Feeling the credit crunch?
Rising fuel prices and the credit crunch, many of us want to reduce our vet bills. There are things you can do. Some are just common sense, like good quality food, exercise and grooming. A healthy pet means fewer problems.
The best advice! - have your pet checked and vaccinated annually and nip any problems in the bud. A lump that might cost £60 to remove when it’s small could cost ten times that if it turns out to be a nasty tumour, or, worse still, it may even lead to your pets demise.
Another way to save is to choose your practice wisely and then stay with one centre and better still with one vet. Your vet gets to know you and your pets’ needs and wants. Ask your vet what facilities they have for hospitalisation, what hours they are open and what happens when they are not. Check what facilities such as radiography, ultrasound and in house lab equipment are available and, most importantly, ask how experienced the vets are. Being sent elsewhere for treatment can increase costs substantially and may not be convenient for you. Paying a little more for good advice earlier might save you a lot of money later.
For some people insurance may be the answer – it gives you peace of mind for unseen illnesses and injuries. Check if your vet can offer a payment plan to spread your costs if you don’t have insurance.
Most importantly discuss any issues with your vet. There are usually several approaches to the same problem and an early discussion about costs and expectations may just save a lot of physical and emotional costs later on.
