I Can’t Afford All My Pet’s Veterinarian Visits. What should I do?
Many pet owners save money for emergency care so that their pet can get the right treatment in case the unexpected happens. But the cost of visiting the vet can also increase.
A pet owner recently posted on the r/Pets subreddit about the frequent visits of minor problems like a dry skin patch or a slightly runny eye, which keep squeezing the user’s money.
“I want to be a responsible owner, but paying a consultation fee every time something goes wrong makes me bleed,” said the pet owner. “I’m frustrated for fear of missing something serious, but I’m also going broke paying for peace of mind over seemingly trivial things.”
A pet owner has money saved for emergencies, such as accidents, sudden illness or severe pain. But with a $50 visit for a little extra worry, they’re looking for a better solution.
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Expert advice: Continue with your pet’s evaluation, ask about options and consider health insurance
Part of being a responsible pet owner is taking your furry friend to the vet, but doing so too often can cost you money. The American Animal Hospital Association says it’s reasonable to visit several times a year for young puppies, but that changes as the animal gets older.
The organization considers dogs to be puppies up to six to nine months of age (depending on their breed and size), young adults up to three or four years of age, mature adults up to the beginning of the last 25% of their estimated lifespan and adults thereafter.
“As dogs move from puppies to adults, it is still important that they receive regular health care,” according to the organization. “Most healthy young people should visit the vet at least once a year (and as needed due to illness and injury), although some may benefit from twice-yearly visits depending on breed, lifestyle, and health risks.”
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Older adult dogs should see a veterinarian once or twice a year as needed. In an article for Whole Dog Journal, veterinarian Dr. Eileen Fatcheric recommends health checks at least twice a year for pets seven years of age or older.
“Time starts to go faster for these guys, which brings with it a higher chance of medical problems that may not be apparent to you on the outside, but can be picked up by your vet through a physical exam and diagnosis,” Fatcheric wrote.
Veterinarian Dr. Rhiannon Koehler wrote in an article for PetMD by Chewy that when considering visiting small cats, you should check your vet’s recommendations for your cat’s vaccination schedule. Then when the cat turns one year old, it should have a healthy life span of up to 10 years. Cats over the age of 10 should visit the vet at least once every six months, he added.
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Ideally, if you keep up with your health checks, your vet will be able to catch problems early so you can fix them before they become serious problems. Pet insurance can also help you save costs. Check out a list of the best pet insurance companies, which can reimburse you for diagnostic tests, hospitalizations, surgeries and more if your pet gets sick or injured.
You can also explain your financial limitations to the vet and ask them all your options before making a decision. Sometimes, there are less expensive solutions that can help your pet than the first solution mentioned. Another option is to ask your vet about payment plans.
