How to Handle Pet Health Care Costs

A sick pet can really be expensive. A friend's Old English Sheepdog racked up $3000 in vet bills when he escaped from the yard and was hit by a passing car. My Scottie, who has allergies to just about everything, costs around $200 per visit and has to go in three or four times a year to get pet meds for itchy skin. Puppy shots usually cost more than the actual puppy. So how do you handle the expense of pet health care?

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Phone
• Computer
• Pet Health Insurance Comparison

1. Call local veterinarians to price shop. Sometimes, prices really vary, especially when you're considering new puppy shots or a spay/neuter operation.

2. Get pet insurance. Not all plans offer the same benefits for the same cost, so be sure to do a pet insurance comparison before choosing a policy. I chose to go with a policy that pays for my new puppy's shots, part of his neutering costs and preventative care. The first year of his policy literally pays for itself.

3. Open a pet savings account. Unfortunately, even the priciest pet insurance policy doesn't cover a hundred percent of every procedure. In fact, pre-existing conditions and congenital defects are rarely covered at all. Saving just five or ten dollars a month can make a big difference if your pet has a health emergency your policy doesn't cover five years after the savings account is opened.

4. Ask your vet about rebate programs. Even if you have a vet with reasonable prices and your pet is insured, you can always use a bit more help with health care costs. In the past year, I got rebates for Hills food, kidney medication and Purina puppy food. I received all the rebate forms from my vet, who tries to help owners keep bills as low as possible. Without her help, I would have paid full price for some very costly things.

5. Use preventative care. While there is an initial expense, medications like heart worm preventatives and flea and tick preventatives are a lot cheaper than treatment for the problems they prevent. They're also a lot less stressful!

6. Look for special sales and promotions. For example, my vet had a half price Wednesday sale on vaccinations for an entire month. I made sure to schedule my vaccines on Wednesdays that month!

Tips & Warnings

• If you literally can't afford to go to the vet, get pet health insurance, etc., you can still get some help with pet medical expenses. Keep an eye out for Rabies vaccine clinics in your area. Our area offers Rabies clinics for $5 a pet twice a year.
• Don't switch from vet to vet to try to save money. Once you find a vet with reasonable prices and a great doggie bedside manner, stick to him or her unless you become upset with the level of care. Being familiar with your dog helps the vet catch health related changes during checkups.

Resources

• Baltimore Dog Examiner