Caring for a beloved pet is one of life’s quiet joys. But if you have noticed the vet bills climbing lately, you are not imagining it. Pet care costs have been rising steadily, and that includes everything from routine checkups to prescription medications.
According to Simeon Gutman, a retail analyst at Morgan Stanley, American pet ownership surged during the pandemic as millions of people welcomed a new furry, feathered, or finned family member. That wave of new pets has kept demand and prices moving upward. Morgan Stanley projects pet spending could grow by as much as 7 percent annually through 2030.
If you already have a Costco membership, you may have a useful tool sitting right in your wallet.
The Pet Prescription Program Most Members Don’t Know About
Most people know Costco offers discounted pricing on their own prescriptions through the Costco Member Prescription Program. Fewer know that a similar benefit exists for pets.
The Costco Member Pet Prescription Program lets members save on a wide range of pet medications. That includes Carprofen, Vetsulin, Gabapentin, Cerenia, and many others.
Using it is straightforward. Bring your pet’s prescription to a Costco Pharmacy, or have it transferred there directly. Present your membership card when you pick it up, and you receive the discounted price. Costco also offers pay-ahead options, Rx locker pickup at select locations, and mail delivery for added convenience.
Savings Beyond the Pharmacy Counter
Costco’s pet savings do not stop at medications. For everyday pet essentials like food, chew toys, preventive care products, buying in larger quantities through Costco can lower the cost per item and cut down on shopping trips.
For those of us on a fixed income, that kind of steady saving adds up over the course of a year.
Every dollar saved on a recurring expense is one you can put toward something your pet will actually enjoy: a new toy, a favorite treat, or simply the peace of mind that comes from knowing your companion is well cared for.
The love part has always been free. It is nice when the rest of it gets a little easier on the wallet, too.