How to Save Money on Veterinary Bills

Routine veterinary care is essential for giving your pet a healthy and happy life, but what happens when they get into mischief or develop a medical condition that requires urgent treatment? The costs can add up quickly, potentially putting a strain on your budget. But with these tips to save on veterinary care — whether an annual checkup or an emergency visit — you can find the best strategies to plan for or reduce your pet’s expenses while still prioritizing their well-being.

Why is veterinary care so expensive?

Understanding why veterinary care is so expensive isn’t a one-sentence answer. In the healthcare industry (pet services included), there are so many factors involved in the price of care, from rising costs of labor and medications to expensive tech innovations involved in treatments.

In 2024, an article by The New York Times set out to answer this very question, noting that the cost of veterinary services had risen 60% in just a decade. Veterinarians and pet parents alike were interviewed for their take, with many vets noting that part of the cause is due to the rising costs of simply running a clinic as well as larger corporations buying up smaller mom-and-pop businesses, which can increase prices.

Whatever the specific reasons are for high vet bills, the fact remains that many people want to know how to save money on veterinary care in an increasingly expensive world.

9 tips to cut costs on your pet’s healthcare

Learn how to care for your pet — and your wallet, too — with these tips for navigating the often-expensive pet healthcare system.

1. Invest in pet insurance

One of the best tips to save on veterinary care is to sign up for a pet insurance policy. Now, you might be wondering how investing money can end up saving you money. Think of it like other types of insurance you might have: renter’s or homeowner’s insurance, car insurance, or health insurance. You pay a certain amount in installments to have peace of mind that if something unexpected happens, you’ll be covered. Pet insurance works in a similar way.

Trupanion offers dog insurance and cat insurance that covers certain hereditary and breed-specific conditions, new unexpected injuries and illnesses, and more. So, instead of worrying about how you’ll afford a specific treatment, you can focus on getting your furry friend the care they need.

Read more about the benefits of pet insurance and why this is a great option for pet parents looking for a way to save on vet bills.

2. Bundle routine care visits

Your vet clinic likely understands that routine care for pets can really add up. That’s why many veterinarians offer wellness plans and packages, where customers can bundle routine care visits to receive a discount. For pet parents that are loyal to a specific clinic or veterinary center, paying upfront for a wellness plan that encompasses a certain number of visits can save more money in the long run.

Many pet health centers offer annual plans that include regular preventative care services, like diagnostic tests, physical exams, and core vaccinations, virtual visits, and even certain medications. Most of these are things you’ll already need to do for your pet’s health and wellness, so bundling into one package makes sense to save on costs over time.

3. Prioritize preventative care at home

Your pet’s health starts at home. One of the best ways to minimize unexpected vet visits — and therefore vet bills — is to ensure that you’re taking great care of your dog or cat every day. Here’s what that looks like:

• Brush their teeth routinely. Dental care is crucial for dogs and cats alike. Prevent periodontal diseases by giving their teeth and gums a good cleaning as often as recommended by your vet.
• Groom them regularly. Keep their coats and skin healthy by brushing or combing their fur regularly. Different breeds have different needs, so be sure to talk with your vet about the ideal grooming frequency for your pet.
• Check their ears. Some breeds, especially those with folded or floppy ears, are more susceptible to ear infections than others. But no matter the breed, it’s a good idea to incorporate an ear check into your at-home care routine. If your vet recommends it, you may be able to clean your pet’s ears at home, too.
• Give them enough exercise. Dogs and cats need exercise to stay active and healthy. Energy levels and activity needs vary by breed, age, and health, so be sure to consult your vet to ensure that you’re exercising your pet the right amount.
• Provide the right amount of food. Obesity in dogs and cats can lead to medical conditions like diabetes and joint issues, so make sure that you follow your vet’s recommendations for meal schedules and amounts to prevent any issues down the road.

4. Research financial assistance for emergency care

If the unexpected happens and your pet needs care, but you don’t have insurance or the financial means to pay for treatment, you may be able to get assistance from national and local nonprofits, rescue groups, and humane societies. Many organizations have grants and case-by-case funding for individuals who meet certain conditions (such as facing financial hardship, senior pet parents, and so on) to help them pay for needed care for their furry companions.

Research local options and national programs in the United States and Canada that may be available to you and your pet.

5. Fill prescriptions in partnership with your veterinarian

If your veterinarian prescribes medications for your pet, ask about the best options for having them filled — both for safety and cost. Many veterinary hospitals can fill prescriptions in-house, some may offer rebates or price matching on certain medications. In some cases, your vet may provide a written prescription that can be filled at an outside pharmacy or store that offers discounts. For example, Costco and Sam’s Club, two big-box warehouse stores, fill many common medications at discounted prices. (It’s worth noting that these retailers don’t require a membership to use their pharmacies.)

Plus, if a human equivalent of the medication exists, your local pharmacy will likely be able to fill the prescription — and many pharmacies have health savings cards or membership cards that may provide additional discounts. Supermarket chain Safeway offers a health savings card for pet parents, which allows them to snag a deal on certain prescriptions at participating pharmacies.

6. Find out what payment options your vet offers

Finding yourself stuck with an expensive vet bill can be overwhelming, even when you’re grateful for the care your pet received. Remember that your veterinarian’s office, clinic, or health center understands that, too, and may have options when it comes to paying a bill, such as:

• Minimum payment plans
• A reduced rate for paying in full upfront
• No-interest credit cards (available through third-party financing companies)

It never hurts to ask about these potential options to ensure that the budget is protected.

7. Visit low-cost clinics for routine care

While having a dedicated pet healthcare professional is advantageous and recommended for various reasons, sometimes it might be difficult to afford even routine care at a private vet clinic. To help individuals and families that need it, many local humane societies and other nonprofit organizations offer reduced-cost pet checkups, spaying and neutering, vaccines, and other routine care. These may be offered by appointment only and only on certain days of the week, so be sure to confirm the details before you go.

8. Discuss your pet’s treatment options

When your pet needs care, make sure to get all the information about their condition, recommended treatments, and any options. Tech advancements in veterinary medicine continue to expand the range of therapies and diagnostics available, and your veterinarian can help you understand which ones are more appropriate for your pet’s needs and your budget. It’s completely fair to share your financial concerns, and your vet can often tailor a plan for you. Ask your vet if there is a less expensive route that will still help your pet reach the same recovery outcomes.

9. Start a pet savings account

While a pet savings account technically doesn’t save on veterinary costs, it can provide peace of mind that you have money stowed away for any unexpected pet healthcare bills. If you do go this route, opt for a high-yield savings account that grows more over time than a standard savings account. This will help you keep up with rising veterinary costs.

If you’re torn between a pet savings account vs. pet insurance, remember that with just a savings account, you’ll still pay in full and out of pocket. But with claims covered by your pet insurance policy, you’ll only pay the lifetime per-condition deductible — the rest is paid out at 90% for eligible costs related to that condition. If that’s sounding pretty good, you’re right! One of the top tips to save on veterinary care is to get pet insurance.