Pets are an integral part of the lives of their owners. And they can provide companionship through difficult times and change your overall moods. However, these furry friends require medical attention. You’ll need to visit a vet clinic or call a vet practitioner to your home.
Vet bills are expensive. Vet bills can go as high as thousands of dollars, depending on your pet’s condition. And this can be expensive, especially when you are paying such costs from your pocket. So, how can you safeguard yourself against these high bills? Read on for the best tips for saving money on vet bills.
Buy a Pet Insurance Plan
Whether you’re taking your pet for regular checkups or emergencies, a pet insurance plan will save you from paying substantial vet bills. For instance, if you have a dog, numerous companies offer affordable insurance for dogs. Such a plan can cover up to £15,000 vet fees. Knowing that an insurance cover will save you from paying such bills from your pocket will give you peace of mind.
The best part about these plans is that they don’t have age limits. You can cover a puppy or a senior dog. According to ABI (Association of British Insurers), the average cost of pet insurance premiums is at £271 annually. However, you can always shop around to find a pet insurance cover that fits your budget.
Create a Pet Emergency Fund
If you do not have pet insurance, one way of safeguarding yourself against high vet bills is by creating a pet emergency fund. You can put aside some money every month and save up for such emergencies. Such savings will help you out in times of need.
You can also ask friends and family to contribute to the fund in case of an emergency vet bill. This will help you reduce the financial burden on you in case of a pet emergency.
Shop Around for Affordable Vet Clinics
Look out for good deals and discounts on vet services. There are vet clinics that offer discounts on certain days of the week. You may also find free pet clinics in some areas. These clinics help low-income pet owners support their furry friends. Such clinics can be great options for cutting down your vet bills.
Even if you have insurance, you should shop around to find affordable and reliable vet clinics. This will ensure you don’t overpay for services and products.
Ask Your Vet About Generic Prescription
If your pet needs prescription medication, ask your vet about generic medicines. These are cheaper alternatives to branded drugs and can help you save money on vet bills. For instance, a generic heartworm medication can cost £10 while branded versions cost £100.
Reinforce a Healthy Lifestyle for Your Pet
You can avoid high vet bills by keeping your pet healthy throughout life. Ensure you:
- Practice good hygiene habits for your pet
- Feed them a nutritious diet
- Exercise them
- Take them for regular vet checkups and vaccinations
By doing this, you’ll be promoting a healthy lifestyle for your pet and preventing illnesses that could lead to expensive vet bills.
Vet bills are expensive, but they don’t have to be. Keep your pet happy and healthy at an affordable cost by investing in a pet insurance plan. Other ways of safeguarding yourself from the expensive vet bills include shopping around for affordable vet clinics and practicing a healthy lifestyle for your pet.