21 ways to cut vet costs
By Laura Shanahan • Bankrate.com

We are a nation of animal lovers. Indeed, we'd do anything to keep our pets in the pink of health -- and our vet bills prove that: We spend a hefty $18 billion per year on our furry, finned and feathered friends' medical services.

But take heart. There are ways to keep your pet and your bank account healthy.

In answer to the question, "Can we do right by our pets and our pockets at the same time?" Dr. Andrew Kaplan, founder of City Veterinary Care in New York City, answers a resounding, "Yes, most definitely -- if you become educated and follow some simple steps."

Roseann Trezza, executive director of Associated Humane Societies Inc., concurs. The keys, she says, are common sense and preventive care.

Plan ahead
Of utmost importance is not waiting for an emergency before selecting a vet. A crisis is no time to attempt to make sensible decisions.

Even if you already have a vet, are you aware of his or her policy regarding emergency services, hours and fees?

Matty and Michele Luxenberg had a pet-owner's worst nightmare when their 4-year-old cocker spaniel Jordy became acutely ill on New Year's Eve.

"Our voice messages to our now-former vet's office went unreturned," says Matty. "We thought we had no choice but to take Jordy to an emergency center, which could've cost a fortune."

Instead, the Luxenbergs tried the vet who just opened an office across the street -- Dr. Kaplan, who treated the ailing pooch pronto and did not charge a premium "emergency fee."

Did you think emergency fees were unavoidable? They may be common, even standard procedure, but the trick is to ask a vet's policy before a crisis occurs.

Here are some other ways to increase the odds of doing right by your best friend and your finances:

• Consider alternatives. Humane society or university vet clinics may offer thriftier medical services than private practitioners. Ask other pet owners about their satisfaction with establishments you consider.
• Keep an eye out for special events, such as reduced veterinary-service events sponsored by government agencies or pet stores. Your local animal control or humane society can be good sources of such information.
• Cheaper by the dozen! Well, it doesn't have to be anywhere near a dozen, but some vets will give discounts to folks who bring in several pets at once, so why not round up your whole brood for routine exams and inoculations?
• Say if it's a stray. Many vets will discount their services if your pet was an abandoned or homeless critter you rescued. You may expect -- or ask for -- at least 10 percent off.
• Say it loud: I'm senior and proud! Some vets also give seniors discounts as high as 20 percent.
• Spay/neuter! Reproductive reasons aside, an animal that has been spayed or neutered has decreased chances of getting a variety of serious illnesses. It's also generally known that such animals have fewer behavioral problems. Says Dr. Kaplan, "There is a better than 99 percent reduction in the incidence of malignant breast cancer in dogs and cats if spayed before their first heat cycle. That benefit drops to 92 percent if the spay is performed between the first and second heat cycles. Un-neutered male dogs have a greater risk of prostate infections."
• Keep careful records of your pet's inoculations and other health-care services. If you switch vets, you won't risk having costly procedures duplicated if you can't recall what was done.
• Speaking of inoculations, don't assume a yearly schedule is necessary. There's been much talk in the medical community about repeating certain procedures only after two- or even three-year intervals.
• Be selective about follow-up care. Don't automatically follow up with expensive emergency-hospital staff -- unless indicated by the hospital and endorsed by your vet. You can often follow up emergency care with your regular vet during normal business hours.
• Learn what constitutes a true emergency. As examples, Roseann Trezza lists weakness and difficulty in breathing. As for emergencies that might necessitate a rescue of your pet while you're away, you can order free "rescue my pet" stickers from Associated Humane Societies by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to 124 Evergreen Ave., Newark, NJ 07114. (You'll also receive a sample copy of Humane News.)