Readers Respond: Share your favorite cost-cutting tips for pet supplies and vet care

These are tough economic times for people and pets, and sadly, record numbers of animals are being abandoned and surrendered at shelters. Some people are even having to make difficult decisions regarding euthanasia when faced with pet health problems and high vet bills (also known as "economic euthanasia").

In spite of this depressing news, there are ways to save money on pet and vet bills.

Please share what works for you when saving money on pet care and supplies. Please note: questions or responses to others cannot be published. All entries are moderated prior to appearing live on the site.

Vaccinations

I go to my local county co-op and get the vaccines. I can and give the shots myself. It's not hard to give them at all. Your vet's office will probably be happy to tell you how to give them. Instead of a 55.00 bill I get most of them for about 7.00.

—Guest LAH

Research reduced-fee options

Some vet clinics offer low-cost spay and neuter clinics after hours/weekends, on a first-come-first-serve basis. These events are usually staffed by the vet techs (not the doctor), so they do not replace a visit that requires more advanced knowledge. I was able to get my cat's annual vaccines for $25, and neuter for around $60. Your local animal shelter might also provide services at a lesser rate then the private vet (ASPCA site is one source of info for this). There are also smaller spay-neuter non-profits whose mission is to make this service available to nearly everyone; do a search for 'low cost spay neuter' to see what's locally available to you. Some even offer this service for free if you can document unemployment or other financial difficulty.

—branchhill

Good nutrition

I learned early on the importance of good nutrition, especially for my pets. I only buy high-quality food for my cat (read: nothing with fillers). Sure, the food costs a few cents more, but I know I'm saving myself tons of money in future vet bills.

—bonnieg76

Deer hunting and cats eat well and long

I have been lucky enough to know quite a few deer hunters and a slaughter house which gives me low cost lean deer meat. I grind it, cook it, add multi vitamins suggested by my vet, and keep it fresh in fridge containers, remove, warm up a bit, and serve. I also have gravy drippings from the deer fat, which my cats love. Keeps their coats nice, and bodies healthy. If you can find a deer slaughter house in your area, go and see what they have for sale. Worth it. And my cats live off of it for the winter months. In summer, is fishing time, again, we buy fish caught fresh, usually the local fish which arent as expensive. We filet, and wash fish well, leave the skin, which is good vit for them. Some days there are sushi and other times we cook fish in light butter, and they eat it up. What we eat, we feed our cats. Not expensive. Also, all my cats like green veggies, green beans and asparagus. Buying at a bulk center for beef and fish is a good idea.

—Guest Heather in PA

Cost Saving

I'm less inclined to go to the vet for minor problems until I've exhausted home remedies. I've also cut back on treats, something my vet agrees with as my spayed female Newf is still a tad overweight. However, I still feed a quality dog food, have Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), keep up heartworm and flea and tick prevention and give her lots of attention. She's earned the right, by stopping chewing of books and shoes, to sleep on the floor beside my bed if she wishes. Some nights she prefers her crate. But my dog is a fantastic watchdog and in my humble opinion, more than earns her keep between that and the love she showers me with.

—Packingpadre

discuss costs upfront with your vet

My vet is very sensitive to rising costs of care for my dog, and we discuss pros and cons of treatment plans before deciding on a course. Talk with your vet and strive to find a balance of best results for your beloved pet and cost savings.

—Guest fc