Return to News and Articles

Savings for Your Furry Friends, Pet Discounts
Date: March 15, 2006
Author: David Smidt, SeniorDiscounts.com

In our last article we looked at different organizations that work
with older adults to adopt a pet. While many of the initial costs are covered through these
programs, owners are responsible for feeding and caring for their pets once they have brought
them home. This week we will look at ways pet owners can save money on pet supplies and
veterinarian care as well as pet registration.

To read last week’s article about pet adoption, click here.

Over the years, SeniorDiscounts has discovered that there are many
discounts available to senior pet owners. You just have to know where to look.

The most common pet discounts can be found at local veterinarian
hospitals. Many local vets will provide a standard 10% discount to seniors on regular
checkups and even surgeries. Some veterinarians may extend those discounts to common
medications as well, but typically discounts will not be available on products, such
as food, sold at the hospitals. Age requirements for these discounts will most commonly
begin at around the age of 60. Don’t expect the vet hospitals to advertise their senior
discounts in the yellow pages. Some may place a notice in the hospital lobby, but most
often you will have to ask about the senior discount.

SeniorDiscounts has contacted the national pet supply stores about
their senior discount policies, and we have yet to locate a senior discount at these
major chains. We have found some local pet supply stores that do offer some senior
discounts. Although local pet stores may be a little more expensive than national chains,
you may be able to achieve a lower price when you subtract the senior discount. The
discounts are usually 10%, while the age requirements vary by store.

Many cities require that pet owners register their pets and pay a
one time or annual fee. We have found that some cities will offer a discount on the
registration fees to qualifying seniors. Age requirements for these types of discounts
usually begin at age 62 or 65, and the city may also require that one meet certain
income requirements. Check your local city’s web site for details.

SeniorDiscounts has some veterinarian hospitals and local pet
stores listed on the web site, but they are always looking for more. If you know of a
pet discount and would like to tell others, click here.

© SeniorDiscounts

Return to News and Articles