Keep Pet Care Costs on a Tight Leash

As temperatures rise, parks, beaches, and patios beckon, and Fido and Fifi finally get to spend some quality time romping around outdoors. But warm weather brings more than increased fetch time and neighborhood prowling -- it also exposes your fuzzy friends to parasites and increases the chance of costly mishaps.

Americans spend more than $8 billion annually on veterinary care. Basic medical costs run $350 annually for the average dog owner and around $200 for cat lovers. Add food, grooming, and squeaky toys, and, according to the ASPCA, your annual outlay can run $500 to $1,600.

A sudden injury to your beloved companion can double to quadruple what you normally spend to keep your pet in tip-top shape.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of fur

Routine care is not only compassionate, it's also cost-effective. Before you let your pet encounter nature's nastiness, make sure they are up to date on their shots and flea and heartworm medication.

One way to save is to purchase routine prescriptions online from websites like 1800petmeds.com and DiscountPetMedicines.com (check with your vet before buying a different brand, though).

For pricier procedures like teeth cleaning, check out programs at local veterinary schools, where students are supervised by experienced teachers.

Safety comes first when romping with Rover and letting Claudia cavort. Get a fence or keep your pet on a leash in high-traffic areas and anywhere where wildlife might roam near.

Pet insurance can take a bite out of costs

Preventative care can spot potential problems before they become big-ticket maladies. If your best friend does fall ill, having insurance coverage can help keep costs in check. The value of insurance depends on the coverage your pet qualifies for and your ability and willingness to pay for treatment should he or she have a major oopsie.

Premiums run between $10 to $200 a month based on the type of pet you have, its age, and its health, but buying into a group policy can yield savings. Many companies have added pet insurance to their employee perks. Individuals can purchase it directly from insurers like petinsurance.com, petcareinsurance.com, and petassure.com.

Like people insurance, you may be required to use a vet in the plan's network to receive benefits. Some breeds, older pets, and pets with chronic or terminal illnesses may not get approved for coverage. Note whether routine care is included in the plan or not. Be sure to compare spending caps, deductibles, and coverage limitations. And consider the cost of future premiums, which can increase as much as 50% as your pet ages (typically after nine years for dogs and 11 for cats).

And -- as if I needed to remind you -- take time every day (or, in my household, every hour) to give your pet some TLC. It'll keep both of you sprightly.

Dayana Yochim's mixed-breed pooch, Poe, graciously allows her to share living quarters and occasionally watch what she wants on TV (unless The Dog Whisperer is on). Dayana is the money whisperer for The Motley Fool and offers training tips for two-legged friends at www.GreenLight.Fool.com.