Instructions
Provide your veterinarian with as much information as possible about your pet's illness, and be firm with your desire to avoid unnecessary veterinary charges. For example, if your pet appears to have a parasite based on the symptoms and you are prescribed a medication to see if it works, you will have to buy more medication when it doesn't work. Instead, ask for a fecal exam to see if you are dealing with a parasitic illness to avoid unnecessary medication and charges.
Discuss with your vet how you can treat your pet at home instead of always seeking veterinary care. For example, if your dog has allergic reactions to bug bites or foods it can be treated at home by giving it 1 mg of human Benadryl per pound of body weight instead of being rushed to the vet. However, if the dog's face swells or the Benadryl doesn't make the symptoms go away, it should be taken to the vet. Some veterinarians charge just for seeing your pet, but by knowing more about your pet's behavior and keeping a close eye on it, you'll be able to avoid unnecessary vet charges by not going to the vet when you don't have to.
Research the diseases you may come in contact with in your area. For example, Lyme disease is carried by deer ticks and is common in rural areas. If you live in a big city with few deer, having your pet vaccinated against Lyme disease may be just another unnecessary veterinary treatment. By avoiding unnecessary treatments, you will also avoid unnecessary veterinary charges.
Study your veterinary bill very carefully and ensure you recognize all of the treatments listed on the bill were discussed and agreed upon. If they were performed without your knowledge or seem to be padded or unnecessary charges, inform the veterinarian or office staff that you did not agree to them in advance, and they may take them off your bill.
How to Avoid Unnecessary Veterinary Charges
Pets need doctors too, which is why every pet should have a trusted veterinarian looking after it. Sometimes it's difficult to understand your vet bill, and veterinary care can become extremely expensive if you are being hit with unnecessary charges. It can be moderately easy to avoid these unnecessary veterinary charges.