APAW Helps Pet Owners With Pet Health Care

According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), in 2011, 73 million Americans sharing their homes with pets anted-up approximately $50 billion on their furry family members. Additionally it was estimated that in 2012 at least $13.59 million would be spent on veterinary care alone.

That said, with the cost of pet medical care and pet medications skyrocketing, concerned companion animal owners often will find themselves having to make some very difficult decisions. Having to put a price tag on the care of a pet’s health can be extremely stressful and very often heartbreaking

Since giving pets the best of care without going broke is a priority for most pet guardians, I was thrilled to learn about Advocacy for Pets & Affordable Wellness  (APAW). The organization is a newly-formed coalition of concerned and dedicated pet owners who have come together to educate pet guardians across the United States about ways they can get high quality, cost-effective medications and veterinary care while at the same time maintaining a compassionate and caring relationship with their veterinarians.

APAW has aligned themselves with like-minded organizations such as the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind  and America’s Vet Dog to further get their important messages out to the public.

One of APAW's most important missions is to provide a voice of advocacy and support for pet guardians who are passionate about their pets and committed to keeping their furry friends healthy. But since the cost of commonly used pet-care products sold at veterinary clinics often carries a hefty mark-up, APAW disseminates helpful information to the pet-owning community listing alternative sources where folks can purchase these products at a significant saving--sometimes as much as up to 80 percent. APAW also provides useful pet-care information through the expert blogs posted on their website.

As an example of some of the cost-saving tips APAW offers, safe and effective generic flea and tick control medications can be purchased at Sam’s Club, Wal-Mart or at a local pharmacy. At the same time however, APAW suggests that owners be sure to check the retailer’s pet pharmacy program prior to dropping off their pet’s prescriptions. Local pharmacies may be able to compound pet prescription medications at a reduced cost, as well.

While many folks may consider pet health insurance premiums too costly, in reality, pet health insurance can save guardians a substantial amount. According to APAW, studies have shown that 92 percent of all pets may suffer an accident within their lifetime. From my experience, just the cost of a veterinary ER visit can be overwhelming, so pet insurance really offers tremendous peace of mind. Protect Your Bubble offers reasonably priced pet health insurance, which (depending on the type of policy) even covers treatment for behavioral problems, congenital conditions and alternatives such as acupuncture and hydrotherapy.

The APAW coalition is a valuable asset to pet guardians. It was established to help promote resources to get high quality, reasonably priced pet care which is essential to pet guardians especially in the light of today’s fragile economy.

Want to learn more? Visit their Facebook page to be kept in the loop with regard to affordable pet health care.

Is saving money on pet care important to you? Share your thoughts in a comment.