How I Saved Hundreds by Traveling to a Low-Cost Vet Clinic for My Dog’s Care
Key takeaways:
Nzinga Diop’s vet said it would cost $1,200 to neuter her dog, Marley.
She found a clinic that charged only $125.
Nzinga traveled out of state for pet care, but she says the savings were worth it.
GoodRx for Pets: Here’s how to save on pet medications with GoodRx.
In 2020, Nzinga Diop adopted an 8-week-old shih tzu-poodle mix named Marley. It was her first dog, and Marley quickly became a big part of her life.
“It’s been a fun ride,” says Nzinga, 30, who lives in Jersey City, New Jersey, and posts about Marley on TikTok and Instagram. “I’ve learned a lot about dogs along the way.”
Nzinga also learned how expensive pet care can be. Between food, grooming, and vet visits, the bills add up. So when her vet told her it would cost $1,200 to neuter Marley, she started looking for a less expensive option. She found one for only $125.
Search and compare options
Look for savings at humane societies and budget clinics
Nzinga had always planned to neuter Marley, knowing it was an important way to protect his health. But she was surprised by the $1,200 estimate.
Spay and neuter costs vary widely across the U.S. Some pet shelters and animal humane societies offer free services, while private clinics can charge $500 or more. Nzinga’s vet’s price left her with sticker shock.
Then a friend mentioned Emancipet, a nonprofit organization in Texas and Pennsylvania that offers affordable spay and neuter services. In Philadelphia, its clinic charges $125 for dogs, which includes pain medication and a protective cone that Marley would go home with. The cost is the same regardless of the dog’s size, while cats cost $89.
“I was like, ‘There’s no way it’s that cheap. Is your dog OK?’” Nzinga recalls. Wary after a bad experience with a groomer, Nzinga researched the clinic and asked her friend detailed questions about the experience. Reassured that the surgery went smoothly, she scheduled an appointment with Emancipet.
“It was super easy,” she says. “I thought it was going to be a long over-the-phone process, but they asked what day I wanted to come and gave me their availability.”
Although the clinic is an hour and a half from her home, the savings made the trip worthwhile.
Low-cost clinic provided answers and peace of mind
On the day of Marley’s surgery, Nzinga dropped him off at the clinic in the morning. After filling out the required paperwork and paying for the procedure, she waited at a friend’s house nearby.
She remembers being impressed by the clinic’s cleanliness and friendly staff. By noon, she got a text saying Marley was out of surgery and recovering well. She picked him up at 2PM, once the anesthesia had worn off. When Marley came home, he was a bit sleepy but quickly bounced back. In 2 to 3 days, he was back to his normal energetic self.
Nzinga was diligent about his recovery, making sure he took his pain medication on time. Marley also came home with a tattoo of a small green line near his incision, so veterinarians know that he has been neutered.
Other ways to maximize pet care savings
Beyond the neutering procedure, Nzinga learned other ways to manage pet care costs without compromising quality.
Microchipping: When Nzinga’s vet quoted her a high price, a friend suggested the ASPCA. Some local organizations charge as little as $25 for microchipping. Prices vary, so check with your local SPCA clinic. Nzinga’s local SPCA clinic required a 3-week wait, but her savings were substantial.
Preventive care: Nzinga says it’s harder to save on things like healthcare. She doesn’t skimp on it. She takes Marley to his veterinarian for wellness checks and to treat his usual ear infections.
Food and toys: Nzinga also finds it challenging to save on food and toys. She says she likes Marley to have the best. She prioritizes his diet with quality brands like Purina dry food and Freshpet wet food.
Her advice for other pet owners
Nzinga’s biggest savings by far has been on Marley’s neutering. She was so excited about it that she shared a video on TikTok.
How can I save on my pet’s neutering or spaying? Here are resources on finding low-cost clinics and financial assistance programs.
What if I need help with my vet bills? There are ways to save. Here are some options for affordable veterinary care.
Can I use a GoodRx coupon for my pet? Yes. If your pet has been prescribed a human medication, most GoodRx coupons will work at pharmacies.
“The discrepancy in prices seems like somebody is ripping somebody off,” she says. “When you add up the cost, from gas to tolls, it was really nothing compared to the $1,200 I could have spent.”
Her biggest tip? Ask around.
“There’s definitely a community wherever you live,” she says. “Find people who have pets, and know the best places where you can save money to get certain things done.”
What does the vet say?
Ghanasyam Bey, DVM
Veterinary Reviewer
Pet ownership and care can be expensive, especially when considering the costs of food, grooming, preventive procedures, and unexpected illnesses or emergencies. But there are ways to save without compromising the quality of care your pet receives.
Consider community resources
For nonemergency situations, like the one described in this story, it’s a good idea to explore and compare options in your area. Specialty and emergency clinics are often more expensive than general practice veterinarians.
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Community resources like humane societies often offer discounted care and can be an important resource for preventive care and routine procedures.
Veterinary schools offer affordable pet care
Veterinary schools can also be an excellent resource for affordable care. Many have community clinics where students, under the supervision of licensed veterinarians, provide services at a lower cost as part of their training.
Find budget-friendly vaccine clinics
For routine care, pet owners can also consider dedicated clinics — often held at pet stores — for things like vaccines, deworming, basic parasite testing, and microchipping in healthy pets.
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