Pet Care Affordability

by Dr. Dawn Bookmyer, DVM

Basie, a 2-year-old Labrador Retriever, jumps off the back porch and comes up limping. The diagnosis: torn anterior cruciate ligament. The treatment: surgery. Estimated cost: $1,200.

Duke, a 6-month-old Rottweiler puppy, begins to suffer severe vomiting and diarrhea. The diagnosis: parvo virus. The treatment: antibiotics, IV fluids and hospitalization. Estimated cost: $600.

Ella, a 7-year-old Siamese cat, begins vomiting and stops eating. The diagnosis: x-rays determine that the cat has eaten a needle and thread which is causing an obstruction. The treatment: surgery. Estimated cost: $800.

Are you surprised by these expensive scenarios? You shouldn’t be. Today’s sophisticated diagnostics and treatment options have raised the standard of veterinary care, but have also increased the cost of pet care. A sudden illness or accident can leave pet owners facing not only difficult medical decisions, but heavy financial burdens. Let’s examine some of the ways you can make veterinary care more affordable.

The most important action pet owners can take to cut their vet bills is to practice preventative care. Your pet’s annual exam and vaccinations are the single most critical thing that you can do to prevent problems or catch them early. For pets over the age of 7, most veterinarians recommend examinations twice a year.

Spaying and neutering your pet can prevent a host of illnesses down the road, as can regular dental care. Maintaining your pet’s ideal weight is an excellent way to avoid problems such as diabetes and heart problems. Ask your veterinarian for other ways you can ensure your pet’s long term health.

Pet care credit cards are becoming a popular way to ease the sting of a major vet bill. Although a pet card credit card does not relieve the owner of the burden of veterinary expenses, a credit card can make the bill more manageable. In most cases you will be able to fill out a simple application in your vet’s office and get approval within hours. Ask your vet if he or she is signed up to participate in a credit card program.

I encourage all of our clients to look into pet health insurance. There are several reputable carriers that offer a variety of different plans; premiums vary according to the benefits offered in the selected plan. Some companies offer accident-only plans, while some of the more extensive plans include annual examinations and vaccines, flea and heartworm preventatives, and continuous coverage for chronic and long term conditions. Deductibles are often as low as $100 per calendar year, and while pre-existing conditions are not covered, pet owners may use their insurance at any veterinarian.

Finally, I encourage pet owners to always ask their veterinary hospital to provide them with an itemized estimate before an procedure or service is performed. While most veterinary clinics run on too slim a profit margin to offer payment plans, the hospital staff is usually anxious to help you discuss treatment and payment options.