The Hidden Vet Office Discounts You’ve Never Asked for (But That They Offer)

Pet owners consider their pets family members and want to provide them with the medical care they need. But much like healthcare for humans, pet healthcare can be expensive, particularly if a pet requires emergency care or suffers from a chronic condition.

Fortunately, there are often vet office discounts and other cost-saving options available. Read on to learn how to save money while ensuring your furry family members get the care they deserve.

Referral Discounts

Any business appreciates current customers referring new customers, and vets are no different. Kelly Broussard, a pet care service owner, explains, “Naturally, pet owners want a vet they can trust, so they often ask me for a recommendation. One personal recommendation is worth more than ten anonymous online reviews.”

Because this type of word-of-mouth advertising is so valuable, many vets offer incentives for clients who refer new patients to their practice. The incentives can include a percentage off of your next visit, a complimentary grooming service, or a free wellness check. If you’re happy with your vet’s care, don’t hesitate to let other pet owners know. It can save you money.

Coupons and Promotions

Another way to save is to watch for coupons and promotions that some vet offices offer. Some vets run seasonal promotions during the slower business months of the year or to coincide with special events like National Pet Dental Health Month, which is February.

Be sure to sign up for your vet’s newsletter and follow their social media accounts to be alerted to promotional events and discounts. Some practices also offer discounts for first-time customers, so it’s worthwhile to ask.

Preventative Care Packages

As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Many veterinary clinics offer preventative care packages with discounted rates on essential services such as wellness checkups, vaccinations, and flea, tick, and heartworm prevention.

By paying upfront, you may be able to save 10-30% compared to paying for each service individually. These care packages can be especially cost-effective for those with multiple pets, as some vets offer further discounts for multi-pet clients. Of course, preventative care can also save money over the longer term as minor issues can be detected and dealt with before they become chronic and more costly to treat.

Pet Insurance

While pet insurance isn’t a discount, it is one of the best ways to reduce the cost of vet care. “I recommend pet insurance to all my clients,” Broussard says. “It can really make a difference in the cost of care, particularly in the event of an emergency or for pets with chronic conditions like diabetes.”

Pet insurance works like human health insurance. You pay a monthly premium, and the policy covers a portion of your pet’s medical expenses, like wellness exams and routine vaccinations.

Payment Plans and Financial Assistance

If your pet has an unexpected and costly emergency or a major procedure, many vet offices will work with you to provide a payment plan or financial assistance options. Some offices work with organizations that offer grants or low-interest loans to help pet owners afford the cost of care. There are also non-profit organizations dedicated to helping pet owners cover medical expenses, such as Pet Fund or RedRover.

Loyalty Programs

The cost of retaining customers is typically lower than the cost of finding new ones. Understanding this, some vet clinics offer rewards programs for loyal customers. The programs may offer points per dollar spent or discounts after a certain number of visits. These programs are a great way to thank customers and reward loyalty.

The Bottom Line

Don’t be afraid to ask what savings opportunities are available with pet care. While many vets may offer various ways to reduce the cost of your pet’s care, they may not offer them outright. Sometimes, you simply have to ask.

By taking advantage of referral programs, discounts, preventive care packages, and pet insurance, you can reduce the cost of caring for your pet without sacrificing the quality of that care so they will be a part of your family for many years.