Top 10 Ways to Save Money on Vet Care

Whether you’re feeling the pinch of a slowing economy or looking to trim household costs, your pet’s health is still a top priority. To help you protect your furry beloved and avoid “pet debt,” ASPCA experts have drafted a list of ways to save money on your pet's veterinary care.

Don’t skip your pet’s yearly exam. Prevention is truly the best medicine—it’s much more expensive and risky to treat illnesses than to protect against them.

Personalize Your Pet’s Vaccines - talk to your vet about your pet’s vaccine protocol. Some vaccines are optional, while others are essential in preventing serious diseases

Keep your pet smiling by regularly brushing his teeth. Chronic dental problems can lead to heart and kidney disease and pricey procedures.

Pet insurance is a safety net, especially for those who can’t afford emergency vet visits. Research plans, but always read the fine print!

Overfeeding your pet is not only a strain on your wallet, but can lead to obesity and other costly medical conditions.

Spaying or neutering is an essential way to protect your pet. For females, it dramatically reduces the risk for breast cancer, and ovarian and uterine cancers disappear. Spaying and neutering saves untold future dollars in treatment, not to mention the economic burden of an unplanned litter.

If the unthinkable does occur, and you find yourself caring for a sick pet and facing a heap of bills, don’t panic. Check to see if your vet accepts Care Credit, a program that allows pet owners to make monthly payments—similar to a credit card. Before applying, however, be sure you can cover the card’s monthly balance to avoid the added burden of finance charges.

Protect Your Pet from Parasites - Flea and tick infestations can cause a host of costly medical problems from minor skin irritations to life-threatening anemia. Stick with a topical flea and tick solution to keep the critters at bay.

Toss the cigarettes, as secondhand smoke is no joke for pets. It can cause asthma, bronchitis, lymphoma and oral, nasal and lung cancers. Quit now and you’ll save money on vet bills. At the very least, avoid smoking around your pet.

Shop Smart by clipping coupons and buying in bulk. It’s also a good idea to shop veterinary practices by comparing fees for preventative care.

“Cutting back” shouldn’t have to extend to our loved ones’ care and well-being. Therefore, it’s essential to provide for our pets in a smart and savvy way. To read our experts’ complete list of ways to save money on vet care, visit www.aspca.org.