We are all feeling the pressure to make things more affordable for our clients, but how can you get started?Here are some simple strategies that can make affordable veterinary options more widely available in general practice:

 

Offer vaccine packages or vaccine clinics

Bundling puppy or kitten vaccines is a great way to offer a reduced price and to get owners committed to returning for boosters. Many owners, however, can’t pay upfront either for a single vaccine visit or a bundle. In this instance, advertising reduced-cost vaccine clinics is a great way to capture these customers and protect their pets. The “vaccine clinic” can be anything from a designated day of the week to a type of vet tech appointment with veterinary supervision—there are lots of ways to customize how a vaccine clinic would work for you. Ultimately, you’ll be able to bring in those extra customers, save them money, and provide more preventative care.

 

 Offer parasite control flexibility or bundling

Similar to the vaccine strategies, devise a cost-saving plan allowing owners to purchase flea, tick, and heartworm prevention all together. This might even bring in some business that is otherwise lost to major online veterinary pharmacies. When the upfront cost is too high, provide flexible options to purchase a one-month supply of any single parasiticide rather than the more common six- or twelve-month supplies. 

 

Provide wellness programs

Consider yearly “memberships” or plans that cover a once-yearly appointment and vaccines at a reduced cost. The plan can go beyond this to include parasiticides and routine heartworm testing or blood work screening. It could involve spaying, neutering, or dental prophylaxis—the possibilities for wellness programs are endless. You will form strong relationships with loyal clients as you create this culture of routine preventative care. 

 

Know the cost of prescribed medications and alternatives

Prices of antibiotics or pain prescriptions vary wildly. When the owner declines your gold-standard choice, you may need to come up with less costly alternatives. You can create mental (or written) notes of budget-friendly substitutions your hospital can make. Will amoxicillin likely work instead of a brand name antibiotic in a particular case? Is tramadol an acceptable substitute? Sometimes the answer is no, but if the answer is yes, then your patient will benefit from getting some treatment instead of none at all.

 

Make clients aware of pet insurance and payment options

The very first visit is the best time to bring up pet insurance. Not only should you mention it but also consider sending informational pamphlets home with the invoice so the advice isn’t immediately forgotten. Additionally, payment plans or other arrangements exclusive to your hospital can literally be lifesavers for unexpected expenses. If a client is struggling with an estimate, it is always worth mentioning the option.