St. Petersburg, FL

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

 (Saint Petersburg, FL - July 20, 2011)

Even during the current economic downturn, only 16% of Americans said they cut back on spending on their pets. Pet owners keep spending even as the price of pet food, vet care and pet-related products are rising at a average of 4% annually. However, many of us need to find ways to save money on pet care. Jonathan Lewis, President of COOL PET Holistic, a manufacturer of holistic remedies for pets, recommends these some money-saving tips:

Buy store-brand flea and tick protection. Many mass retailers such as Walmart sell store brand versions of fibronil, an active ingredient in the Frontline Plus flea and tick protection brand. These store brands cost less than the national brand and are of the same formulation.

Comparison-shop for veterinary care. Call at least two vets and ask about fees. Comparison shopping is recommended for routine checkups and not when you have an injured animal that requires immediate attention.

Check several sources for meds. Markups over wholesale prices for veterinary pharmaceuticals are frequently as high as 160%. If your pet is taking a medication that's also prescribed to humans, you might be able to fill the prescription inexpensively at a chain drugstore, supermarket pharmacy or big-box retailer. Just be sure to know the strength of the active ingredient you are buying is the same as what you need for your pet.

Pet insurance is not a must have. Most pet insurance policies do not reimburse you more than the premiums charged over a 10-year life span. Budgeting for routine care and creating an emergency fund is typically a cost-effective alternative to paying for pet insurance.

 (Saint Petersburg, FL - July 20, 2011)

Jonathan Lewis

COOL PET Holistic Remedies

St. Petersburg, FL

727-641-6175