Bringing a furry family member into your home means plans need to be made for times of emergency. Just like human beings, pets can suffer from illnesses or have accidents causing injuries. Unfortunately thousands or even millions of animals die each year because their owners cannot afford certain procedures that would save the animal's life and choose to euthanize instead because it is cheaper.
Having a Pet Means Responsibility
In an article in the Veterinary Practice News it is stated that "no national tracking of euthanasia exists, but vets, humane organizations and industry officials say they have noted an increase. Humane agencies and shelters have taken the brunt of the economic euthanasia burden. The Humane Society of the United States estimates that 3 million to 4 million animals are euthanized annually in the U.S." (2010). Our pets depend on us to care for them just as our children depend on us. We make plans for our children, but why do we overlook our pets? Being a pet parent means being a responsible pet parent.
Ways to Prepare
There are many ways a person can prepare for emergency vet visits ahead of time. A simple way would be to open a savings account and each paycheck put a little aside for your pet. Having a savings account for your pet could mean saving its life later down the road. Pet insurance is becoming a popular choice for individuals. In recent years a number of pet health insurance companies have come on the scene. These companies offer a wide variety of plans to cover your pet should it become ill or injured. The following are just a few of the pet insurance companies offering coverage for your cat or dog:
- VPI Pet Insurance
- ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
- Pets Best
- Trupanion
- Shelter Care
- Many others are also available if you search online for pet insurance.
If you decide to get pet insurance make sure you take the time to research the different companies, different plans, exceptions such as preexisting conditions, how payments are made and other details to ensure you are getting the best for your pet.
Other Methods to Help with Veterinary Expenses
Another means of paying for veterinary expenses are veterinary credit cards. Care Credit is one of the more popular credit cards that not only can be used at participating veterinary clinics, but many human healthcare providers may also accept this credit card. Some financial institutions, such as Wells Fargo, are even offering veterinary practices private label credit cards. Of course remember that taking on a credit card is taking on additional debt. Ensure that you manage your credit wisely.
Other options may be to contact a non-profit organization set up to assist with emergency veterinary care. Many of these organizations are operating on limited means, donations, and fundraising efforts. Therefore, the organizations may not be able to pay the whole bill but hopefully may be able to offer some assistance. Some national non-profit veterinary emergency assistance programs are:
- Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance (FVEAP)
- AAHA Helping Pets Fund (must be applied for by a veterinarian)
- Angels 4 Animals
- In Memory of Magic (IMOM)
- Labrador Life Line
- Help-a-Pet
- Shakespeare Animal Fund
- The Pet Fund
- United Animal Nations Lifeline Program (the UAN also has a more comprehensive list here.)
- American Humane Association Second Chance Fund (for shelters)
- Cats in Crisis
- The Mosby Foundation (dogs only)
- Tails of Hope
Sites exist where individuals can set up their own fundraising efforts to help their pets. Sites such as Give Forward, ChipIn, or Wish Upon a Hero can allow a person to ask for help from friends and set up a personal campaign to raise money.
Do Not Give Up on Your Pet
There are so many ways that you can help your pet that the first option should not be to euthanize. Speak with your veterinarian about possibly setting up a payment plan. Obviously if you have never been to a specific veterinarian before the veterinarian may not allow payment plans. Unfortunately many veterinarians are people with hearts of gold who want to do everything they can to help pets, but often get taken advantage of by people who have no intention of paying the bill. This is why it is important to establish a good relationship with your veterinarian. Bring your pet in every year for their exam and really take the time to get to know the person who may one day save your pet's life.
Hopefully you will never have to rush your pet to the emergency clinic at two in the morning due to an accident or illness. If you do make sure you are prepared. Pets depend on us and if we love them enough to prepare for them then we may be able to ensure that they stay with us for years to come.
