Owning a pet can be very expensive, and at some point, you may be faced with unexpected vet bills. No pet owner wants their animal to suffer because they can not afford medical treatment. However, an unexpected medical emergency can cause huge financial difficulties for an unprepared pet owner. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to cover an emergency pet bill and ensure your pet̵7;s health.
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Weigh Your Options
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Before you make any decision on your pet̵7;s health, weigh your options. If you have a good relationship with your veterinarian, talk to her about setting up a payment plan. You may be able to pay portions of the bill on a weekly or monthly basis, rather than paying for everything up front.
If this isn̵7;t possible, seek a second opinion. A different veterinarian may know of another way to treat your pet that is less expensive. Or, the vet may be able to complete the same procedure for a smaller amount of money. According to the Humane Society of the United States, vets in smaller towns tend to charge lower fees. Another option is to check out local veterinarian schools, as many of them run low-cost clinics.
Seek Assistance from Shelters
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Local animal shelters can often help pet owners with vet bills. According to the Humane Society of the United States, some shelters work with local veterinarians who are willing to charge lower fees. In addition, some shelters have veterinary loan or grant programs that you can apply for. If you have a purebred dog or cat, there are also specific breed veterinary care assistance programs out there.
Preventative Measures
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To avoid these steps, there are certain preventative measures you can take. Always make sure your pet is spayed or neutered. Also, keep their shots up to date and take them to routine checkups.
If you allow your pet to run free outdoors, watch them carefully or make sure they are in a confined area, such as a fenced-off yard, to prevent serious injuries.
Pet Insurance
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There is also the option of purchasing a pet health insurance plan. This could help you avoid going into debt in the case your animal needs extensive medical care. If you decide to go this route, shop around first. There are several pet health insurance providers out there, and their policies and premiums can vary widely. Take into account the insurer̵7;s monthly or annual cost but also look at its deductibles, co-pays and caps. If you have more than one pet, ask the insurer if they offer discounts for insuring multiple pets.
It is important to keep in mind that while pet insurance can save you money in the case of an emergency vet visit, it also has its shortfalls. If your animal has a pre-existing medical problem, such as hip dysplasia in dogs, the insurer may not cover the animal. In addition, the older your animal is, the more money you will likely have to pay in premiums, according to MSN Money.
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