Vet fees assistance for pet owners. Check this.

I feel I'd like to post this, and hope it might help anyone who needs the vet desperately for their dog, but who doesn't have much money, is on Welfare/Benefits/Pensions, etc and is scared about the vet fees.
I did quick research tonight, but not sure exactly how both these work. Maybe up to the pet owner to take a look & see...
In the United States: check out the A.A.H.A. Helping Pets Fund  For helping pet owners in financial hardship. www.aahahelpingpets.org
In the United Kingdom: the P.D.S.A. PetAid scheme. Helping anyone who is on benefits/ Housing benefit. (Need to register beforehand) In desperate emergency, could contact the R.S.P.C.A.?
It is also possible some vets will work out a weekly/monthly payment plan for fees.

[Jaybay]

Thanks for posting this information.  So many times we see questions on this board from people who desperately need medical care for their pets but can't afford it.  Or at least, they "think" they can't afford it.  Some people never even bother to make a phone call to a rescue group or veterinary clinic and don't even try to make payment arrangements.  Some vet clinics will help with a payment plan, but you have to ask.  

Another resource is Care Credit.  It's basically a credit card but can only be used for a specific health care provider - human or animal.  The program is fully explained on the CC website, and you can also apply online.  Veterinary specialists for severely ill or injured animals usually offer CC or something similar for their clients.  Specialized care is expensive for animals as well as people.

Money is always an issue when we or our pets get sick.  We find it easy to save for a vacation, but saving money for something "boring" like vet care?  doesn' seem to happen very often.  

I'll take this opportunity to remind people who are thinking of getting a pet of any kind that medical care for said pet is not optional.  If you can't afford even the basics of preventive medicine like vaccinations or heartworm meds, then you can't have a pet.  It really is that simple.  Christmas tends to bring with it a host of new pets to families.  These emotional pet purchases also tend to end in disaster for the animal because the buyer didn't research how expensive a pet can be.  OK, end of Public Service Message.  LOL!  :-)

[sk123]

Thank you for this message. I'm worried about all the holiday pet purchases and really, really hope that people think this through before buying a pet they can't afford.

[katew888]

This is fantastic- I've been laid off and my dog has been having seizures since October and was diagnosed with epilepsy, however he has not responded to treatment, meaning that we'll need an MRI or CAT Scan to determine if there is another problem; the MRI costs $2500 and the CAT Scan is $1800.  I will definitely look into this.  

On this same note, does anyone have advice for looking around for other clinics that offer more affordable MRI/CAT procedures?  Price comparison, per say?

[ginger899]

As I remember, someone posted on this forum once about selling stuff to pay vet fees too. (Can't remember who that was) Now that's a good idea. Laptops/mp3players/designer shoes, never been worn/modems/plasma screens.....you name it. ANYTHING sells on ebay! What's valued most? A total best friend and family member...or  STUFF?? Stuff is always replaceable, a best friend isn't. This would work well if the vet set a monthly payment plan.

[katew888]

Oh, if only all vets did payment plans!  Obviously, regular veterinarians do, but specialty care requires payment upon discharge (in my case here).  Selling things is interesting. Things aren't that dire yet, but I suppose in this economy, anything is possible ;)

[ginger899]

Yeah, my vet doesn't do payment plans either. It's strictly cash on delivery. I don't know why they can't be a little more helpful. Okay I can understand they don't want to have to chase up late payments and all that kind of thing, but fees are SO expensive, there should be something for those people who love their pets and want the best for them, but who just don't have that kind of money in one big chunk!
And as for selling things....I would sell anything I own to help my dog.

[Jaybay]

ginger - that might have been me.  We sold my car to help pay for Maggie's $7,000 surgeries.  We're combing the house now for a garage sale to finally nuke the rest of our credit debt.  Just gotta do whatcha gotta do sometimes.  :-)

[allaboutmary]

I'm a decorative painter and have the best vet ever. I found an old poodle that no one claimed. My vet gave me a great deal on having her fixed up (eye infection and removal of 10 rotten teeth)  I told him the financial bind I'm in with this economy.  He is going to barter out further care for mine and my sisters pets in exchange for painting a sign for his new office.
So  bartering is also an option.

[ginger899]

You've got yourself a good vet there. His attitude shows me he's probably good at what he does too....That is SO positive in what increasingly seems to be a money-grabbing world.

[allaboutmary]

You got that right !  I feel so bad for everyone that doesn't have a vet like mine. I've been taking my pets to him for 15 years. He has always been so honest with me and tries to keep my bills reasonable.  He has even offered to go with me to pick out a new dog. He says I always pick unhealthy ones.lol  Which he said is great for him, but very bad for me. What a great guy he is. Me and my pets are so lucky to have found him.

[ginger899]

Forgive me for pushing my own post, but I'm bumping this up in case anyone out there is on very low income, on hard times, or is in need of charitable help to pay vet's fees.

It is obvious that no-one out there should imagine their dog cannot suddenly become seriously ill, and need veterinary care which could end up costing a lot of money. No-one should ever take on responsibility for a dog without having some financial plan in place for sudden emergencies! Whether that is savings in the bank/charitable registration already in place/pet insurance. No matter how fit and well your dog is, it could urgently need expensive treatment at any time!
There are possible options available for those people who are on welfare, old age pensions or benefits, whether in USA or UK. Those who need it, check it out now. Don't wait till an emergency situation.