Your pets are your family members, and you care for them as much as they care for you (which is a lot!). Before bringing a pet into your home, you must be prepared to take up the necessary financial responsibilities. However, the costs for pet care have skyrocketed, and even insured pet owners end up spending an average of $1500 on emergency care! Don’t let this stop you from getting a pet though. Here are the top 5 ways to get help with vet bills, and let your pets live a healthy lifestyle.
1. Ask your vet
It doesn’t matter if you’re a regular or not. Most veterinarians have payment plans or other options to reduce your bill. Whether its straight up discounts or payment plans with small interests, they might help with your pet’s care in case of emergencies. Vets are familiar with customers who struggle with the costs of veterinary services, and they also understand what your pet means to you. Some vets might also let you pay at a later date. In all cases, it is a clever idea to talk to you vets before you start stressing about the massive bill.
2. Look for organizations that help with vet bills
There are multiple organizations out there who are willing to fund your vet bills so your furry friend can live a healthy life even when you are short on money. Organizations like Paws 4 A Cure help pet owners with limited ability to pay their bills. The Big Hearts Fund helps owners when their pet has received a diagnosis of a heart disease. Not only does it help with the vet bills, it also offers resources that help owners figure out what to feed their pet and options for veterinary cardiology. There are multiple other organizations that offer help for your pet, feel free to look them up.
3. Find a cheaper place
This does not mean you compromise on the quality of service. Always go to a licensed veterinarian. What this point means is that the cost of the service also depends on the locality of the vet. A vet living in the suburbs will not charge as much as a vet living in a big city. It is recommended that you do this research beforehand, so you can take the necessary steps even in case of emergencies. There might also be government services, like mobile clinic and such, that might prove to be cheaper for you.
4. Look for a veterinary college
Veterinary colleges generally offer services at a much cheaper rate. Sometimes they also offer a discount to the people in need. They offer a range of services like vaccinations, routine checkups, neutering, and spaying. This can help you cut down the “maintenance” costs of your pet. It is however recommended that you consult a licensed veterinarian in case of a serious illness or injury that your pet suffers from, as the college might not be able to treat it appropriately or as well as a vet would be able to.
5. Get a pet healthcare credit card
CareCredit is a service that enables a pet owner to apply for a credit card for their pets. They have several plans, that range from routine checkups to surgeries and medical emergencies. Similar to your own credit card, you receive a credit limit, and you can use the card for said services as long as you stay under the limit. You can then pay the amount back as monthly installments. It is recommended that you contact your vet to make sure if they accept CareCredit plans before applying.