As an owner of two elderly cats and a middle-aged Retriever (he's about 6 already), I'm starting to worry about some of the veterinary expenses we've already had, with shots and some minor injuries they've had for the past few years.
As they get older, I assume these will only increase (and the prices will rise either way), so I'm interested in how people usually deal with it. Is there insurance for pets or some cheaper ways to get treatment for them?
Pay the veterinarian or cut them out as much as you can.
First pair of (free) dogs visited the vet regularly. Shots, knee surgeries, chronic ear infections, laceration, monthly prescriptions, etc. We spent more on the dogs' health care than on our own which is crazy. We had a great vet at the time. He provided excellent care and didn't nickel and dime you. Sometimes my dogs visited him every week. Sometimes he didn't charge or would give us a discount. We were DINKS back then with disposable income.
Second pair of dogs we bought $$$$ from a breeder. Trying to find a good vet where we currently live was challenging. We still don't have a vet we really like. We found one we use but she never checks your pet for what you brought it in for until the end. She does her checklist of things, shames you for being a bad pet parent, and finds a bunch of things she thinks you need to address. She also charges for rechecks/follow ups. My dogs haven't seen her in a few years now.
Seek less expensive options. We used the local humane society to obtain spay/neuter vouchers for a fraction of what the vet wanted to charge. Sometimes vouchers (to be used at certain vets only) are available for anyone and sometimes there are eligibility requirements. Sometimes there are also special vouchers available to military. Google pet assistance in your area. Some pharmacies and places like Tractor Supply carry pet vaccinations that you can buy and give the shots yourself. We (I) have done this before. Rabies has to be done by a vet though and I think the rattlesnake vaccination too. We have also used the low cost pet clinics available at places like Tractor Supply, Petco, Kahoots, etc. to get dog rabies shots and/or vaccinations. I think they will also do nail trimming. Some things depend on your own comfort level and that of your pets for things such as giving the vaccination shots yourself, nail trimming, bathing, grooming, brushing teeth, ear cleaning, wound care, etc. Learn/research what meds you can get and give without a prescription. Look for natural alternatives and other alternatives. Certain pet non prescrition enzyme ear solutions (Zymox) can work just as well as prescription antibiotics for some ear conditions. There are alternative options available for eye care, hot spots, joints, etc. Just do your research and see what works for you and your pet. I always try alternatives before the vet visit unless I believe it is life threatening and even then it depends. Know what foods and plants are dangerous to your pets. Costco carries heart worm meds and flea/tick meds for less than most places if your vet is willing to give you a prescription to fill elsewhere instead of at their office. buying on line can save you money. Seek a second opinion. Know what your dollar limit is. Sometimes a vet visit is the only choice.
