Where Do You Find Affordable Vet Care and Low Cost Pet Vaccines?

Finding affordable vet care can be a daunting task. Many pet owners feel the drain in their bank account after visiting the veterinarian, so they may feel they must put off having their pet seen or skip preventative medicine due to financial constraints. Or that you go ahead with the care and find yourself strapped in other areas of your life. As a pet owner who has been there, experienced that, and even cried in the vet office at the sight of a bill, it’s a horrible feeling. You shouldn’t have to choose between paying a month’s rent or getting your pet the care it needs. But what if we told you there was a way to find real low-cost vet care?

Keep reading to learn how to maintain your animals’ health without losing your wallet or your soul. 

How Much Do Americans Spend on Vet Care Each Year?

Americans spend approximately $410 on vet care each year for a dog and $300 for a cat. Of course, if a pet needs special medicine or surgery, the cost can go up substantially. 

Routine medical visits can run up to $225 for dogs and $160 for cats. For preventative care, such as heartworm and flea medication, the costs are approximately $185 for dogs and $140 for cats annually. 

During the first year of owning a pet, Americans spend an estimated total of $3,221 for a dog and $1,904 for a cat. These costs may include food, grooming, vet care, and spaying or neutering. However, these costs can vary widely depending on the type of pet, the level of care needed, and the geographic location. Not all veterinarians charge the same.

Why Do Veterinary Services Cost So Much?

Veterinary services can be costly for a variety of reasons. Like other businesses, veterinarians have overhead costs. They must pay for their building, utilities, staff salaries, medical equipment, supplies, etc. In addition, veterinarian school and staff training are costly. 

The demand for veterinary services is high, which drives up prices. And since pet insurance isn’t as common as human health insurance, many pet owners have to pay for veterinary care out of pocket.

All of these factors contribute to the high cost of veterinary care. If you are concerned about the cost of veterinary care, there are a few things you can do to save money. For example, you can shop around for quotes from different veterinary practices, ask about payment plans, and consider pet insurance.

Where Do You Find Affordable Vet Care and Vaccines? 

Finding affordable vet care and vaccines can be easier if you live near a large city or more populated area. You might have fewer options in rural areas. But start by checking with local animal shelters to see if they have options for low-cost or free vet care and vaccines. For example, Michigan Humane offers programs in Metro Detroit. We recently interviewed their President and CEO, Matt Pepper, who told us about their discounted and free medical care. 

You can also check with veterinary schools. They may offer discounted care to the public. Some non-profit organizations and rescues also host spay and neuter clinics or vaccine clinics for free or low prices within the communities they serve.

Pet Help Finder is another excellent resource. You simply plug in the services you’re looking for along with your city and zip code. The tool will then find the options closest to you. While it’s not comprehensive, since pet care providers need to register with the website to be listed, it’s a good starting point. 

Places like Tractor Supply and pet superstores such as Pet Smart also host clinics or have regular veterinary services in their stores. The PetVet Clinics held at Tractor Supply stores can be cost-effective for some, but they don’t offer appointments, so you can be stuck waiting for a long time. Banfield Pet Hospital is located in many Pet Smarts. It’s a good option for those close to a populated area where the store exists or for those traveling and needing a vet in multiple locations. Since your name remains in their system, you can use the pet hospital in different cities.

It is important to do your research and compare prices before choosing a vet for your pet. You should also make sure the one you choose is licensed and experienced.

How Can You Spend Less at the Vet? 

To spend less and save money at the vet, keep up with regular wellness checks. The more you stay on top of your pet’s health, the better chance you have of preventing problems. 

We also like to advise pet owners to ask questions. Communicate with your veterinarian to know what and why they’re suggesting things. Some might unintentionally upsell you on something your dog or cat doesn’t necessarily need, like a test. If you’re low on cash and it’s not something that will affect your pet’s health, you may determine not to do it this time around. 

Maintain A Healthy Pet Diet & Weight

Giving your pets nutritional, well-balanced meals is one of the best ways to keep them healthy and spend less at the vet. Investing in a high-quality diet is likely to help you save in the long run.

Pet food brands that use additives and preservatives tend to be less expensive. However, the savings may be short-lived if your dog or cat has health issues due to poor nutrition. Instead, ask your vet about the best nutritional diet for your pet. They’ll be able to help you make a plan based on its weight, age, and health factors.

Brush Your Pet’s Teeth

Brushing your pet’s teeth regularly can cut down on potential vet bills. Keeping a cat’s and dog’s teeth clean is as important as human dental care. When an animal has dental disease, it can also lead to other health problems. 

Brushing your cat’s or dog’s teeth at least twice a week is recommended. But for the most effective results, brush once to twice a day. 

Look for Low-Cost or Free Vaccine Clinics

There are low-cost vet care and free vaccine clinics out there. As we mentioned previously, PetVet clinics, held at Tractor Supply stores, offer discounted wellness checks, vaccines, and more. They are worth it to receive good, affordable vet care. Although be careful because they’ll try to upsell you too, and their prices have gone up over the years. These clinics are also more popular and are first come, first served. So, you might have to hang out in a parking lot for a while, waiting your turn. VIP PetCare also has a location finder on its website. 

Some local shelters and rescue organizations also hold clinics. They often offer services like lab testing, microchipping, and spaying or neutering. In addition, they may provide standard minor ailment treatment like ear infections, nail trims, anal glands expression, deworming, etc. And shelters typically offer the cheapest vaccine clinics.

Use Low-Cost Spay & Neuter Providers

When you adopt or foster a pet, they’re usually spayed or neutered before going home with you. But if you have a dog or cat that needs to be spayed or neutered, there are low-cost options available through shelters and other non-profit organizations. 

Check with your local shelters to see if they have discounted or free options. If they don’t, they can likely direct you to somewhere that offers affordable vet care.

Call Around and Compare Prices

All vets charge different prices, and few are upfront about their fees. But, some are more reasonable than others. If you know a procedure has to be done, ask for a price estimate before scheduling it. Be sure to also ask for the breakdown of costs, including the exam, vaccine, standard procedure, and average medication fees. Some vet offices won’t provide this, and we’re always suspicious if they don’t. 

During your appointment, if your vet or technician suggests a procedure, test, or treatment plan, don’t be afraid to ask how much it’ll cost. I know – it feels weird to do it. But it’s your pet, and it’s your money, and you need to be able to make good financial decisions by knowing the numbers.

While most vet prices aren’t negotiable, it never hurts to ask. They might be, depending on your situation, once you explain it. You can also ask if they provide discounts or have payment plans. Some veterinarians may be able and willing to work with you.

Ask About Specials

As weird as it sounds, vet clinics offer specials on certain procedures at certain times of year. For example, we had a vet who did 20% of dental cleanings in the month of February. If you know your dog needs a non-urgent procedure, like a sterilization or blood work, ask if there is a time of year when they discount it.

Ask If They Offer Interest-Free Payment Plans

Ask your vet if they’ll offer interest-free payment plans. Surprisingly, we’ve been to a few vet offices that now accept payment plans with no interest for a generous amount of time. For example, when our dog recently had dental surgery, the vet offered a 12-month payment plan interest-free. While we decided to pay the balance upfront, it was very kind of them to offer that since the bill was over $1,500. We knew the cost would be substantial ahead of time, but if we weren’t prepared, an interest-free payment plan could have been a game-changer.

However, with any payment plan, be sure to read the fine print. It may be a promotional gateway to signing up for something that’ll cost you more down the road. Also, understand what happens if you miss a payment or need longer than the original plan duration.

Know When To Say “No”

Going to the vet can bring up a lot of emotions, depending on the situation. Our pets are family members, and it’s difficult to see them hurting or to make a decision about their health care when emotional. However, it’s very important to keep in mind that it’s okay to say no and advocate for your pet’s health and your finances. 

So, when should you say no to the vet? Listen to your gut. Some vets will pressure you into additional medication or more expensive food, or lab work that you may not really need. We always ask, “Will this test change my treatment plan?” If the answer is no, then the test is probably unnecessary. Vets will always want to have all the information they can get to help diagnose your pet, which we completely understand, but all of that information comes at a cost to you.

Learn Basic First Aid to Address Minor Issues At Home

Learning basic first aid for your pets is an excellent way to address minor medical issues at home. In turn, it can help you save money rather than going to the vet. However, we strongly recommend seeking help from a vet if you’re unable to address the situation appropriately. 

Learning how to clean, bandage wounds, and use SuperGlue can come in handy in emergencies. Also, knowing how to take a pet’s temperature is beneficial. See our guide to cat first aid basics and dog first aid. 

*The first aid guides are recommendations we’ve curated from various sources and experience, but we’re not animal medical professionals and are not held responsible for the treatment of pets at home.

Can You Keep Old Medications for Common Ailments?

*We aren’t medical professionals and highly recommend checking with your vet before administering any medication to an animal.

I personally keep old medications on hand instead of disposing of them after they’re no longer needed. Later, if something similar happens, I contact my vet to check if it’s okay to administer the med for the situation happening. This can save me a trip to the vet, an exam fee, and new medications, as well as save the stress of a trip to the vet for my pet. Or, at least keep them comfortable until I can get them to the vet office.

For example, Rimadyl or Carprofen is for general inflammation like sprains, strains, or wounds. Leftover antibiotics, ointments, or cleaners also come in handy if they were prescribed for a similar ailment or recurring condition I can recognize. I just make sure to remember what they’re for and know the appropriate dosing. I also toss anything that is over a year old, as many medications lose effectiveness over time.

Is Pet Insurance Worth It?

Pet insurance may be worth it if your dog or cat has a chronic medical condition. But, if you’re doing annual wellness checks and vaccines, looking for affordable clinics will likely be cheaper. Pet insurance isn’t in high demand, and therefore it’s not that cost-effective yet. While opinions vary, we’d love to see a more significant conversation around this topic to drive up demand and the benefits of purchasing insurance.

Keep Your Pet Healthy with Affordable Options Near You

Affordable vet care can help keep your pet and bank account healthy. Double win! Look for options near you, at your local shelters, or check with area vets about specials they provide. Adding a pet to your family doesn’t have to mean obscenely costly vet bills. 

How do you keep your vet costs down? We’d love to hear any tips you might add. Leave a comment below.