Affordable vet care may seem like an oxymoron or someone has been sniffing too many dog treats. But let me tell you there are easy steps you can take that will take the most expensive part of dog care (vet care) and make it much more affordable.
While there can be unexpected costs, such as an illness, there are ways to overcome these setbacks. You don’t have to sacrifice your dog’s care. Or worse yet, surrender your dog.
I know I love doing anything that helps make my dog, Henry’s vet care more affordable. So, today, let’s dig in and discover the secrets of affordable vet care for your dog.
*Updated: June 12, 2024
Budget tip: Affordable vet care can mean the difference between providing healthcare for your dog and surrendering your pup. That is HUGE! Additionally, finding great budget-friendly vet care is possible and can even be easy. Whether it’s finding assistance for your vet bill, locating a low-cost vet, or implementing simple tasks to help your dog and reduce your bill, it’s all great for you and your dog. Simply put, affordable vet care is a MAJOR win-win for you and your dog!
What are the most common vet expenses associated with a dog?
There are a few vet clinic expenses you can expect yearly as a dog parent.
These include:
- Annual shots
- Checkups
- Unexpected vet visits
- Emergency care visits (after hours of your regular vet)
However, if your dog is still a puppy you may have a few more vet visits. Additionally, a senior dog will need a senior checkup at least once a year.
As for unexpected and emergency vet visits, I always like to be prepared. Since I’ve had Henry, he’s had 3 emergency vet visits. Also, he will generally need one to three additional visits to his vet yearly.
For example, Henry has a very sensitive stomach. Thus, if he’s eaten something I didn’t know, he can get severe stomach issues requiring a vet visit.
Why are vets so expensive?
There can be a few reasons why your vet is more expensive than you anticipated. These can include:
- Increased prices for their supplies
- More expensive rent
- Insurance premiums increased
- More staff or equipment
Additionally, some locations are just more pricey for vet care. Big cities are often more expensive. However, this isn’t a hard and fast rule.
Is there a way to have more affordable vet care for my dog?
As with everything, I like to break down the components. Thus, consider the reasons why you are going to the vet and try to find ways to make those less expensive.
1. Low-cost vaccination clinic
If you are simply going for annual shots, then consider a low-cost vaccination clinic. You can find one in your area by calling your local ASPCA, Humane Society, shelter, or even your county business office may have some free or low-cost clinics.
For example, there are a few in my neighboring counties.
However, you can also check out sites like:
- VIP PetCare (Here’s their site. All you have to do is put in your zip code and you’ll see where they are located in your area)
- VetCo (Here’s their site, which will also locate a clinic in your area with a zip code)
2. Low-cost spay-neuter veterinary care
If your pup needs to be spayed or neutered, you can find affordable clinic services near you.
Want to discover ways to find a budget-friendly spay-neuter animal hospital near you? In this article, I reveal everything you need to know.
3. Pet insurance vet consult
Additionally, if you feel you need to see your vet due to some recent occurrence with your dog, then consider contacting your online pet insurance vet. Often these vet consultations are part of your insurance premium.
However, you can also receive an online vet consult from other outlets for free or at a reasonable price.
4. Pet savings account
A great way to save for unexpected vet visits, especially if you don’t have pet insurance is with a pet savings account. It’s very similar to a savings account for you, but the money is set aside for your dog’s care.
Additionally, you can make monthly automatic payments. Even with pet insurance, a pet savings account can be a great asset. It certainly helps me with Henry.
5. Budget for vet care
With a simple budget, you can estimate your vet care expenses and then set money aside for it throughout the year. A pet savings account is great for setting aside your desired money goal for your dog’s care. However, knowing what to expect with your budget is the critical first step.
6. Pet payment
Some vet facilities will offer payment plans for their patients. You will need to ask your vet if a payment plan is available.
Honestly, it’s amazing what you can discover at your vet’s office. For instance, I discovered that my vet offers services for the homeless in my area.
7. Pet Insurance
Yes, pet insurance can be a tremendous asset in your dog’s care. Additionally, many insurance companies offer perks, such as a free vet hotline or online vet consultation.
8. Pet care credit card
While a pet care credit card won’t reduce your vet bill, it can help you pay it on a more manageable schedule. There are two most widely acceptable pet care cards. They are
However, check with your vet wellness clinic to make sure they will accept your specific card.
What can I do to help reduce my vet bill and make it more affordable?
As a dog parent, there are many steps you can take to reduce your vet bill while keeping your dog healthy. These include:
Preventative care is the key
Of course, preventative care encompasses many aspects of vet care. Some ways to reduce your dog’s expenses with preventative care include:
1. Vaccines
Keeping your dog updated on vaccines to avoid more serious illnesses can be a huge savings. There are some vaccinations, you’ll want to make sure your dog is always received timely. These include, but aren’t limited to:
- Bordetella vaccine
- Rabies vaccine
More importantly, keeping your dog current on critical vaccines adds quality of life to your pup.
2. Checkups
Annual and bi-annual checkups, or wellness exams, can be great for avoiding more pricing vet bills. For instance, you may see a lump. When your vet checks your pup at a visit you will be able to know what it is exactly.
However, if a lump is left unattended, it can grow and cause your mobility or breathing issues. Additionally, most cancers start as a lump or bump. If caught early it can be removed and treated more easily.
For example, I’ve spotted a couple of lumps on Henry. I’ve had his vet look at each. One even required a biopsy. While the labs on a biopsy can be pricey, it’s much better than cancer or losing your dog altogether.
Thankfully, Henry’s lumps have all been benign.
3. Price shop for prescriptions
Never settle for one price on your dog’s heartworm, tick and flea treatment, or any other medication. There are many options and very few are priced the same.
I always shop for Henry’s prescriptions. Even when he’s been on prescription pet food, I shopped for the best price, yet great quality food. Basically, what the vet prescribed from the best-priced online pharmacy.
4. Dental care
If your dog has dental issues, then willingness to eat will decrease. Also, vet professional dental care or even tooth extraction can be pricey.
While I don’t brush Henry’s teeth, I do clean them daily. His vet is very pleased with his dental care. Moreover, Henry hasn’t needed a vet dental cleaning since I adopted him.
5. Walking
Yes, a simple walk or keeping your dog active can greatly reduce your vet expenses. An active dog can more easily avoid the pains of arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, and the related behavior issues of depression.
6. Mental stimulation
Keeping your dog’s mind active can help with boredom, depression, and behavior issues.
There are a few things I do to help keep Henry’s mind active. These include:
- Allow him to dig
- Let him sniff on walks and hikes
- Make him work for his food with food-based games
- Training sessions
Lick mats (one of Henry’s recent discoveries, which was an immediate love of his)
How do I find low-cost vet care near me?
There are a few ways to find a budget-friendly vet in your area. These include:
1. Ask for referrals
First, turn to your local SPCA, Humane Society, or shelter. They will have a list of low-cost vet care in your area.
2. Pet Help Finder
Honestly, Pet Help Finder is a great site with lots of information, including low-income resources.
For example, you can find a budget-friendly vet on Pet Help Finder. Here’s how:
> Go to Pet Help Finder
> Click the pull-down menu and select “veterinary services”
> Enter your city or zip code
> Click “search”
This will provide a list of low cost vets in your area.
For example, when I did this search I received 12 veterinary services that offer low-cost options.
3. Veterinary colleges
If you live near a vet college, check them out for your dog’s vet care. They will provide great care at reduced prices.
Moreover, you can find a vet school near you by checking out the AVMA site here.
Is there any way to get financial assistance with my vet bills?
There are a few organizations you can turn to for help with your pet’s vet bill.
My favorite spot to look is on Pet Help Finder. Here’s how to look for resources for help with your vet bill.
> Go to Pet Help Finder
> Again, in the drop-down menu, select “veterinary services”
> Then enter your zip code or city
> Click “search”
> Scroll down to the bottom of the page where there are a few “Traveling, Online, Regional, or National Resources”
> On the right side, you’ll see a link to “See All”
> Click that link.
Then you’ll see a full list. However, this can be overwhelming.
> To reduce and filter this list to what will work for you go to the pull-down menu at the top under “filter your results”
> Then select whatever applies to you.
> Click the “Update filters”
Most likely, you’ll want to select:
- Payment plan options
- Vaccines and Preventative Care
- Offers Grants, Subsidies, or Vouchers
For example, when I did this I received a list of 32 options. However, some you can bypass easily because they are breed-specific. But it certainly helps narrow your search.
Additionally, Best Friends has a resource page with financial assistance available by state. Although, not all states (including mine – Nevada) are covered, you may find a great resource in your state. You can access the Best Friends financial assistance page here.
How can a great vet help my dog’s health?
A great vet will help with simple tricks to reduce your bill while maintaining quality care.
This can be affordable food, showing you DIY vet care, or offering payment plans.
However, if you ever feel your vet is not helping your dog, you feel uncomfortable at your vet’s office, or something just doesn’t feel right, then seek a new vet.
How much can I save by using affordable vet care?
As always, this is the fun part. It brings everything together. But then again, I’m a huge numbers nerd. As such, consider the following possible savings:
| Low cost vaccine savings | $32–40/per vaccine |
| Affordable vet consultations savings | $30–230/per visit |
| Budget-friendly pet prescription savings | $10+ per prescription |
| Preventative vet care savings | $3,740 – $3,850 +/ per year |
| Healthy, happy pup, with a longer lifespan | Beyond Money!!! |
Related articles:
- 10 Steps to Find the Best Vet
- 15 Red Flags-Time For a New Vet!
- How to Expand Your Dog’s Life With a Low-Cost Spay Neuter Clinic
- How To Find Vet Approved Low-Cost Dog Vaccines
- Quick Help: Benefits of Online Vet Advice
- My Dog Loves Savings Accounts. Surprised?
- Steps To Build A New Dog Budget
- 8 Ways Dog Preventative Care Reduces Costs
- Are There Really Safe Cheap Dog Meds?
- Vet Extends A Dog’s Lifespan For Free!
- Reaping Rewards of a Dog Digging Pit
- Happy Dog Hiking Trails Without Back Pain
- Easy Hack To Remove Sap From Dog’s Fur
- Is There a Cheap Easy Way to Train Your Dog?
- Mind Games for Dogs Every Dog Loves!
- 6 Cool Ways Dog Parents Pay For Vet Bills
- Does DIY Reduce Dog Vet Costs? Yes!
Summary of affordable vet care for your dog
Vet care for your dog may seem like a drain on your wallet. But when you find affordable vet care and ways to cut your vet bill, it’s a relief on your mind and bank account. The fact that your dog is well cared for and you can afford it, is truly beyond words! That should be the goal of all dog parents.
I know I’m always doing a happy dance when I’ve gotten a great review from my vet. It lets me know Henry’s in good health, which makes my heart soar. Yet, when I do something that I know will cut Henry’s future vet bill, like hiking or stimulating his brain with a game, I smile and my heart soars even more.
After all we all want our pups to live a high-quality life for as long as possible. The truth be told I’m still looking for a way to extend Henry’s life as long as a tortoise. But that’s for another discussion.
I LOVE the pet resources help, this could make such a big difference to the budget conscious dog owner.
This post can make a huge difference to so many dogs. Thank you!
Thank you! It’s always my goal to help folks with their dog and pet expenses. I really hope this will provide relief to pet parents. I really appreciate your kind words and continued support!