What to Do When You Can’t Afford Medical Treatment for Your Pet

Some people say poor people shouldn’t own pets, but monetary problems can happen to just about anyone, especially with today’s prices for pet medical assistance. Taking your pet to a veterinarian, and finding that your pet will need expensive care, can be devastating. You love your pet but, as the old saying goes, “you can’t get blood from a turnip. If you don’t have the money, and the pet absolutely needs the medical help, what are you to do?

To help cut the costs of medical expenses for your pet, avoid, if at all possible, after-hours or emergency (weekend or holiday) care. Any treatment or procedures performed when the vet’s office is generally closed will be very expensive. The tab at one of these clinics can be 2 to 3 times higher than your regular vet – maybe even more.

After having received a diagnosis for the pet discuss payment options with the vet. You might have options that won’t be brought up if you don’t mention it. The vet will give the recommendation which he feels is the best for the dog in the long run – such as surgery. But, something like antibiotics may help the dog until you can gather the money. Discuss whether there is an alternative – albeit temporary – solution to the problem.

Everyone knows – and dreads – the idea or discussion of euthanasia, or putting the dog “to sleep”. Always an option for a severely injured or extremely sick pet, it’s a difficult decision to make. Loving pets as we do, this, of course, is a last decision for any of us. Although some would never even consider the idea, others are more reasonable, realizing that they may not be able to help the pet. Not that the suggestion is made that a pet should be put to sleep if the medical care is unaffordable – no way! But it is an option for those who realize the pet is old, extremely ill, or injured extensively.

If there’s a particular vet you use often, he or she may work out a financial arrangement that will work for both of you. However, if you’re visiting a vet for the first time, you will be expected to pay in full before leaving. If you’re unable to do that, ask if you can discuss payment options. Among the ones the vet might or might not except would be a post-dated check. The check is made out for the proper amount, but the date is set for a future day when the check can then be deposited. Keep in mind that, although unethical, the check can be deposited, costing you plenty in overdraft fees.

Although the post-dated check is one of the most accepted methods of payment by a vet – other than cash – you still may have other options. Putting some of the expense on a credit card is an option. Splitting the payments between cards is another choice. Or, ask if the vet can take an electronic draft, directly from your bank, once a month. He may even consider charging one of your credit cards, once a month, for the agreed-upon time period.

For some people, it could be an option to barter with the vet. For example, if you happen to be an upholsterer, the vet could be in the market for some of your services, possibly needing upholstery work done on seats in the waiting room.

There are organizations in most town that will help with things like spaying and neutering. Ask your vet or local dog shelter. There are also organizations, usually in larger cities, that will help with medical costs for owners that can’t afford it. Search online for “medical assistance for pets”, along with your city and state, to find places that may consider helping your pet.

Reference:

• Medical assistance for your pet: www.help-a-pet.org