For many of us, pets are part of the family and we've got the bills to prove it. Of all the costs, vet care tends to be the biggest expense.

An annual visit to the vet alone can run more than $100. And if your pet is hurt or gets sick, the costs can quickly skyrocket.

Advances in veterinary medicine mean that more treatments are now available. For example, dogs can have ultrasounds to locate gallstones.

According to Consumer Reports, these advances mean vet bills can add up even faster.

"It's estimated that on average, cat owners spent more than $500 on medical care last year, while dog owners spent even more -- nearly $800," said Amanda Walker of Consumer Reports.

You can save by choosing your vet carefully. Get recommendations from friends with pets, then compare prices for a few common procedures. Don't necessarily choose the vet with the lowest prices. That could mean the vet is cutting corners.

Another money-saving tip - don't skip annual check-ups. Your vet may spot trouble early before treatment becomes costly.

If your pet does need surgery, Consumer Reports recommends getting at least two estimates for the procedure and be sure to ask about follow-up treatment. Shop around for medication, too.

"If you need a prescription drug, you may be able to find it at your local pharmacy, or a less expensive generic version may be available," said Walker.

With a few simple tips, keeping your pet healthy doesn't have to take a big bite out of the family budget.

According to Consumer Reports, unless you have a breed that's prone to chronic problems, pet insurance generally won't save you any money and may even cost you more than the vet bills.