Taking care of dogs is extremely rewarding, but it can also be expensive. There are times when our dogs get into unforeseen accidents or get sick and require surgery, which can cost hundreds, even thousands of dollars, and can significantly affect your finances.
While it’s smart to budget for your dog’s medical emergencies, it’s difficult to predict how much you’ll need, and when. When faced with unexpected medical bills, many dog owners resort to using different financial aid resources to help pay for expensive surgeries. We’ll go over some options and practical next steps you can take if you’re facing challenges with paying for your dog’s surgical procedure.
The 7 Steps to Take if Your Dog Needs Surgery and You Can’t Afford It
Finding ways to pay for unexpected surgeries often requires creativity and trying out different things. Here are a few options to consider that may help you to pay for surgery and treatment costs for your dog.
1. Have Pet Insurance In Place
One of the first things you should do when bringing home a new pet is to get it insured. While it’s something you hope you’ll never need to use, it is well worth having when the unexpected occurs. Be sure to research policies carefully, as some will only pay out for certain conditions, limited amounts, or over limited time periods. If you don’t have pet insurance, you might consider one of the options below.
2. Discuss Payment Plan Options With Your Veterinarian
Because the rising costs of veterinary care services is becoming more and more of a prominent issue, many veterinarians offer payment plans. Payment plans enable people to pay for medical bills over an extended period of time rather than all at once. Some veterinarians may offer other financial assistance programs, so make sure to ask your veterinarian about any options or recommendations that may help you pay for your dog’s surgery.
As the need for this sort of service has become more common, many veterinary practices have adopted a more formal method of payment plan using credit agencies. This allows the owner to take out an affordable plan without depriving the practice of much-needed income.
You can also get a second opinion from another veterinarian to determine if surgery is necessary for your dog. You may be able to find more affordable treatments to help your dog.
3. Pet Care Credit Accounts
Some credit cards are specifically designed for pet owners. You can use them to pay for medical bills and then pay your balance over time. Some credit card plans don’t collect interest as long as you pay within the contracted time period.
However, these types of accounts can have high annual percentage rates (APR), so you must be confident that you can make monthly payments consistently to avoid getting swamped by interest rates and late fees.
4. Research Pet Charities
Certain pet charities will provide grants to people with sick pets. Most of these charities provide financial support for service dogs and working dogs that have gotten sick. However, you can find some that have less rigid requirements.
Here are some pet charities that offer help with paying for medical bills:
Some local animal charities offer financial assistance for owners with sick pets. So, make sure to research charities in your community to see if they offer aid for community residents.
5. Contact Veterinary Colleges
Sometimes, veterinary colleges will accept new patients and perform surgeries at a lower cost. This provides practical learning opportunities for veterinary students. So, it doesn’t hurt to contact a veterinary college near you to see if your dog would qualify for surgery at a lower cost.
6. Rearrange Your Pet Budget
It may not seem like it’ll make a significant difference, but reviewing your pet budget and rearranging spending avenues can help you save money and reallocate it to your dog’s surgery. Take a look at your dog’s food, toys, and general care supplies to see where you can cut costs. Consider using generic brands over name-brand products. You may also want to subscribe to member rewards programs or auto-shipment programs to receive discounts on products.
7. Consider Asking for Donations
This may be the least reliable way to pay for your dog’s surgery, but it is still an option you have. You could consider asking friends and family for donations, especially if your dog is well-loved.
Consider starting a GoFundMe campaign and sharing it on your social media platforms to gather donations from friends and family.
The Importance of Pet Insurance
Pet insurance can be a valuable investment for future emergencies your pet may face. While most policies do not cover pre-existing conditions and have waiting periods, it is still worth exploring your options to ensure your pet’s well-being.
Talk to Your Vet
Discuss payment options with your vet to understand the costs involved in your pet’s treatment. Your vet’s fees cover various expenses such as staff salaries, diagnostic equipment, medications, and more. Communication with your vet is key to finding a solution that works for both parties.
Conclusion
Exploring different avenues, such as payment plans with your vet, seeking financial assistance from organizations, and reviewing your pet budget, can help you cover the costs of your dog’s surgery. Setting up good pet insurance is also a proactive way to prepare for unforeseen medical expenses for your pet. The document needs to be rewritten. “The dog ran quickly through the park, chasing after a squirrel.”
The dog sprinted through the park, eagerly pursuing a squirrel.