by Shyla Martin

Created on: February 27, 2009

Having a pet can prove to be a bit expensive. Between food, toys, grooming, and trips to the vet, you could easily break the bank. Visits to the veterinarian seemingly do the most damage, but do they really have to? Are all of those shots really necessary to the health of your pet? Does an indoor cat really need to be inoculated against feline leukemia and feline HIV? Should an adult dog take the Parvo series though he never had it as a puppy? Is there a way of getting your pets inoculated cheaper than visiting the vet for every single shot? Have no fear ladies and gentlemen. Money can be saved, and you don't have to compromise your furry friend's health to do it!

The first way to save money is to know your state laws. By knowing what shots are required and how often, you can easily pick and choose which shots are necessary based on your pet's lifestyle. For example: did you know that the rabies vaccine is actually good for three years? While many states require yearly rabies vaccinations, several states only require they be given every three years. This can mean a savings of up to $40 for each dog and $55 for each cat every three years. In addition, it is much healthier for the pet to have fewer vaccinations. Our four legged friends, cats especially, are susceptible to tumor growth around the injection site. These tumors can sometimes become cancerous. Fewer vaccinations mean a smaller chance of developing potentially fatal cancer.

Another way to save money is to inoculate your pet yourself. While you are required by law to have a veterinarian administer rabies shots, most states have no such laws regarding other vaccinations. This means that you can forego spending $15 dollars for a

shot and $25 dollars for a vet visit. You can go to your local Co-op or Tractor Supply Company and purchase a variety of shots for pets of every variety. (You should already know what you need because the employees aren't always knowledgeable about who needs what.) This can mean a considerable savings if you own a kitten or puppy. They generally need a series of three to four shots (given one every three to four weeks) that cover a variety of potentially harmful diseases Canine and Feline distemper, Canine Parvovirus, and Feline Chlamydia to name a few. Idiot proof instructions come with each vial. Each shot costs roughly $7, and it will contain vaccine against 3, 5, or 7 different viruses. That's roughly a $170 savings over going to the vet.

The best way to save money is by knowing which shots best suit your pet's lifestyle. For example: an indoor cat may not need to be vaccinated against such diseases as Feline Leukemia, HIV, or Chlamydia. These diseases are passed from one cat to another, and they are mainly prevalent amongst strays and outdoor cats. Also, an adult dog does not need to have the entire round of parvo shots. Because an adult's immune system is stronger, one vaccine will be enough to protect the animal. A vaccine against Canine Kennel Cough is only necessary if your dogs have been or will potentially be exposed (such exposure would come from boarding your dog or adopting a new dog from the pound).

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