For many of us, our pets are our family members. We'd be willing to spend plenty of money to keep them happy, healthy and alive. That said, it's possible to be overcharged, and sometimes grossly overcharged, at the vet's office. The following tips can help you be a savvy consumer without compromising the quality of your pet's care.
1. Shop around before a crisis. Chances are you won't be able to think clearly during a medical emergency involving your pet. Before anything like that happens, ask friends and relatives to recommend veterinarians, and get price quotes from a few different vets for annual exams and other procedures.
2. Seek out bargains. If you plan to have your pet spayed or neutered, look into programs run by your local Humane Society or branch of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
3. Save on shots. Check with your county's animal control office to find out about free or low-cost rabies shots and other vaccines. Also, ask your vet about getting booster shots for your pet every three years rather than once a year.
4. Inquire about discounts. Many vets reduce the price of annual checkups if you have three or more pets, and some offer discounts of 10 percent for senior citizens. Humane Society and SPCA offices often provide free or reduced-price services to low-income pet owners and seniors.
5. Pull out your plastic. Charge vet bills of $50 or more to your credit card, as long as you're good about paying off your credit card bill in full each month. Under the federal Fair Credit Billing Act, you have the right to dispute charges for unsatisfactory service if you make purchases by credit card.
6. Follow up for less. If circumstances force you to visit a costly emergency veterinary hospital in the middle of the night, arrange for follow-up visits to be handled by your regular vet during normal business hours.
7. Don't be too trusting. If your vet recommends an extremely costly procedure, get a second opinion. Store all of your pet's health records in one convenient place to minimize hassle if you must change veterinarians quickly.
8. Do your own research. True, you're not a vet, but you can educate yourself if your pet is diagnosed with a specific disorder. A good online source of free information is the Merck Veterinary Manual at www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp
9. Avoid paying too much for drugs. Ask your vet to write you a prescription so you can shop around. Regular pharmacies, online pharmacies and wholesale pet suppliers typically offer the best prices. Opt for generic drugs whenever possible, and buy medications in bulk if they'll be needed on a long-term basis.
10. Prevent problems. Make sure your pet gets enough exercise and the right kind of food. Many vets recommend premium dry foods, which cost more than store-brand foods but offer more bioavailable nutrients.
