June 1, 2023
Pets, Vets, and Bills – Oh My!
Let’s talk veterinary bills!
When we adopt a pet, we all have dreams of long strolls in nature, snuggles on the couch, maybe some shared sports activity…all the things that come with the fantasy of a four-legged best friend. Something we often fail to consider are the costs associated with keeping our best friend(s) healthy. The stark reality of unpredictable life – illness, accidents, and even the changes that come with old age – can shock us when things get real. Today’s post is about what to consider before adopting your new pal.
Pet insurance has come a long way in recent years, and many families benefit greatly from the safety and assistance of these programs. Be sure to research many companies and purchase your insurance early. Typically, the younger the pet, the lower the insurance initial cost. And just like human insurance, pet insurance may rule out some types of coverage due to pre-existing conditions.
If you are unable to purchase pet insurance, be sure to have a plan in place for when unexpected bills arise. I will use myself as an example here. We have several pets – cats and dogs. We purchase monthly flea/tick/heartworm prevention for everyone, keep them up to date on vaccines, and supply any necessary additional medications for their individual health needs. We often say (only 1/8 jokingly) “we work hard so our pets can have a better life”. And let me tell you, that hard work has had to pay for some doozies. You’ll see what I mean below.
General pet bills are no joke! A standard vet visit can run anywhere from $70 – $130, vaccines range from $30 – $70 each, and preventative medications can cost in the hundreds for a year’s supply. And these prices are in fact very reasonable considering the skill, hard work, education, and research that goes into veterinary medicine.
Now let’s think about what happens when your pet eats a sock and needs emergency surgery. Or gets old (we all hope they live long happy lives, right?) and needs a special diet or supplements or develops a chronic health condition. What if your pet experiences an accident or illness that requires several diagnostic procedures?
When we don’t have a plan for these eventualities, the results can be incredibly stressful. Trying to find the money for care can be overwhelming. And if a procedure is not within the owner’s budget, the feeling of grief can seem insurmountable.
Like I said, I am using myself as an example of bills gone wild. Check out these images detailing only some of my pet expenses since January. These images do not include the over $3500 in ER visits split between two of my critters in January and February. Have fun reading:
I hope you were entertained. Anyway, the intention of this blog post is not to frighten or shame anyone. It is to remind potential pet “pawrents” -har har- to be prepared. Generally speaking, we’ve advanced far beyond looking at companion animals as mere possessions or accessories. We appreciate them for the complicated individual living creatures they are and we benefit from our time with them. Their lives are what we make them, once they are living in our homes. So preparation and realistic expectations are very important.
So, research, research, research! Research the breed you’re bringing home, research their current or potential health conditions, research your local veterinarians, research financial options like pet insurance or Care Credit plans. Create a back up plan or a little savings account for emergencies, and save yourself future heartache when things get pricey.
I am grateful that we are able to provide our pets with consistent care. Not everyone has that privilege, but that doesn’t mean they wouldn’t still make loving pet guardians. Be creative, plan ahead, and do your best. Your BFF will thank you for it! And if you are ever “stuck” – talk to a professional animal care giver for advice so that you can rest assured that you can make best the best decision for your unique circumstances. Above all, keep loving those critters, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed.
Now go forth and hug your pets!