It is important for pets to have regular checkups with the vet. At these appointments, the vet looks your pet over for any signs of illness or disease, and they also record their vital signs, such as heart rate and respiration rate. If you're on a tight budget, you may worry about being able to afford a pet checkup. Thankfully, there are some options for more affordable pet checkups.
Check with your local feed store
In rural areas, feed stores sometimes have vets visit once a week or once a month to offer basic services for clients who drop in. Usually, these clinics are designed to offer affordable care for pet owners. The price you'll pay for a basic checkup is generally less than you'd pay at an ordinary veterinary clinic. These pop-up clinics tend to also offer basic vaccines, flea and tick preventatives, and deworming, so if your pet needs any of these services, you can get them at the same time, often also at an affordable price.
Look for vets who offer discounted checkups for new patients
Some vet clinics offer a discount on a pet's first checkup visit. You can usually find out about these deals if you browse local vets' websites. Every office is different, but it's popular to see coupons or discount codes for a certain percentage or flat dollar amount off of the checkup. If it's not clear how much the checkup will cost after the discount, don't hesitate to call the office and ask. By calling around to several vet offices that offer these deals, you should be able to find the most affordable option.
Ask your local humane society
Reach out to your local humane society or SPCA. Some of these groups have on-staff vets who can provide discounted exams for clients who need them. You may, however, need to produce proof of income in order to qualify for these services. If the humane society does not offer this service, they should at least be able to point you towards other sources for low-cost checkups in your area. There may be a vet clinic or a local animal rescue they can recommend.
If you're on a tight budget, it is still wise to take your pet in for regular checkups or other important veterinarian services. Doing so can save you money in the long run since it means any problems will be detected early when they are easier to treat.
