A cat being examined by a vet, How to Manage Pet Care Medical Costs

How to Manage Pet Care Medical Costs

Budgeting Your Furry Companions’ Routine and Emergency Care

At Advanced Pet Care Clinic, we understand that pets are part of the family, and their owners want the best care for them. Still, the expenses tied to pet care medical costs can swiftly accumulate, straining finances and potentially compromising pets' health. Understanding pet care medical costs underscores the need to budget for such expenses and seek savings. This article offers practical tips to navigate veterinary expenses and manage your pet's health care costs.

Pet insurance for pet care medical costs

Pet insurance pays, partly or in total, for veterinary treatment of the insured person’s ill or injured pet.

As veterinary medicine is increasingly employing more advanced medical techniques and drugs, and owners have higher expectations for their pet’s health care and standard of living than previously, the market for pet insurance has increased. Pet insurance companies are beginning to offer the pet owner more of an ability to customize their coverage by allowing them to choose their deductible level or co-insurance. This flexibility allows the pet owner to control their monthly premium and choose the level of coverage that suits them the best.

When considering pet insurance, consider these critical factors:

  • coverage options,
  • deductibles,
  • premiums,
  • reimbursement rates,
  • and any exclusions.

Carefully review policy details before making an informed choice. And please feel free to consult with us before making your final decision. Pawlicy Advisor is a great independent company to help compare plans, cost, benefits, and deductibles for each of your pets all in one location.  You can check it out at https://www.pawlicy.com/  and get free quotes for your pets.

Establishing an emergency fund for pet care medical costs

No matter how well you budget and plan, emergencies can still happen. Preparing for unexpected pet medical expenses, such as accidents or sudden illnesses, is essential. An emergency fund can give you peace of mind that you have the funds to fall back on if your pet suffers from a disease or an accident. With an emergency fund, you can act promptly when your pet's health is at stake. Your focus remains solely on your pet's recovery. You won't need to cope with the added stress of sudden medical expenses. Our team can assist you in determining an appropriate emergency fund amount based on your pet's health history, breed, and potential medical needs.

Resources for financial assistance

CareCredit

CareCredit is another option when an unexpected illness strikes a pet. We understand this and thus accept payment through the CareCredit program. It takes just 5 minutes to complete an application and will allow you to break down the cost into six monthly installments. You can apply yourself online at www.CareCredit.com/apply.

ScratchPay

ScratchPay is another 3rd party financing option.  Similar to CareCredit, you apply online and are approved in minutes.  Often if you don’t qualify for CareCredit, you may qualify for ScratchPay.  You can check out the details or apply at https://www.scratchpay.com/ 

In some cases, organizations like The Pet Fund and RedRover Relief extend a helping hand to pet owners facing non-urgent and emergency care expenses. Local animal welfare groups might also offer solace in times of financial strain. Explore these options and apply promptly to access the support you and your pet deserve.

Use preventative medicine to lower your pet's risk for emergency care.

Wellness exams are a cornerstone of preventive care. Semi-annual wellness exams help prolong life by allowing health issues to be identified and addressed early before they become more complicated and expensive problems. Often, health problems that go undetected become more serious when left untreated, so checkups are important even when your pet appears healthy. Investing in routine checkups, vaccinations, and dental cleanings lowers the risks of unexpected pet care medical costs. Annual wellness blood profiles allow us to detect diseases earlier so we can initiate treatment sooner, often slowing the progression and allowing your pet to live longer, healthier lives. 

We are excited to now be offering wellness plans for your pets.  Our wellness plans are a monthly subscription that includes your annual exams, vaccines, heartworm and flea and tick prevention and allows you the option to add annual wellness blood profiles to your plan.  The plan allows you to pay for your pet’s wellness care spread out over 12 months instead of all at once.  You can learn more and sign up at https://advancedpetcareclinic.premiersignup.com/

Steps to build your financial plan with Advanced Pet Care Clinic

Now that you know some essentials, you can construct your financial plan. Here are some steps to guide you.  

  1. Consult with our veterinary experts about your pet's unique health requirements and projected medical costs associated with our treatments and services.
  2. Explore pet insurance options and engage with our team to align policies with Advanced Pet Care Clinic's services, ensuring an informed decision. www.pawlicy.com
  3. Talk with our experts about the emergency fund amount you need based on your pet's health history and potential medical needs.
  4. Work alongside our team to establish a preventative care schedule that safeguards your pet's well-being and minimizes the risk of unexpected health incidents.
  5. Investigate pet wellness plans at https://advancedpetcareclinic.premiersignup.com/
  6. Regularly review your pet's health and financial plan with our team to accommodate changing needs and circumstances.

Alternative Therapies

At Advanced Pet Care Clinic, our goal is to provide comprehensive care to pets. Our alternative therapies can often provide cost-effective options in contrast to standard veterinary interventions, such as surgery. We offer the following alternative therapy services:  

  1. Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation (VOM) is comparable to a person receiving chiropractic treatment and is becoming popular among pet owners. This technique can help reduce pain and restore proper function to your pet's joints.
  2. Laser Therapy: This FDA-cleared, deep penetrating light allows relief of pain through the release of endorphins and stimulates the injured cells to heal faster.
  3. Homeopathic and Nutraceutical therapy: Alternative therapies such as homeopathy and nutraceuticals may also play an important role in the treatment of some conditions. According to the AVMA, homeopathy is a gentler and more natural alternative to traditional medicine. Nutraceuticals are products that are food or are made from food that provide medicinal or health benefits. Some examples of nutraceuticals are antioxidants, probiotics, and vitamins.
  4. Canine rehabilitation: Whether a dog suffers from an injury, post-surgical issues, or pain from aging, we offer rehabilitative services, including underwater treadmill therapy, massage therapy, stretching, and therapeutic exercises. We are big in natural remedies for pain management!

Conclusion: Prioritizing your pet's health and well-being

Budgeting for your furry friend's medical costs is a primary responsibility of pet ownership. By working with us and understanding your pet’s medical needs, you can create a realistic budget, explore pet insurance options, and be prepared for unexpected emergencies, ensuring that your furry family member receives the best possible care throughout their life.

At Advanced Pet Care Clinic, we are here to support you throughout your pet’s life. Please contact us for any questions about creating your financial plan for your pet's medical care. We hope this comprehensive guide has empowered you to make confident and budget-conscious choices for your furry companion.

Your Caring Team,

Advanced Pet Care Clinic