Save on Pet Food and Care

This post about how to save on pet food and care contains references to products from one or more of my advertising partners. When you click on a link to any of these products, I may be compensated. Please visit my Earnings Disclosure & Disclaimer page for more information. Thanks for your support! Please also note that any prices, offers, and terms listed are subject to change at the discretion of the companies mentioned.

While you shouldn’t skimp when it comes to your best pal’s health and welfare, there are some things you can do to save on pet care. Most of these tips can apply to all types of companion animals, whether furred, feathered, or scaled. Others -like spaying / neutering and using flea & tick preventatives- are specific to cats and dogs. Remember to always talk to your veterinarian before making any changes to your pet’s regimen.

Focus on Good Nutrition

One of the best ways to save on pet care is by providing your dog with a decent diet and minding calorie intake. A poor diet can impact an animal’s health and potentially result in costly veterinary bills. Type II diabetes for example, is linked to pet obesity. Some types of insulin for diabetic pets run between $50 to $200 a month, but others can run in excess of $300. This doesn’t include the cost of syringes and vet visits.

So what makes a good diet? The veterinarians I’ve interviewed over the years emphasize two key things. One is to check the food label for a statement from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) that the diet is complete and balanced. This essentially means that it meets or exceeds the animal’s nutritional requirements.

Also ask your veterinarian about the best diet for your pet’s specific diet and calorie needs. The Pet Nutrition Alliance has a handy calorie counter for cats and dogs you can use as a reference point.

Save on Pet Food

The term complete and balanced isn’t necessarily synonymous with expensive. Many of the conventional brands you’re probably familiar with (Purina and the like) already follow AAFCO guidelines. You can usually find these foods at pet supply shops, grocers, and stores like Target.

Online retailer Chewy has competitive prices on food and other pet care products, and they offer the option to save an additional 5% with auto-ship. Plus their speedy shipping is free with a purchase of $49 or more. (Disclosure: I’ve written freelance articles for Chewy, but am also a loyal customer.)

With manufacturer coupons, you can save even more. A few places to find coupons are your favorite pet food company’s website or social media page, used pet food boxes, or store flyers. Another option is to sign up for the Ibotta app, which lets you earn cash back on purchases. Ibotta partners with more than 300 retailers, including Chewy, Target, and Whole Foods.

Note that Chewy accepts manufacturer coupons but you have to place an order, then mail in your coupon.

Use Flea and Tick Preventatives

Fleas and ticks are more than an annoyance. They can carry disease-carrying parasites and bacteria, which can mean costly vet visits. For example, diagnosing Lyme disease (which is caused by ticks) in dogs can range from $100 to more than $500. This doesn’t include treatment and follow up vet visits.

This is why veterinarians emphasize the need for good flea and tick prevention. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations on the best OTC or prescriptive preventative for your best pal.

Don’t Waste Your Money on Unvetted Supplements

The research showing the effectiveness of supplements for pets is minimal. This is not to say that some of these pet care products don’t have potential benefits, but without evidence or your vet’s approval, you might be wasting your money on something that may or may not work, or worse, putting your pet’s health in jeopardy.

One supplement veterinarians say shows promise is omega-3, which has been found to benefit both cats and dogs with arthritis. Before giving your pet any supplement -including omega-3- always check with your vet first.

Consider Buying Pet Care Insurance

Pet insurance has become more accessible and widely used in recent years. Veterinarians have warmed up to it, too. In fact, the AVMA now recognizes its importance; and in 2016 the North American Pet Health Insurance Association reported that 56% of veterinarians surveyed said they’d like all their clients to have pet health insurance.

Pet insurance usually covers emergencies (broken limbs, car accidents, and such) and unexpected illnesses that aren’t pre-existing. Treating these cases can run into the hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Policies vary, so read the small print carefully before purchasing. A few companies to research are PetPlan, Embrace, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, and Trupanion.

Invest in a Pet Wellness Plan

Where pet insurance policies usually cover major illnesses and injuries, pet wellness plans (PWPs) focus on disease prevention. Though plans vary, some of the pet care services they may cover include routine vet visits, vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, microchipping, and heartworm testing. PWPs are usually offered by veterinary clinics and pet insurance companies.

Once signed up, you usually pay a monthly fee, then are reimbursed for preventive veterinary visits. As with pet insurance, be sure to read the terms and conditions before purchasing.

Save on Pet Prescriptions

If you carry pet care insurance, your policy may already cover prescription medications. Another way to save on pet medications is to ask your veterinarian if generic prescription medications are an option.

Another idea: An increasing number of retailers have started filling pet prescriptions, including Target, Walgreens, Chewy, and Walmart. Some of these offer perks and discounts when you buy your pet medications through them. Walgreens, for example, has the Prescription Savings Club, which offers discounts on some pet medications.

This post contains references to products from one or more of my advertising partners. When you click on a link to any of these products, I may be compensated. Please visit my Earnings Disclosure & Disclaimer page for more information. Thanks for your support! Please also note that any prices, offers, and terms listed are subject to change at the discretion of the companies mentioned.

Save on Pet Care by Looking Into Veterinary Care Financing

In this scenario, you work out the financials with the healthcare financing company instead of paying your veterinarian directly. Two financing companies to consider are CareCredit and Scratchpay.

CareCredit is essentially a pet care credit card. Once approved, you receive a line of credit that you can use to pay your veterinary bills. The loan is interest-free if you make minimum monthly payments and repay the balance within their promotional periods of 6, 12, 18 or 24 months. If you don’t pay it off within the promotional period, you’re charged interest and a penalty.

Scratchpay offers several plans that charge interest, as well as an interest-free Take Five plan, where you make an initial 20% down payment, then pay the remaining four payments (20% each payment) every two weeks after that.

Read the terms carefully, as conditions and interest rates can change.

Enroll Your Pet in a Clinical Trial

Don’t worry, clinical trials are usually non-invasive and are completely voluntary. The benefit of enrolling your furred family member in a clinical trial is potential access to novel treatments. Of course, trials usually require a time commitment, and there’s no guarantee your pet will be accepted.

Most clinical trials are run at veterinary teaching hospitals. Ask your veterinarian if your pet is a good candidate for one.

One of the best ways to keep pet care costs down is to focus on preventing injuries and illnesses before they have an opportunity to escalate into bigger, uncontrollable issues. Prevention is also a key to keeping your best friend healthy and happy.