An article in The Senior SA paper lists some easy ways to reduce your vet bills for your four-legged companion. Article is reproduced below.
Tips:
1. Keep your yearly vaccinations up to date.
2. Keep your parasite prevention up to date.
3. Brush your dog’s teeth to avoid dental disease.
4. Keep your cat inside – don’t allow them to roam.
5. When patting your cat or dog, check for anything abnormal: Lumps, Ears, Eyes and paws. Early treatment is often much more cost effective.
6. Get pet insurance.
Don’t get stung by vet bills: 6 easy tips
Article by Phoebe Loomes in The Senior SA. May 4, 2026 (www.thesenior.com.au)
WHILE having a furry friend can bring enormous joy, data shows vet bills have rocketed into the tens of thousands but there are ways to still save at the clinic.
One dog owner paid more than $56,000 in veterinary fees in 2025 after their small dog suffered complications from a fractured limb, according to data from Petsy.
Another paid over $16,000 after their border collie became critically ill with severe gastrointestinal issues.
“Vet bills are always a little bit disconcerting, because there is no Medicare for pets,” said Julia Crawford, president of the Australian Small Animal Veterinarians group from the Australian Veterinary Association.
“When we go to the doctor, we can be bulk billed. Drugs are subsidised by the PBS, our medication is subsidised by the government.
“That sadly doesn’t apply to our much-beloved small animals and pets. That’s partly why vet care often comes as a bill shock.
Below are six tips from animal experts on how to avoid large vet bills
“Staying up to date with annual vaccinations and parasite prevention protects pets from avoidable illnesses, while early diagnosis gives pets the best possible chance of a positive outcome,” said Tanya McGee, a clinic manager from the Animal Welfare League. Regular visits to the vet allow any potential health issues to be detected early.
“We’ve seen a lot more tick poisonings this year than we normally would,” Dr Crawford said. “Prevention is always better care than cure. If you’re on the east coast of Australia, even if tick prevention seems like a lot of money, tick treatment will cost you far, far more.”
She also recommended staying up to date with flea and heartworm treatments.
Dental disease is a common and costly in pets, and it is preventable, Ms McGee said. To look after your dog or cat’s teeth, you need to regularly brush them using pet-safe toothpaste. You can also use veterinarian recommended dental chews.
Keeping cats contained inside can reduce their risk of being injured in fights and car accidents, a spokesperson from the RSPCA NSW told The Senior.
“Cats that go outdoors are more likely to fight, they are more likely to catch diseases, they are more likely to have stress related conditions, and more likely to get run over,” Dr Crawford said.
Ms McGee says while patting and grooming your cat or dog at home, check for any abnormalities. “Feeling for lumps, checking ears, eyes and paws, and brushing the coat, help owners notice early changes that may require veterinary attention.”
“Pet insurance [can be] such a blessing,” Dr Crawford said. “To be able to take your dog to an emergency clinic and have a bone plated, or surgery, which can be really expensive, and not to worry about the cost because you’ve got the insurance, makes a huge difference.”
