Simple Ways to Save on Pet Care

Pet owners know that there’s nothing like the love of their furry family members. Keeping pets healthy is a priority, but health care costs for pets can be quite expensive. If you are dealing with additional expenses such as prescriptions for chronic conditions, it can become a burden to your budget. Fortunately, there are several things pet owners can do proactively to keep pets healthy and save money, too.

Preventative care

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is just as applicable to pets as it is to their human caregivers. One of the most important things to do is to bring pets in for annual checkups.

During wellness checkups, veterinarians can screen for a variety of health conditions. They provide insight on diseases, age‑related concerns, dental health and nutritional considerations. Regular checkups help vets identify problems sooner rather than later, and this can translate to more affordable health care costs in the long run.

Prescription discount cards

There are several programs on the market that offer free discount cards that you can use to lower pet prescription costs. For example, the Inside Rx Pets program offers savings on commonly prescribed medications such as insulin and antibiotics. These cards aren’t insurance — they are savings cards. The programs typically offer lists of medications, pricing information and other details on their websites, along with a card you can download.

Then, when your pet’s veterinarian writes a prescription for an applicable medication, you present the card with the prescription at one of the participating pharmacies associated with the program you’ve chosen. Many programs include national chains such as CVS and Walgreens.

Exercise and nutrition

Obesity is a growing concern for many pets. Poor nutrition paired with limited exercise causes pets to put on additional weight. This weight can put them at higher risk for health concerns like diabetes, osteoarthritis and ligament injuries. These conditions not only risk your pet’s quality of life, but also can deeply impact your pocketbook.

Pets, just like humans, require exercise and proper nutrition to stay healthy and feel their best. Whether that’s letting your rabbit out of the cage to run or going on a walk with your dog, be sure to make regular exercise a part of your fur family’s routine. 

Emergency fund

Choosing between a pet and an unexpected health expense is something no one wants to experience. Being prepared can make a big difference when facing difficult decisions, so it’s wise to have savings set aside.

Some pet owners are starting pet health savings accounts (HSAs), similar to accounts that people hold for themselves to pay for medical expenses. Whether you choose that path or a traditional savings account, an emergency fund can ease worries about unexpected expenses.