How to Save Money at the Vet

Posted on November 5, 2025 by Business Development Rep Samantha

f you’re a pet owner, you know how important it is to keep them happy and healthy – and sometimes, that can be costly. Whether it’s a routine checkup or an emergency that requires treatment, vet bills can quickly drain the savings of even the most-prepared pet owners. However, there are ways to manage both the expected and unexpected expenses that come along with owning a furry friend without sacrificing care. Keep reading to learn five tips on how to potentially save money on vet bills.

1. Keep Up with Routine Exams, Vaccinations, and Preventative Care

Routine exams are an essential part of responsible pet ownership. This is the pet-equivalent of an annual physical exam for us – a comprehensive check-up meant to assess overall health and catch any potential issues. Early identification can help pet owners avoid the often high costs associated with emergency care or the treatment of more severe conditions. Plus, early diagnosis typically comes with better outcomes for your furry friends, too.

Routine vaccinations and parasite preventatives may also be administered at these exams. Certain vaccines are required to be administered every year, while others may be optional – which can help you plan for costs. In the case of parasites, there are many that can affect your pet and cause diseases that are expensive to treat. Vaccines and preventatives are often relatively inexpensive compared to the treatment for the diseases and illnesses they are designed to prevent.

2. Consider Pet Insurance

Depending on your policy, pet insurance can help you pay for major out-of-pocket expenses in the event your pet is diagnosed with an illness or sustains an injury. With most policies, you are required to pay a monthly premium and any veterinarian expenses up front. After the visit to the vet, you are typically required to submit a claim and are later reimbursed for a percentage of veterinary expenses relating to covered illness or injury. Your pet insurance may have a deductible that must be met before coverage begins, but then pays for covered medical expenses depending on the set rate you select once the deductible is met. For example, if your reimbursement rate is 80% – the insurer will pay 80% of vet expenses, while you pay the remaining 20%. Different types of pet insurance offer different premiums depending on the coverage you need and deductible you select, making it easy to adjust different aspects of the plan to fit your budget.

Pet insurance is not required, but can be a good option for many pet owners. In exchange for paying a low monthly premium, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you can more comfortably pay for care that may be otherwise expensive.

3. Comparison Shop

Don’t be afraid to shop around for veterinarians, as not all charge the same prices for the same services. Prices can vary for numerous reasons, and while it might not make a big difference to the cost of a routine exam – it could make one if your pet needs to undergo complex surgery.

The same goes for prescriptions. You may be able to find the medication your pet needs for a cheaper price at an online pet pharmacy – just be sure to do your due diligence to avoid scam websites. You may also find any specialty diets or preventative treatments your pet needs for less online.

Unfortunately, your pet may one day have an illness or injury that warrants emergency care. You may consider comparison shopping if you are unsure of whether your pet’s situation requires a visit to the emergency clinic, which is typically more expensive since this is typically for after-hours care. Calling emergency clinics, or doing an online vet consultation – can help you determine which type of care is best for your pet.

4. Be Honest with Your Veterinarian

While it might feel awkward to discuss your financial situation, being honest about it with your veterinarian might put them in a better position to help you. For example, if your vet knows you are working with limited funds – they might be able to help you identify the care that is necessary versus optional, or help find the most cost-effective solutions. They may even have a payment plan to help you split up the cost of a visit or treatment into more affordable monthly payments. At the end of the day, you both want the same thing – what’s best for your pet.

5. Consider a Sinking Fund for Pet Expenses

A sinking fund is a way to save money over time for a specific, anticipated expense by regularly saving small amounts. In this case, you’d create a sinking fund for pet expenses – for that routine exam, illnesses your pet might face as it grows older, or both. While a sinking fund won’t necessarily save you money at the vet, it will help you avoid going into debt when these expenses arise. You can also look into one of our Special Savings Accounts for this purpose.*

If you’re looking for more money saving tips like these, subscribe to our First Scoop blog by entering your email address at the top right.

*A $5 deposit in a base savings account is required for credit union membership prior to opening any other account. All personal memberships are part of the Rewards First program and a $5 per month non-participation fee is charged to the base savings account for memberships not meeting the minimum requirements of the program. Click here to view full Rewards First program details. Some restrictions apply, contact the Credit Union for more information.

6 Tips to Save Money While Owning a Pet

Posted on August 29, 2024 by VP of Marketing and Business Development Jessica

Owning a pet can bring immense joy, but it can also come with heavy financial responsibilities. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the first year of dog ownership costs around $3,221, with an average annual expense of $1,391 every year after. Cat owners can expect to spend about $1,904 in the first year and $1,149 each year after. These costs can increase quickly, especially when unexpected medical expenses arise. However, with thoughtful planning – you can provide excellent care for your pet while staying within your budget. Here are six tips to help you save money on pet care.

1. Adopt, Don’t Shop

If you’re looking to add a pet to your family, consider adopting from a shelter as a cost-effective and compassionate option. Adopting a pet gives a homeless animal a loving home while also saving you money. Adoption fees are typically much lower than costs from a breeder, and many adopted pets come fully vaccinated and spayed or neutered, greatly reducing your initial costs.

2. Choose the Right Veterinarian

Finding the right veterinarian is crucial for your budget and your pet’s health. Take the time to research and compare costs from different vets in your area. Ask about the price of routine checkups, vaccinations, and emergency services. Don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations from other pet owners and switch vets if you find a more affordable or suitable option. A good vet will prioritize your pet’s health while offering fair prices.

3. Invest in Preventative Care

Preventative care is key to avoiding costly medical issues down the road. It may sound counterintuitive, but spending money upfront can prevent excessive costs in the future. Scheduling regular checkups, vaccinations, and dental cleanings can help prevent more serious health problems that could lead to expensive treatments and emergency visits at a premium cost. Some veterinarians offer wellness plans that cover routine care for a monthly fee, which can help you budget for these expenses. Alternatively, look for low-cost clinics in your area that provide discounted services through veterinary schools or non-profit organizations.

4. Shop Smart for Pet Medications

Just like human medications, the price of pet prescriptions can vary widely depending on where you purchase them. Before buying, compare prices from different sources including your vet, local pet stores, and online retailers like 1-800-PetMeds, PetCareRx, and Chewy. You may also find good deals at Costco or on Amazon. Remember to ask your vet if there’s a generic version of the medication that could save you money.

5. Buy Quality Pet Food

Similar to preventative care, investing in high-quality pet food can save you money in the long run. A nutritious diet leads to better health, reducing the likelihood of expensive vet visits. Look for food subscriptions from online retailers like Chewy, where you can often save by setting up automatic deliveries. Prioritize your pet’s health with a balanced diet and regular exercise to avoid preventable health issues.

6. Get Creative with Pet Toys

You don’t need to spend a fortune on pet toys to keep your furry friends entertained. Pets are often just as happy playing with simple items like cardboard boxes or other safe household objects as they are with store bought toys. If you want to buy new toys on special occasions, consider shopping at discount stores or wholesale clubs, where you can find quality toys at a lower cost.

Navigate Pet Ownership & Budgeting with First Financial

Caring for a pet doesn’t have to break the bank. By adopting smart strategies, you can enjoy pet companionship without straining your budget. For more personalized financial advice and tips on saving money and managing your budget, call us at 732.312.1500, visit a branch, or explore our services online. Don’t forget to subscribe to our First Scoop blog for more valuable insights on saving money and achieving your financial goals.

Financial Tips for Pet Owners

Posted on February 16, 2022 by VP of Marketing and Business Development Jessica

Welcoming a new pet to the family can be exciting, but also very expensive. While there are so many benefits to adopting a pet, it’s important to consider the financial obligations as well. As a pet parent, it is your responsibility to care for your furry family members in sickness and in health. But with a bit of financial planning, you can care for your dog, cat, or critter more comfortably. Here are our recommended cost-saving tips for pet owners.

Find out if you can afford a pet

If you’re desiring a little company around the house, start by creating a budget of all the expenses to consider throughout your pet’s life. According to the ASPCA, a dog will likely cost between $1,500 and $2,000 for the first year, while you can expect to spend around $1,175 for a cat. And that’s only in the first year. You’ll also need to prepare for more expenses as your pet ages, since more serious health conditions can come with hefty bills.

Adopt, don’t shop

There are so many benefits to adopting a pet through your local shelter, including reduced adoption fees. While many organizations still charge fees, they are usually significantly cheaper than adopting through a breeder. By adopting through a shelter, you’re also saving a pet’s life. It’s estimated that more than one million adoptable dogs and cats are euthanized in the United States each year, since shelters can only house so many pets at a time.

Schedule regular check-ups with your vet

It’s much more affordable to prevent an illness than treat one. As a pet owner, it’s crucial to regularly check in on your pet’s health – and that includes scheduling their yearly exams. Don’t skip out on researching local veterinary clinics as well – you might be surprised when you compare fees for preventative care.

Consider pet insurance

While pet insurance might not be right for every dog or cat, it could help you cut costs on emergency vet visits or treating a serious illness. It’s best to start shopping for pet insurance policies while your pet is young and healthy, for the best rates and coverage.

Groom your pet at home

It’s no surprise grooming visits can get pricey over time. That’s why we recommend doing nail trimmings, baths, brushings, and more at home. Your pet’s oral hygiene is important to stay on top of as well, since a lack of dental cleaning can lead to large health concerns and bigger vet bills down the line.

Build a savings account for pet expenses

Rather than relying on insurance or dealing with expenses as they come, building a savings account dedicated to pet bills can be the best way to fund hefty fees in the future. Start by putting away at least $5 per paycheck into a pet savings account. You’ll be surprised how fast the account grows, and will thank yourself later when the next vet bill comes.

Want to open a new savings account to cover pet expenses? We can help! Visit a First Financial branch or contact us to speak with a representative today.

*A $5 deposit in a base savings account is required for credit union membership prior to opening any other account. All personal memberships are part of the Rewards First program and a $5 per month non-participation fee is charged to the base savings account for memberships not meeting the minimum requirements of the program. Click here to view full Rewards First program details. Some restrictions apply, contact the Credit Union for more information.