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pets. They provide policies for both routine care and emergencysituations. Their Web site is www.petinsurance.com.

In addition to pet insurance, find out what kind of payment planyour veterinarian may offer. As the cost of financing has risen,most veterinary clinics have partnered with financial institutionsto provide those services. One such company is Care Credit. Theyoffer interest free or low interest payment plans. Their Web siteis www.carecredit.com. You will notice from their site they are notveterinary exclusive but are accepted by some human health care providers.

One other method to make veterinary care affordable is to considersetting up a separate bank account to force you to save for yourpet's needs. In addition, some veterinary clinics are able to allowyou to pre-pay for your pet's services. Finally, don't skip onpreventative care. The age-old expression "an ounce of preventionis worth a pound of cure" is still very true. Be sure to protectyour pet against the diseases prominent in your area, feed goodquality food as recommended by your veterinarian, be sure your petis well exercised, and follow your veterinarian's advice. Providingroutine care such as regular veterinary check-ups, routine dentalcare and screening blood work may save you in the long run.

For more information about keeping veterinary health careaffordable, visit www.myvnn.com, search words "Saving money" and"Pet bills."

Dr. Deborah Flake is a veterinarian with Dr. Flake's AnimalWellness Clinic, 3570 Chambersburg Road, Biglerville. E-mail her atwww.chipmypet.com