Pets can really prove to be expensive, and they require a whole lot of responsibility. Aside from having to get their basic needs taken care of, such as shelter, food, and water, you also have to make sure that you can get their veterinary needs taken care of. Vaccinations are an important part of their overall wellness. Sticking to the recommended schedule of vaccinations for your pet can be quite costly, unless of course you can find low cost pet vaccinations. The good news is that we have options available to you. Here are a few ways that you can save.
5 Ways to Find Low Cost Pet Vaccinations
#1 – Visit Your Local Feed Co-Op Stores
If you live near a feed or co-op store, you will probably be able to find vaccinations for your pet that are really reasonably priced. These stores are really affordable, and you don’t have to have a prescription to get the vaccine. You also don’t have to pay for a visit to the vet. On the flip side, you do have to administer the vaccine yourself, so it isn’t for the faint of heart. You also need to make sure that you know what you are doing and follow all of the instructions provided. Just remember, federal law doesn’t allow for rabies vaccinations to be given without a visit to the veterinarian, but you may still be able to find low cost rabies vaccinations at a clinic near you.
#2 – Check for Local Veterinary Schools
Veterinary schools are a really great way to save money on your pet vaccines. Students that are working toward their degree as a veterinarian need to practice all sorts of procedures, including vaccinations. Call to find out if they have a not-for-profit clinic available in your local community. Trained veterinarians supervise the students, so you can rest assured the injection will be administered properly. The downfall? Typically, these schools are only found in the major metropolitan areas, and may not be available near you.
#3 – Try Your Local Pet Store Clinic
Many pet stores have veterinary clinics attached to them. These clinics will often offer services that are very affordable. Most clinics don’t require you to set up a full appointment just to get the vaccinations. This can save you a vet visit, which is usually the bulk of what you pay when you visit your regular veterinarian. These low cost pet clinics often have very convenient hours for those with busy schedules, and they even offer pet care plans that will allow you to get all of their routine care taken care of for a low monthly price. This is something that is worth checking into.
#4 – Online Vaccination Ordering
There are several online sites that offer nationwide services for pet vaccinations. They may offer workshops in your area where they give vaccines on a walk in basis. While they are not always available when it is the most convenient for you, if you have the time to plan ahead this may be a good option. One popular company that offers this service is Luv My Pet. Check out their schedule for services and see if they are coming to a town near you.
#5 – Check Resource Lists from Your Local Humane Society
Your local Humane Society will have a list of providers in your area that offer low cost pet vaccinations, along with other low cost pet medical care. They like to have these lists on hand so that they can give them to pet owners that have trouble paying for veterinary care. You can also find low cost spay and neuter services through them as well. They can also give good advice when it comes to assistance with emergency care. The main downfall is that this list can be extensive, and you may have to sort through it for a while before you find the best option for your pet.
As you can see, pet vaccinations don’t have to be unaffordable. While caring for a pet isn’t cheap, to say the very least, there are definitely things that you can do to save money over the long run. Whatever you do, don’t let your pet go unvaccinated. This can be very dangerous. Be sure to check out a schedule for recommended vaccines and try to stay on track. Preventative care is super important when it comes to the overall health and wellness of your pet. Use this helpful information to find low cost pet vaccinations in your local community.
