How Much Does the Average Person Spend on Vet Bills?
Most people would do anything for their pets. When it comes to our four-legged friends, no cost seems too high. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the average American spends thousands of dollars each year on veterinary care.
The average cost of petcare can vary greatly depending on several different factors such as:
- The type of animal you own
- The age of your pet
- The size of your pet
- Your location
Typically, dogs are the most expensive animal to own, and owning a dog can cost double the price of owning a cat. The typical vet visit for a dog can cost anywhere from $25-186 for a single visit. However, owners of exotic animals like Crested Geckos and some species of birds can may spend more if they need to seek out specialized care.
Moreover, a good rule of thumb is typically the larger your pet the more expensive the pet is to own. This rule also applies to age. As most animals age, their care becomes more intense and frequent and thereby more expensive as well.
While unexpected vet bills can seem daunting, the good news is there are ways to get ahead of these expenses. Through proactive research and a few actionable steps, you can find ways to manage these expenses and keep your four-legged friends happy and healthy!
Are Vet Bills Negotiable?
If you find yourself faced with a staggering vet bill, you may be able to find a way to negotiate these costs! If you are experiencing sticker shock at the cost of your pet’s care, you may want to consider:
- Inquire About Discounts
- Be Thorough
- Explore Payment Plans
- Explore Other Options
Many veterinary offices provide discounts if you are a first responder, educator or student. In some instances, they may even provide a discount if you bring multiple pets into the same clinic.
On top of discounts, make sure that you thoroughly review your vet bill upon receipt. It may be helpful to ask for an itemized bill that lists all services for your pet. A good practice is to also ensure that you communicate with your vet and make it known that you do not want any tests done without prior consent.
In addition, it can be helpful to ask your vet about payment plans. With a payment plan or a pet care credit card, you will have the opportunity to spread out your payments over time, thus reducing the burden. If a payment plan or card is not an option, you may want to consider title loans or personal loans. To find reputable options available to you, search title loans near me to find local resources.
Lastly, get creative with your vet care and consider exploring veterinary teaching hospitals. With a vet teaching hospital, you have the option to work with veterinary students who are still learning how to be vets. These students typically work under the tutelage of an experienced vet and can offer you pet care at a discounted price.
How Can I Reduce the Cost of Vet Bills?
If you are looking to reduce the cost of your vet bills upfront, preventative care is crucial. Preventative care is the best way to keep your pets healthy and thriving. If you are looking how to ensure that you are practicing preventative care with your pets, ensure you are following the below steps:
- Take your pet in for regular check-ups: Don’t skip your pet’s annual exam! By ensuring that you take your pet in for a regular check-up, you are helping to ensure that you can catch any potential health issues early. Early detection helps to avoid costly bills later on once health issues snowball. Veterinarians agree that even healthy animals should go in to see the vet at least once a year.
- Stay up-to-date with your pet’s shots: Keeping your pet up-to-date with vaccinations is incredibly important! There are many vaccinations that not only protect your pet, but protect your pet from spreading harmful diseases to other animals. Part of responsible pet ownership is ensuring that your animal stays healthy and does not pose a risk to other animals they come into contact with.
- Spaying and neutering: While there are many mixed views and opinions on spaying and neutering your animals, it is typically best practice to do this if you are not a responsible breeder. According to the Humane Society, spaying or neutering your pet can not only deter unwanted behaviors, but it also may come with some health benefits, depending on the breed. Spaying and neutering can reduce the risks of certain cancers, but may increase the risk of others, such as osteosarcoma.
- Flea and tick treatment: If you have an animal such as a dog or a cat, ensure that you are staying up to date with your animal’s flea and tick treatment. There are many diseases that can sprout from fleas and ticks and these are easily preventable through a monthly pill or topical treatment. While most vets agree that pet owners do not need to continue flea and tick treatment during colder winter months, you should still continue treatment if you have an animal that is often around other pets or if you live in a wooded area.
Finally, one of the best forms of preventative care for animals is regular exercise. Simply stated, animals that exercise more are usually healthier. While there are many factors that can contribute to the amount of exercise your animal needs, in general adult dogs need anywhere from 30-90 minutes of active playtime each day. Even if you have an animal such as a cat, active playtime and engaging with your animal is important!
What Are Alternative Ways to Finance Vet Bills?
If you are still faced with high vet bills, or perhaps you are not looking to put yourself in a situation like that for a second time, there are alternative ways to finance vet bills. If you are looking for an alternative financing option, you may want to consider pet insurance.
Pet insurance is growing in popularity -and for good reason! Many pet insurance companies offer full coverage or reimbursement for certain vaccinations or expensive x-rays. While pet insurance is another monthly bill to add to the mix, paying a monthly premium and then having coverage should disaster strike is a much lighter financial burden to bear.
There are a variety of types of pet insurance, and you can select a plan that works best for your animal’s type, age and breed. For example, there are some pet insurance plans that cover just major accidents or illnesses, while other plans can cover many preventative care items.
Regardless of the plan you select, proactive reach and planning along with preventative care can help keep your furry friends happy and healthy for years to come!