Paying For Your Pet's Surgery
by Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger
29 Mar 2008 06:37 AM
When Moose was hit by a car last June, the final bill for his care was close to a thousand dollars -- that includes x-rays, the surgery itself, painkillers and antibiotics, and aftercare. Thank goodness I had some money saved up for emergencies. My parents sent me several hundred dollars to help, too.
Many people don't have an emergency fund when a pet needs surgery. So what can you do? Don't despair... there are always options.
- Ask the veterinarian about the possibility of a payment plan. For major surgeries, your vet may be able to let you pay off your bill in pieces, rather than all at once. It never hurts to ask!
- Look into animal charities. Many veterinarian offices and animal shelters have a fund available to help animals who need expensive surgeries. My vet back in Vermont had a donation jar on the counter for their surgery assistance fund -- I always dropped in whatever change I had in my wallet.
- Hold your own fundraiser. If you have a Paypal account, friends and family who are far away can instantly send you money. A friend of mine paid for her cat's tail surgery this way. The cat broke her tail (not quite as far down as Moose did -- she still has a stump) and the vet estimated that the surgery would cost several hundred dollars. My friend asked for donations and got the money she needed. Even if friends and family can only offer a few dollars, the total adds up quickly. (I also know an artist who has raised several thousand dollars for her dental surgery this way -- most of the donors give $10 or less.) If you feel bad about just asking for handouts, you can always send thank-you gifts in return or thank local friends with a meal.
There are always options when you are facing an expensive surgery for a beloved pet. Be creative, and don't be afraid to ask for help!
