Taking your pet to the veterinarian these days can cost you way more than you think. After the generic checkup fee and each individual vaccination he receives, there are costs to actually take tests and to send samples away to labs for further inspection. Other costs are included too in the typical cost for vet office visit, which you may or may not already know about. By the end, sticker shock could settle in as you see the final cost for vet office visit. But there certainly are ways to keep down the typical vet office visit cost. Just be smart and follow this advice.
One, scope out deals online for special vet prices, particularly if you will be heading to a brand new vet. Some practices offer lowered rates for first time customers and can accommodate by slashing the initial cost for vet visit with your pet. Just go online and search generically, or if you know of a particular practice visit that practice’s website to find out whether deals are currently available or whether veterinary prices have been slashed.
Two, call up your current vet if you still plan to take your pet there and explain how you are currently unable to afford the skyrocketing prices for vet services. If your pet has been getting checkups at that practice for years, your vet may be a bit flexible in pricing for you as a long time customer. You may get a one time lowered cost for vet office visit or perhaps a new lower rate.
Three, explain to your veterinarian or to the office manager on staff that you are actively seeking ways to lower the cost for vet office visit. They may either explain to you how specific plans work or could offer some useful tips on lowering that bill. Maybe your pet could skip out on a vaccination or two, or perhaps there are less expensive versions of medication or of heartworm pills or flea and tick prevention that the vet can recommend.
Four, ask whether everything that happens during the appointment is necessary or merely recommended. Most vets will pile on the vaccines and additional services without letting you know directly whether they are recommended or required. Do what you feel is best for your pet, but also ask questions regarding what is actually necessary during a visit. This way, the cost for vet office visit could be significantly lowered.