Pet Care | How to Prepare for Unexpected Veterinary Costs
Most of us love surprises, except when that surprise is an unexpected pet care bill.
Accidents, illnesses, and emergencies happen; that’s part of life with pets. And when a calamity hits, it can result in a hefty outlay for you. Unanticipated pet care expenses can take a financial toll.
Chances are, at some point, a crisis will strike. Listed below are some suggestions to help you prepare for unexpected pet care costs.
Preventative Pet Care
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so consistent routine pet care can help you avoid costly treatments or emergency visits.
Staying current with yearly exams, vaccinations, flea, tick, and heartworm prevention, along with spaying or neutering, goes a long way in keeping your pet healthy. This proactive approach to pet care can ward off many potential problems or let you catch them before they become unmanageable.
Emergency Pet Care Fund
Pet owners know that financial responsibility is part of the deal of ownership, so why not start growing your emergency fund today.
Set aside money regularly and earmark it for emergency pet care. How much should you aim to save? That depends on your budget. But for a frame of reference, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), you can anticipate incurring at least one $2000 - $4000 bill in your pet’s lifetime.
Pet Insurance
Pet insurance is another option to help you cope with unexpected pet care costs.
In an industry that’s seen tremendous growth recently, you’ll find an abundance of plan choices. Insurance plan offerings vary in price and coverage, allowing you to choose one that best suits your needs and budget.
Be aware, though, that pet insurance requires you to pay for services upfront. You’ll receive reimbursement after you submit your claim.
CareCredit and Scratchpay
CareCredit is a different type of credit card. Accepted by many veterinary practices, what makes this card unique is its shorter-term financing options.
When you purchase $200 or more and pay the entire amount off within your selected promotional period, you’ll avoid an interest charge. CareCredit is also accepted by doctors for out-of-pocket medical expenses as well.
Scratchpay describes itself as the “simplest patient financing solution,” even if the patient is your pet. More and more veterinarians are accepting it for payment. Essentially, this service lets you choose a payment plan to pay for veterinary expenses, which you then pay back over time. Scratchpay isn’t a credit card; it’s a loan. One that you can apply for and receive approval quickly.
Pet owners never want to deny their furry family member veterinary care, but with surgical and hospital expenses often reaching several thousand dollars or more, owners may have to confront a tough decision.
Don’t let this happen to you. For the love of your pet, take steps now to be prepared.