Even in the worst of times, it’s not a good idea to eliminate health insurance. Taking care of ourselves, mentally and physically, saves money in the long-run.

Many people will invest just as much in the health of their pets. Keeping up with veterinary bills and feeding our pets can be major expenses. Just as we can be proactive in our health care, we can do the same with our pets, hopefully avoiding out-of-control bills later

Here are a few tips to help reduce your vet bill:

• Get annual exams: Checkups allow veterinarians to catch diseases and monitor trends in your pet’s health.
• Take care of your pet’s teeth: They require dental care just like humans

• Consider pet insurance: Some plans range from $9.50 to $68 a month for dogs, and $7.50 to $77 for cats.