Warmer weather is here, so that means more time outside, days lingering at the lake, and enjoying hiking excursions. It also means more potential for your dog to be injured. Summer also brings risks of illness from heatstroke, Lyme disease, seasonal allergies, and more.
Pet owners know that the cost of vet care adds up quickly—both for routine care and unexpected illnesses and injuries. Budgeting for proper vet care can be a challenge, but there are ways you can trim those costs without sacrificing the quality of your pet’s care in every season!
Discounted Routine Care
An annual wellness visit and vaccinations are vital parts of your pet’s care. You can save on the cost of a yearly visit and vaccines by completing this task at a vaccine clinic rather than a vet’s office. Many SPCA locations host low-cost vaccine clinics, and pet stores often host clinics a few days a week.
Google “low-cost pet vaccines” in your area to find inexpensive options near you.
While there are benefits to having all services completed by your vet, many pet owners find the savings to be worth it—especially if they have several pets.
If you choose to use a low-cost clinic:
- Send the records of the shots to your vet so they can add them to your pet’s medical file.
- Since many clinics are only open a few days a week, you won’t be able to easily call to verify the vaccines have been completed. That’s why it’s important to keep copies of the records on hand. This ensures you’ll always be able to verify your pet’s vaccines for groomers, daycare, and boarding.
Another important aspect of routine care is parasite control. Flea and heartworm prevention is recommended year-round, but it’s even more critical during warm weather. Allivet offers the lowest prices on flea and heartworm prevention. Sign up for AutoShip for special discounts and ensure you never forget to order what you need to protect your pet.
TeleHealth Services
It’s not always easy to know when a vet visit is necessary.
- Your cat vomited once. Do you need to take her in?
- Your dog is scratching at his ear. Is an immediate vet visit required?
- Your dog has been limping for a couple of days. Should you give him another day or so to recover?
You want to do what’s best for your pet, but you don’t want to spend the money on an unnecessary visit. Telehealth services are a perfect compromise!
Many vets offer this type of service, which gives you quick access to a licensed vet through video, chat, text, or email—even if you’re on a summer road trip or vacationing at a hotel a thousand miles from home. The vet will review your pet’s symptoms, address your concerns, and advise whether or not your pet needs to be seen in person.
Low-Cost Medications
Whether your pet has an infection that needs to be treated with a round of antibiotics or he has a chronic condition that requires medication for life, the costs add up quickly—but Allivet makes it more affordable.
We’re a trusted pet pharmacy, and we sell the exact same medications you get from your vet at lower prices. In fact, we guarantee the lowest prices and stand behind that promise with 100% price protection.
Allivet also sells flea and heartworm prevention and other pet care items at affordable prices, and when you choose AutoShip everything is shipped right to your door automatically. Plus, you’ll enjoy EXTRA SAVINGS when you have these items sent automatically at your selected frequency.
We’re the place to come for affordable Seresto, Frontline, and other parasite protection products.
Discount Surgical Clinics
Many areas have vet practices that specialize in lower-cost surgeries and dental care. Since they focus only on those services, they are able to offer lower prices than a typical vet. Availability of services varies by location. Some discount surgery clinics offer emergency surgeries, but most don’t. Still, they are an excellent option for dental cleanings and planned surgeries.
Invest in Pet Insurance
Having pet insurance relieves some of the financial burden that comes when your pet is sick or injured. Check out our recent pet insurance blog for more information about how pet insurance works and which companies to consider.
Don’t let a happy summer get derailed by out-of-control vet costs! Put these budget-friendly tips into practice and make the best decisions for your pet.