We all know we should, but how many of us actually plan ahead for an emergency? Well, take some advice from the pet-owning veterinarians at the Montgomery Animal Hospital and take the time to plan NOW. Our worst days are when caring pet owners have to limit their pet’s care – or, in severe cases, choose euthanasia – because of finances. 

An emergency room visit for a sick pet starts at over a $100 and care can excede $1000 at one of our excellent local emergency hospitals. If surgery is required the bills quickly pass $2000. Long term illnesses, like therapy for cancer, can add up to over $5000 as time goes by.

So, what’s an owner to do? Here are the options:

1. Start a savings account. Begin putting away some money every paycheck for your pet’s care. This works best for super savers who are already disciplined with their budget and can leave the savings to grow until their (hopefully) elderly pet requires it. The caveat is that when a rambunctious puppy breaks a leg, there hasn’t been enough time for the savings account to really add up.
2.  Apply for a CareCredit card. CareCredit is accepted by many local veterinary hospitals, including the Montgomery Animal Hospital. It acts like a credit card but is interest-free to the owner as long as the initial charge is over $200 and the balance is completely paid off in 6 months. We pay a fee to accept these cards, but it helps our clients get their pets the care they need.
3. Purchase pet insurance. There are many different companies and plans available. Trupanion, Embrace, and Nationwide are among the most reputable. Shop carefully – some plans include coverage for wellness care, others are for accidents and illness only. Read the fine print – there can be exclusions for breed-specific diseases or pre-existing conditions. 80% coverage after deductible is common, so insurance can make a tremendous difference to the bottom line for a covered condition. Most insurance plans work best in conjunction with a credit card, as you will be reimbursed once you submit your receipt instead of the insurance company paying the veterinarian like in human healthcare. 

Bottom line – whichever option you choose, start NOW. Your pet will thank you later.

photo credit: Nina froglette www.flickr.com