I am writing this as I am so very heart sick at all the threads over all the years, where owners are so distraught, because their puppy or their young dog has been diagnosed with a life-threatening condition, that needs surgery, or other huge medical expenses to get well.
THEY DONT HAVE THE FUNDS!!!!
There are a few plans in the USA that do cover genetic and congenital defects, please, please get your puppy enrolled in a insurance program that covers this.
The cost of surgery is well pretty expensive, easily $2,000 or more, and then add in the diagnostic testing etc you can easily go to $ 3,000 or more.
The earlier you enroll the cheaper the insurance is monthly. And also many plans won't cover pre-existing conditions that is wise once you do your first puppy wellness check, you immediately apply for insurance.
You can easily pick your carrier before you pick up your puppy!
I will say that paying $35 a month which equals $420 a year for three years would not even cover the cost of one LP surgery if you needed one and did not have insurance.
And just so you know up until now I have self insured, my next puppy will be insured with Trupanion here in Canada.
I have spent many many many thousands of dollars on my dogs and some thousands or so on my cat. And I have done this willingly and with a pretty big bank account behind me.
But I have done the math and I would have been ahead many thousands if I had not self insured.
And quite frankly if you get afford $35 a month, or don't want to spend that monthly, maybe dog ownership is not for you at this time.