what plans other clients use and ask around for recommendations. Make sure to read the fine print and research thoroughly. Learn more about pet insurance here, and learn why you should get it here.

9. Find other creative solutions

Depending on the line of business you work in, you may be able to barter your services with the owner of the veterinary clinic. You can also opt for taking Care Credit or using a low interest credit card so you can pay the vet bill in installments.

10. Know when to ask for help

If you’re out of luck, reach out to organizations that can help, like the Humane Society or one of these nonprofit agencies.

If you found this list helpful, please share it with your fellow pup parent friends!