Having a pet can be great for your physical and mental health. However, if they fall ill or meet with an accident, owning a pet can be a challenge to your finances. This is due to the costs of continually maintaining and providing for your furry friend. One such expense that can quickly grow is the veterinary bill, which can cost you quite an amount out of pocket. To help reduce costs, we would like to share some thoughtful tips to help you manage your vet bills.
Prevention is Key: Reinforce a Healthy Lifestyle
To avoid lofty bills at the veterinarian’s office, put into practice good hygiene habits for your pet from early on. For instance, brushing your pet’s teeth and grooming them yourself could help save some S$300, which is the average cost of a grooming package. To groom your pet, you could buy pet grooming supplies online, that can sell to you some dog toothbrushes, cat hair grooming pads, animal nail clippers, and pet shavers.
Speak With Your Veterinarian About Generic Prescriptions
At times, your vet might be prescribing your pet a higher-cost, name-brand prescription drug. Before they prescribe the drug, speak with the vet to check if there are more affordable alternatives. In some cases, you may not even need antibiotics to cure them. For instance, if your pet has a small infection caused by germs, then antibiotics might do more harm than good. This is because taking unnecessary antibiotics can cause antimicrobial resistance.
Furthermore, some repeat infections could be treated by medications available online. For instance, if your vet has prescribed allergy pills or ear drops in the past, and you have the approval for a specific online medication, some online retailers can sell allergy pills for S$12.50, and ear drops for S$37.00. Additionally, some veterinarians might offer you discounts or payment plans. It is best to speak with a licensed veterinarian to make sure your beloved animal receives the best care possible at reasonable costs.
Take Advantage of Animal Welfare Charities
In Singapore, there are several animal charities that you could turn to if you are unable to pay for a hefty treatment like an operation or spay/neutering services. For instance, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) runs a free clinic to help low-income households support their furry friends in need.
In all fairness, to apply for this option, you need to submit documentary proof that you are receiving financial aid from the government. This is to limit these charitable services to those in need, as charities already face a financial strain taking care of stray and unwanted animals.
Buy a Pet Insurance Plan
Similar to humans, sick animals can cost a lot of money. Whether for constant check-ups, surgeries, and after-surgery care, you can buy a pet insurance plan that is comfortable for your budget. Insurance Market Singapore has excellent pet insurance plan like the PetCare Superior Plan that is perfect for you and your pet. For as low as S$764 for the first year, you can get protection for your pet, covering areas such as pet accidents, vet expenses, third party liability, theft of pet, and including coverage on surgical and non-surgical expenses.
In terms of veterinarian bills, pet insurance could save you quite a huge amount if your pet gets seriously ill, or requires continuous treatment for a period of time. Such coverage can certainly help put your mind (and wallet) at ease.
Taking Care of Your Pet can be financially viable
Even as you love your pet, you need not put yourself into a difficult financial predicament to take care of them. Practice healthy habits, speak with your veterinarian to manage costs where applicable and take advantage of animal welfare charities if really necessary. Get appropriate pet insurance to reduce costs in the event more serious procedures may occur. You can thus focus on spending quality time with your beloved pet, not the bills.
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