We all know how unbelievably expensive a single visit to the vet can be for your pup, not to mention the rising prices of medications, routine testing, vaccines, and (more seriously) surgeries, should something happen unexpectedly.
While there’s not much you can do about the price tags, here are some alternative payment methods that might help should your wallet hit a rough spot:
1. Credit Card
This would be a credit card limited strictly to veterinarian care.
Instead of going to the vet, receiving a large bill, then paying it off all at once, a credit card will allow you to manage payment on a monthly basis.
Just be sure to apply for a card with a reasonable interest rate. Here are a few options strictly for veterinary care.
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2. Relief Programs
There are many organizations dedicated to assisting dog lovers who need help caring for their pups.
Often they break down into specialized services, like programs specifically for service dogs or people with pets receiving home care. But some organizations also offer assistance to folks down on their luck or in a low income situation. They’re not here to judge, just to help.
Below you’ll find a few examples, but for a more complete list click here.
A. Brown Dog Foundation – This foundation assists families experiencing temporary financial crisis yet their pup needs urgent veterinary care. Similar groups, like Harley’s Hope and The Pet Fund, cater more toward low-income dog lovers, as opposed to those experiencing sudden, short-lived financial straits.
B. Dog Breed Support – These breed-specific organizations may help you depending on the breed of your dog. For example, if you have a Corgi, you can petition CorgiAid to help your pup.
C. Handicapped Pets Foundation – Intended to help pups who are elderly or disabled, the goal of this non-profit is to help infirmed dogs have quality of life. And a long life at that.
D. Red Rover – This organization helps people who have rescued animals from crisis situations, such as domestic violence, abandonment, or fighting rings.
If you didn’t find an organization in this list that fits your situation, that doesn’t mean that help isn’t out there. There are number of very specialized groups that may be able to help.
3. Crowdsourcing
Then again, you can always just ask the public for help.
There are many animal lovers out there who have a vested interest in the health of your pup. If you’ve found yourself on hard times, crowdsourcing gives the opportunity to tell your story and seek the assistance of others who may have found themselves in similar situations at one point.
Whatever you do, always support your pup and your pup will support you!
