Using the services of the same practitioner and buying medicine from their practice is a good way to cut on treatment costs. Someone you are familiar with is likely to have the health history of your pet enabling him to make a quicker diagnosis. He may even give free services or treatment in some cases, give an opinion as well as discounts for the purchase of medicines.
I do, but it’s not always cost effective. I find that buying medicine directly with the vet is considerably more expensive than buying at a pet store. Last time my dog and cat went to the vet, I spend so much money. Looking back, I was concerned and that is why I preferred to get everything at the same place and get it over with, but pet medicine is maybe even more expensive than human medicine, so I could have saved some money with that.