The joy our pets bring to our lives is priceless, but their care can cost us a bundle. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), from 1996 to 2006 spending on veterinary care for dogs and cats rose from $11 billion to $23.2 billion annually. But there are ways to protect your pets as well as your pocketbook. Here are tips to reduce pet health costs.

Tailor Vaccinations to your Pet’s Lifestyle

A Labrador Retriever who likes to go on long trail hikes with you would benefit from getting a Lyme disease vaccine, whereas an urban Shih Tzu whose treks get no more adventurous than a walk around the block can probably do without it. Don't scrimp on “core” vaccines that are required by law or vaccines that prevent airborne-transmitted diseases.

According to Dr. Colleen Currigan, DVM, founder and owner of Cat Hospital of Chicago, if there is no risk of exposure to feline leukemia virus (transmitted through direct contact with urine/saliva primarily of an infected cat), then there is no need to vaccinate for feline leukemia virus - so it's okay to pass on that one. The same applies to Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV).

The most cost-effective things you can do is keep your cats indoors, get regular check-ups for your pets so small problems don't become big ones and spay or neuter your pet.

Check for Local Low-Cost Resources

Contact your local humane society or state to see if there are grant programs or lower cost services. For example, PACC911 (Phoenix Animal Care Coalition) has designated the Emergency Medical Fund for its partnering rescue groups to use toward vet bills.

Those who live in the southwestern U.S. can visit www.petservice.com for low-cost vaccine clinics (these as well as inexpensive spay/neuter and microchipping are frequently offered in other parts of the country and often advertised in stores like Petco, etc.)

MORE COST SAVING TIPS >>