When Emergency Strikes, Are You Prepared?

(Pictured here are two pups resting easy because their owner has a plan for emergencies.)

Pet owners never want to think about or plan for emergencies, but this is exactly what responsible pet owners need to be prepared for so that if that time comes, the focus can be on your pet, not about scrambling to make sure you have the finances to pay for diagnostics and treatments that your pet needs. 

"I'm not a millionaire and emergency vet care is expensive." Those are likely both true facts. But I'm going to share some tips with you to help you be prepared. 

Tip #1. PET INSURANCE.

I highly recommend it. For a monthly fee and after meeting a deductible, you can likely get your pet's emergency visit partially if not mostly covered. There are several pet insurance companies out there and it's up to you to read all the fine print and decide which one is best for you and your pet, but the goal of pet insurance is for you to pay a monthly fee and have confidence that if your pet becomes severely ill or an emergency situation occurs you have support at the ready and can select the best diagnostic and treatment plan. Many companies are even available 24/7 for information about coverage and claims. 

Tip #2. EMERGENCY FUND.

Start with $20 and deposit a small amount with each paycheck. $10 deposits here and there grow over time. If you start from the time you adopt your pet, you can likely have a couple hundred dollars in a few years (if you save right) and this will be so incredibly valuable when you're trying to figure out how you're going to afford tests and treatments. It may be enough to get your pet through the night at an emergency vet or at least some treatments that will tide your pet over until you can see your primary care vet during business hours. 

Tip #3. CARE CREDIT. 

Self-explanatory if you can read. Visit www.carecredit.com for all the details. 

Tip #4. SCRATCHPAY.

Similar to a medical loan. Visit www.scratchpay.com for all the details. 

Tip #5. PREVENTATIVE CARE. 

Listen to your primary care veterinarian. It's called preventative care because it prevents emergencies and serious conditions. Run bloodwork on your pet when it's recommended so you can monitor for problems and catch them early before they cause a crisis situation. 

TIP #6. PLEASE CONSIDER FINANCES BEFORE HAVING A PET (S). 

Unfortunately pets are not cheap. They are a responsibility and a huge part of that responsibility is financial. I firmly believe that without the ability to financially support pet ownership, you are risking some serious heartbreak, worry and as a result decreased quality of life for both owner and pet. 

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