Pet Medications: How You Can Save Money Article

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Pet Medications: How You Can Save Money

Did you know you have choices when it comes to buying your pet medications? Don't assume your vet is the only person who can fill your pets prescription. You will be surprised how much money you could save by knowing a few simple facts.

Author: Wayne J Tuttle

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When we go to our family doctor, sometimes we leave their office with a written prescription. We then take that hard to read piece of paper to our local pharmacy to have it filled. Sounds simple enough! What about our pets? If our dog or cat needs some medication, our veterinarian usually writes a prescription and fills it on the spot. No questions asked. But did you know you have choices?

Each year we spend on average 3 billion dollars on prescription and over the counter drugs for our pets. Individual veterinarian visits equate to approximately $219.00 a year for dogs and $ 175.00 for cats. You may be surprised to know that in many countries, there are no regulations in place when it comes to what veterinarians can charge for pet medications. You might pay $25.00 for a specific drug at one vet and you could pay $110.00 for the same drug at another vet.

Some veterinarians may have their own private practice and their fees as well as the cost of pet medications may vary, depending on their costs of doing business. They are not in business to try and take advantage of consumers. They are in business to provide a service, to make a decent living and in the majority of cases, for the love of pets. The cost of veterinary drugs is determined by many factors such as the wholesale cost of the drug, the cost of maintaining an inventory as well as disposing of their out dated inventory. Some countries like England and France have strict regulations when it comes to pet medication mark ups and veterinarian fees. All veterinarians and veterinary clinics must post their prices in a visible location for all pet owners to see. Since we don’t have the same regulations in North American, there are a few things you should know that may save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year on pet medications.

Things you should know:

• Pet medications are NOT regulated in most countries.
• Ask your veterinarian to write a prescription that you can take with you.
• Call different veterinarians and compare prices. Especially for long term medications.
• Show your veterinarian the comparative prices. They may be willing to match the same price.
• Ask your local pharmacist if they carry the same drug. It may be cheaper.
• Be aware of on-line pet mediation sites that say they don’t need a prescription.
• Not all veterinarians set their pet medication prices. Your vet may work for a veterinarian clinic or for another veterinarian.
• Don’t be afraid to negotiate a better price.

Veterinarians should know that we are educated consumers and pet medications are a necessity not a luxury. I am sure most pet loving people would not mind paying a premium price for the valuable services our veterinarians provide for our four legged family members. But, when it comes to paying outrageous prices for pet medication, we need to draw the line somewhere.

Our pets are living longer and it’s nice to know we have choices when it comes to buying pet medications. Shop around and save Your money.

About Author

Wayne Tuttle is a blind webmaster, motivational speaker and co-owner of Two Tuttle’s Four Paws. If you are looking for more useful pet information or to take a look at the variety of Unique products we have in store, please visit: http://www.TwoTuttlesFourPaws.com

Article Source: http://www.1888articles.com/author-wayne-j-tuttle-11306.html

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