Vets Are Expensive! 7 Ways To Save on Dog Health Care
Posted by Hot Dog Collars on 01/23/17 11:19 AM
If you're like most dog owners, then you want the best life possible for
your canine companion. You also dread taking your pet to the veterinarian.
There's always a new bill to pay, and it's hard to afford the rising costs of
veterinary care. Luckily, you have options. Here are seven ways to get free or
discounted vet services for your dog.
Blood Donor Discounts
Humans aren't the only species that can donate blood. Canine heroes are
also needed. Donated blood is used during surgeries, emergency repairs, and for
some cancer treatments. Some veterinary hospitals offer free or discounted
services to blood donors. Your pet can get free preventative care, like
heartworm medicine and vaccines, from being a donor. Donating blood doesn't
affect your pet's health; Fido's bone marrow will restore any donated blood
within a few weeks.
Monthly Wellness Plans
Veterinary offices are starting to offer wellness packages for dogs of
all ages. In this system, you pay a low monthly fee and get access to all of
the preventative care your dog needs. You can get 1-2 office visits per year as
well as vaccinations, medications, and education, all at no added cost.
Wellness plans let you spread out the cost of veterinary care, making it easier
to afford.
CareCredit
Many veterinary offices have partnered with CareCredit to offer
no-interest loans to pet parents. If you have a credit score of at least 600,
you can qualify for a new line of credit. The card offers 6 months of interest-free
financing or up to 60 months to repay your bill. If you can't reduce your
veterinary expenses any further, CareCredit is a way to get your pet the help
they need today.
Discounted Clinics
Many shelters run low-cost veterinary clinics. They often have limited
hours and first-come, first-serve models. They aren't convenient to visit, but
they offer cheap veterinary care. Preventative medicines are usually sold
at-cost. You may be able to get free spaying and neutering services or pay only
a nominal fee.
Veterinary Schools
It's hard for vet students to learn to care for animals if they never
get hands-on experience. That's why veterinary schools offer discounted vet
services for pets willing to work with trainees. Your pet will get thorough
care from a supervised student at a cheap price, but you'll have to work with
the school's schedule. If you can make the timing work, vet school visits are a
good way to get affordable preventative care.
People Pharmacies
Did you know that big box stores stock pet medicines? They want you to
find everything you need in one stop, and that includes prescription medicine
for your furry family members. Even better, you can get common pet meds for
free at most major supermarkets. When your vet writes a prescription and tries
to get you to fill at the office, explain you'd rather visit your neighborhood
grocery store. A good veterinarian will understand that you need to cut medical
costs wherever you can.
Pet Insurance
Purchasing health insurance for your dog is one way to save on
veterinary bills. Pet insurance plans can work like a long-term savings
account. By paying a monthly premium, you get coverage for big-ticket bills
later down the road. If you adopt a shelter dog, you often get free enrollment
in an insurance policy for a limited time.
You don't have to spend a fortune to keep your dog in good health.
Regular exercise,
dental care, and a healthy diet will help limit the need for
veterinary care. When your pet needs to see a veterinarian, use these seven
tips to avoid paying full price.