Veterinary Bills Add Up: Seven Strategies for Financial Assistance
Pet owners facing unexpected dog surgeries might find themselves overwhelmed by the costs involved. According to Jo Myers, DVM, a veterinarian at Vetster, these procedures can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. In light of such financial stress, a variety of options exist to help pay for dog surgery, from crowdfunding campaigns and grants to financing solutions such as the CareCredit credit card.
The average pet parent spends $458 on surgical vet visits for their dogs, but costs can significantly increase depending on factors like a dog's age, weight, the complexity of the operation, geographic location, and the type of clinic (non-profit vs. private). To illustrate, common dog surgeries such as spaying and neutering, dental extractions, or cataract removal can cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
Pet insurance policies have become more common, with 24% of pet owners having insurance coverage for their four-legged family members. While the average premium for dog insurance is $720 per year, various policies and cost points are available, making it easier to find one that suits a pet owner's budget.
Financing options like CareCredit offer a quick and convenient application process and allow pet owners to pay for care over time at veterinary locations that accept the card. There are potential advantages to using CareCredit, such as manageable payments, but it's essential to understand the terms of the financing plan to avoid additional costs.
Other options to help cover the cost of dog surgery include savings accounts, loans from friends and family, and charities and rescue organizations that offer grants specifically for pet care expenses. In an emergency, crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe, Waggle, or CoFund my Pet can also serve as a means to raise funds towards the cost of surgery.
Understanding the financial implications of pet surgery and exploring available options can help ease the stress for pet owners. According to Dr. Myers, "The best thing pet parents can do is recognize that there's really no such thing as an 'unexpected' pet expense. Be aware of how much veterinary care can cost, and plan ahead so you know what resources are available to you. That way, you can have a plan when you need it."
Pet insurance, often considered a valuable resource, can help pet owners manage the costs of unexpected dog surgeries, with pet insurance policies becoming more common and covering 24% of pet owners. In addition, advancements in science and health-and-wellness contribute to the development of financing solutions like CareCredit, offering pet owners the ability to pay for pet care, including dog surgeries, over time.
