Here at Frontwave, we love our furry best friends. If you’re a pet owner, too, we know you do your best to take care of your furry or feathered companions. That means getting them regular checkups and taking them to the vet if they get sick or injured. But let’s face it: vet visits can be expensive! 

To make sure those trips don’t become a financial burden or so costly that you can’t afford the treatment, check out these six tips:

1. Create a savings account specifically for pet expenses.

Estimate how much you’ll need each year for your pet’s checkups and any medications. Plan for at least 1 extra vet visit in case of an unexpected illness. Then divide the total by 12 and set up an automatic transfer to move that amount directly into a dedicated savings account each month. This will help you save up for those vet trips little by little over time, which can be a lot less painful on the wallet.

2. Consider pet insurance.

Quite a few companies offer pet insurance, including Frontwave Insurance Services, Healthy Paws, and Trupanion.* They can be a big help if your pet gets injured or seriously ill, or develops a chronic condition. Most won’t cover pre-existing conditions, though, so it's best to choose an insurance company before your pet needs it.

3. Negotiate an installment plan.

If you’ve been a customer in good standing, your vet may be willing to accept payment in monthly installments. Some vets also offer wellness plans that let you spread out the cost of checkups and vaccinations in a more manageable way.

4. Find animal welfare organizations or charities in your community.

If you can't afford to pay for your pet's treatment, there may be resources in your community that can help. For example, some animal shelters offer veterinary loans and grant programs, and many veterinary schools run low-cost clinics.

5. Ask if your vet accepts Care Credit.*

Many vets accept this credit card, which is specifically made for health care expenses, including your pet’s. It offers different financing options, some even foregoing interest charges for a set period of time, as long as you make minimum monthly payments and pay the amount in full by the end of the promotional period. If you do not, interest is charged from the original purchase date. Be sure to read and understand the repayment requirements before signing up for such a card. 

6. Consider a personal loan.

If your pet requires surgery or other treatment that’s going to be a major expense, a personal loan may help you cover the costs. Here at Frontwave, we offer fixed rate personal loans with attractive rates and flexible payment terms up to 60 months. An affordable monthly payment can help you give your pet the best care possible, while still allowing you to meet your other financial obligations.

Click here to learn more about Frontwave personal loan options. Or give us a call at 800.736.4500.