How to Save Money at the Vet: 9 Easy Tips!

Oct 27, 2021 | Health, How To Save Money

Four-legged friends are the best, aren't they?! But those vet bills….woof! If you want to learn how to save money at the vet, you're in the right place. We've got nine easy tips that will keep more cash in your pocket!

puppy having a checkup at the vet, from Fun Cheap or Free

If you have a pet, you know those furry friends can wreak havoc on a budget, especially when it comes to any surgery or veterinary services! But we've got good news, Freebs. Frugal living and pet ownership can go hand in hand.

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We've got tips and tricks that will help you spend a whole lot less at that next appointment! So if you've ever wondered how to save money at the vet, wonder no more. Keep on reading because we have nine secrets to share.


HAVE YOUR PET SPAYED OR NEUTERED

Any The Price is Right fans in the house? Well, tip numero uno is a nod to Bob! As it turns out, getting your furry friends spayed or neutered is the #1 easiest way to save money at the vet. It may seem expensive upfront, but think of how much more it costs for your pet to have a litter! Do the math. You'll be shocked.

Want to save some money on the procedure? Head to your local Humane Society or shelter. In some cases, the Humane Society charges about half the amount the vet would! And don't worry, your little buddy will get pawsome, loving care. Nonprofits and shelters are usually staffed with completely competent and qualified volunteers who give their time out of love for animals.


STAY UP TO DATE ON VACCINES

cat getting vaccine at the vet, from Fun Cheap or Free

Sometimes you have to spend a little money to save money. That's 100% true when it comes to vaccines! Yes, vaccines cost money, but a sick animal costs much, much more. Trust us! Whatever you do, make sure to keep your pet's vaccines up to date.

Can't afford the prices at the vet? Get your vaccines cheaper at a Humane Society, shelter, or another low-cost, non-profit animal care program. Once again, you'll find great vets there, and the cost is much lower.


ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO SAVE MONEY AT THE VET? ASK!

Never, ever be afraid to ask for a discount! Frugal people make the most of every dollar. Feeling shy? Try one of these conversation starters:

  • “Are you running any discounts right now that I could take advantage of?”
  • “Is there any way you could come down on that price just a bit?”
  • “Do you offer a discount for patients who pay in-full using cash?”

You never know! Some vets even offer discounts for Tuesday or Wednesday appointments. So, don't be afraid to ask! Your vet won't think less of you. We promise!


SAVE MONEY AT THE VET BY BUYING PREVENTATIVE MEDS ONLINE

shopping online for pet products, from Fun Cheap or Free

Just like it's important to keep your pets up to date on their shots, you need to make sure they're on a regimen of regular flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives, too. Yes, we know those little pills can be dang expensive, but treatment for heartworms costs thousands. And getting fleas out of your sofa? You don't even want to go there!

Here's an easy way to cut your vet bill in half. Instead of stocking up on those pills at your yearly checkups, order those pet prescriptions online! Chewy.com offers an online pet pharmacy, and their prices are significantly lower than you'd find at the vet or a brick-and-mortar pet shop. You can also subscribe to get your pet's meds delivered straight to your door, so you never run out, and you automatically get 5% off every order if you set it up for their auto-ship program!

If you're new to Chewy, you can save 20% off your first pharmacy order! Just use the code RX20 when you checkout.


DON'T BE AFRAID TO LET YOUR VET KNOW YOU'RE ON A BUDGET

And on that note, there's no shame in letting your vet know that you're on a budget. Make it clear that you're price-sensitive. We've had to do this a time or two. For example, after spending more than $1,000 on an unexpected procedure for our pup, we were feeling a little strapped for cash. So, at his follow-up appointment, we politely let the girls at the front desk know. Here's what you can say:

“I just wanted to let you know that we are pretty cost-sensitive right now because our budget has been maxed lately for Rover's care. We want him to get better, and that's our top priority, but we will need to find the most cost-effective options available to be able to continue giving him the care he needs.”

If your vet is good, he will understand and will have the care of your animal first in his mind and do all he can to help you afford wonderful care!


REFER A FRIEND

Did you know that most vets offer a referral program? Yup! Ask your local vet about their policy. Many offer discounts or freebies just for sending new business their way. So, if you love your vet, be loud and proud about it!

Tell your friends at church, other parents at your kiddo's school, or post on Facebook and Nextdoor. Make sure to tell your friends to let the vet know that you referred them! 😉 That's easy money in your pocket for minimal effort, and you're doing a good deed by helping your friends find good care for their pets, too.


TAKE YOUR PET TO A VET SCHOOL CLINIC

If your local college or university has a veterinary degree program, call them and find out if they ever hold clinics. Most vet students are required to provide hands-on care before they can graduate, and their services are sometimes free!

Helping a vet student achieve their dreams is not just a good deed; it's also a great way to save TONS of money on your vet bills. And anyone who's studying to become a vet loves animals, so you can rest easy knowing they'll take the best care of your pet.


KEEP YOUR PET FIT & HEALTHY TO SAVE MONEY AT THE VET

little boy walking dog, from Fun Cheap or Free

In general, take good care of your pet so they stay healthy. Keep them vaccinated, give them lots of exercise and love, and they will stay healthy and happy! Just like humans, pets need regular baths, mental stimulation, good meals, and love.

Take good care of your furry family members so they'll stay healthy and happy! Preventive care is often the best medicine. You'd be surprised how much of a difference a daily 30-minute walk can make.


CONSIDER PET INSURANCE

Okay, this tip may be a little controversial, and it's definitely a personal decision! Pet insurance isn't for everyone, but it might be worth considering if you have an older or special needs pet.

In general, average pet insurance coverage costs about $30-$40 per month. If you like to stick to a fixed monthly budget and want to know exactly how much you'll be spending on your pet each month, this could be a great option! Pet insurance also offsets the cost of pricey procedures and unexpected expenses, so it can end up saving you a ton if you need it.

Some employers even offer pet insurance as a perk now, so ask your HR department! You may be able to get your pets covered for half off or even free. If you have the ability to get pet insurance at a discount, it's a no-brainer!


HOW DO YOU SAVE MONEY AT THE VET?

Having pets is well worth the money, but that doesn't mean you need to bust your budget when you become a pet owner! So hopefully, these tips will help you save a little money at your next vet appointment.

Do you have other tips to add to the mix? Leave them below, and be sure to let us know all about your pets, too! How many do you have and what are their names? Spill the deets in the comments!

image with text that reads "how to save money at the vet", from Fun Cheap or Free

Want to save even more money? Here are more of our best money-saving tips:

Have a pawsome day!

5 Comments

  1. Tanja

    In my country (Slovenia), we have subventions for neutering/spaying. Every town gets a certain amount of money in spring and veterinarians have access to the information. It’s also for preventing proliteration. (massive reproduction)
    After vets issue the bill, % is covered by that fund and you pay your part. Vets get % refunded.
    So before taking your pet to procedure, you call vets in your nearest smaller towns and ask if there is stil any amount available.

    Instead of spaying my cat in capital where I live and would cost 80 to 110€, I called veterinarian in my mum’s smaller town and payed 28€ alltogether. I also spend the next two days at my mums for my cat to heal.

    Recently I needed urinary tract medicine and found that my nearest “human” pharmacy store has a pet section in online store. Almost all issues medications, and average cost is 5€ per medication. Majority are VET’S BEST brand and really effective!

    I wish for all your pets to stay healthy forever.

    Reply
  2. Sheryl Beachem

    Try getting your pet’s prescription meds at Costco or Walmart or similar stores pets. All of the meds I have needed including preventative, such as heartworm have been available at these stores that are significantly lower cost than buying them at the vet or even at Chewy.com.
    Also, there is a Vet on YouTube named Dr. Andrews -“Veterinary Secrets” that has a lot of great tips on pet care and how to save money as well as what vaccines and procedures are really necessary. He also has home remedies you can try first instead of running to the Vet.
    He has several OTC meds you can use at home for various ailments and even pain. I’ve tried a couple and they’ve worked great.

    Reply
  3. Sheryl

    Try getting your pet’s prescription meds at Costco or Walmart or similar stores.
    All of the meds I have needed including preventative, such as heartworm have been available at these stores that are significantly lower cost than buying them at the vet or even at Chewy.com.
    Also, there is a Vet on YouTube named Dr. Andrews -“Veterinary Secrets” that has a lot of great tips on pet care and how to save money as well as what vaccines and procedures are really necessary. He also has home remedies you can try first instead of running to the Vet.
    He has several OTC meds you can use at home for various ailments and even pain. I’ve tried a couple and they’ve worked great.

    Reply
  4. Carolyn Fisher

    Extremely helpful ideas. Thank you!

    Reply
  5. E S

    As a vet I think all of these are good options. The humane society will have some limitations and differences than your family veterinarian that will impact surgery costs but you can speak to your family vet and find out if it makes a difference to you. Be careful following any advice of online veterinarians or anyone who hasn’t seen your pet in person or is appropriately qualified. Your vet is usually not recommending services or products that they do not think will benefit your pet.

    Also even with insurance a budget for routine care or the deductible and co-pays should be considerations for yearly vet costs.

    Reply

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