by Becca Chow

Most pet owners take the responsibilty of their pet's health very seriously. A pet is not just an animal; he is a valuable family member. Some owners will drain their bank account to do whatever interventions are needed while to others, a sick pet is a commitment of money and time that they are not willing to invest. At some point, every pet owner has asked, "How much would you be willing to pay for veterinary care for a sick dog or cat?"

The main problem with sick pets is one of a lack of financial preparation. While humans have health insurance or can make arrangements to have smaller, more affordable payments on a medical bill, veterinarians are most likely going to ask for payment at the time of service. Few people are prepared for the price of X-Rays, medications, overnight stays and all the other treatments that a sick pet will need. The reasons for the vet's request of payment at the time of service are understandable, even though it is a hardship for the owner. It is not unusual in the veterinary world for a distraught owner to beg for every intervention for his pet, regardless of the cost, only to balk at paying the bill after services are complete or leave the animal at the vet, refusing to pay at all. Still, ask the vet; some will accept payments after a certain percentage is paid up front.

There are ways to prepare in advance for an emergency or extended illness in a pet. One way is to purchase pet insurance; be sure to comparison shop before selecting one. Some insurances require deductibles and co-payments to be paid at the time of the visit, just like any human health insurance company. Check to be sure the company has complete coverage of a wide range of services such as well pet visits, and routine shots. There are policies available to cover emergency services only which might be more affordable. Some vets accept insurance but most will expect payment from the pet owner, who then submits the bill to the insurance company for reimbursement.

Putting a bit of money aside from each paycheck into a special emergency pet fund is a good idea. Even small amounts saved will add up quickly.

Credit is another option; CareCredit in particular is accepted by most veterinary offices and can be applied for and approved during the visit. 

The question of how much an owner would be willing to pay for veterinary care is personal. Consider the age of the pet; will treatments detract from an older pet's overall quality of life? Take into account the outcome of treatments; is there a good chance for full recovery? Think of how much money has been spent; sometimes it makes more sense to continue treatments rather than stopping them so that money already spent is not wasted.

With veterinarian costs reaching thousands of dollars, setting personal limits and having payment options before they are needed can help ease the burden.

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