Please put some money aside for your furbaby.....

[Sweet Apple]

Originally Posted by Ladymom

Just remember that ER vets don't take insurance the way our hospitals do. They will require you to pay upfront. You will have to submit your receipts and wait for reimbursement from your insurance company.

As impossible as it may sound in this economy, everyone needs to be able to get their hands on about $1,000 asap in case of emergency. That's why having an account set up that you add to monthly or a pre-approved Care Credit account is essential. Some illnesses and injuries just can't wait until your regular vet gets back in on Monday.

Got'cha, and very good point to bring out...I'm blessed, as I've got it covered...but good advice for those that may not have set aside enough money...I was aware, when I took out the policy, that all fees would have to be paid "up front" and I'd be reimbursed...

[LittlePuppyKiss]

Originally Posted by WalnutHill

I completely agree - you HAVE to have money aside for emergencies.

In my case, I am great friends with out Vet, who lives about a mile down the road. I can go over to her house any time I need to for help, even the middle of the night. And, she lets me "charge" things and pay later. I know I am one of the lucky ones, but having a relationship with a vet is important.

If you don't take your babies in for regular check-ups, then the vet won't know you. If you visit your vet regularly, I can't imagine that, in a crisis, a decent vet wouldn't help.

I agree! Sassafras went into Anaphylactic Shock last week from a fire ant bite and our vet (who has known us for more than 2 years and met Sassafras the day we brought her home) was called by the staff and arrived minutes after us to take care of our baby.

We are less than 5 minutes from our Vet office and they brought Sassafras in and immediately put her in their oxygen chamber because they didn't think we would make it to the hospital with her because it is about 15 minutes away.

We do have pet insurance and it gives us some peace of mind.

Things can happen so quickly with these sweet little pups and it is very wise to be prepared for emergencies.

[katy-yorkie]

Originally Posted by capt_noonie

Here is the link for care credit. I looked at the website, looks good. I think I will apply just in case.

CareCredit Healthcare Finance - Payment Plans and Financing for Cosmetic Surgery, Dental, Vision, Hearing, Veterinary & Other Medical Procedures

Does anybody have this already?

I have a Care Credit Card. I got it a couple of years ago when my daughter needed her wisdom removed. Some dentists and oral surgeons take the card as well. I got to pay the bill over a year with no interest! Recently when I was at my vet and not sure how much everything was going to cost, I pulled out the Care Credit Card (I did not need it, Yay!). I think this is how it works, once your vet has a total of the cost, someone from their office will call Care Credit to check your credit line ande get verification. It's best to apply for the card before you need it. It's a bit of comfort to know you have it. I don't know if the ER clinics take it. Fortunately I have not had to go there!

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by katy-yorkie

I have a Care Credit Card. I got it a couple of years ago when my daughter needed her wisdom removed. Some dentists and oral surgeons take the card as well. I got to pay the bill over a year with no interest! Recently when I was at my vet and not sure how much everything was going to cost, I pulled out the Care Credit Card (I did not need it, Yay!). I think this is how it works, once your vet has a total of the cost, someone from their office will call Care Credit to check your credit line ande get verification. It's best to apply for the card before you need it. It's a bit of comfort to know you have it. I don't know if the ER clinics take it. Fortunately I have not had to go there!

The ECs here in this area do take Care Credit. Also, good to know, is that Gulf Coast Veterinary Services in Houston take it. They have an excellent staff of board certified specialists.

The Care Credit website has a search tool to find out what vets in your area accept it. It is a good idea to research that ahead of time.

[Ladymom]

If you have a vet you really trust and have been going to for a long time, you can set up a flexible spending account with them. For a few years, I sent my vet $25 every month to keep on account. I made sure I didn't carry it over from year to year, but you can't imagine how handy it is to have $300 or so credit with your vet. One November my cat had a UTI that was $300 with X-rays for stones, then a week later Lady got sick, another $300 bill!

I went to the same vet for years and was allowed to do a payment plan for large bills several times. Most vets will work with you if you have an established relationship with them and are a good client.

Unfortunately, not all emergencies occur during regular business hours so you have to be prepared for the upfront cost of an ER vet. Also, if your pet is really sick and has to be transferred to an ER vet overnight when your vet's office closes, you have to pay that upfront, too.

[Miss Behavin]

Originally Posted by sugarmamma

circumstances change.....how do you unbirth a child you had when gainfully employed? Discard a pet when times are tough? Different lives....different struggles. Walk a mile, my friend

you are right. I'm so sorry I posted this. I, of all people, should know better. (A few years back, I was out exercising my horse, when she spooked, threw me off, and I broke my neck. This rendered me paralyzed, waist-down ).
I saw a news story, back when the economy began to plummet, that people were giving up their dogs at an extremely high. Oftentimes, just dumping them on the side of the road/highway.
My sincere apology. I should know better!

[aqeuous18]

I completely agree. Koi broke his leg 2 weeks ago and with the help of a vet who is a friend of a friend, we were able to get his surgery to $1500. Even then we spent our savings staying afloat while my boyfriend was laid off. We ended up having a good friend to bail us out. But the feeling of helplessness and the stress that we went through not knowing what to do was awful. I will never go through that again. Both my dogs are on insurance now.

[smartpuppiepets]

After years of relationship with my vet and many tough times together he does give me a little time to pay the large bills. Even with that flexibility, my vet is not a 24 hour vet hospital and for emergencies i keep a care credit on hand. It can also be useful for dental, vision, it is a care emergency credit line.
I think my vet is absolutely the best in the area. He had done things for me and my dogs that go way beyond the vet /client relationship. I also have referred so many dog owners to him. His practice is growing ...
But one must always have a plan B ... I have been at the emergency hospital a couple times... uhhhhhmmm way up high on prices and : "no money ... no treatments... "
This thread is one of the best here. Some people do carry insurnce , but forget that at the emergency vets , you must PAY FIRST, then submit it to your insurance, than get reimbursed...
So basically insurance it is only as good as your savings account or credit card limit is in case of an emergency !

Wishing all of you a Happy, healthy, awesome new year !!!!
Blessings to everyone !
XOXO

[Ladymom]

Originally Posted by smartpuppiepets

After years of relationship with my vet and many tough times together he does give me a little time to pay the large bills. Even with that flexibility, my vet is not a 24 hour vet hospital and for emergencies i keep a care credit on hand. It can also be useful for dental, vision, it is a care emergency credit line.
I think my vet is absolutely the best in the area. He had done things for me and my dogs that go way beyond the vet /client relationship. I also have referred so many dog owners to him. His practice is growing ...
But one must always have a plan B ... I have been at the emergency hospital a couple times... uhhhhhmmm way up high on prices and : "no money ... no treatments... "
This thread is one of the best here. Some people do carry insurnce , but forget that at the emergency vets , you must PAY FIRST, then submit it to your insurance, than get reimbursed...
So basically insurance it is only as good as your savings account or credit card limit is in case of an emergency !

Wishing all of you a Happy, healthy, awesome new year !!!!
Blessings to everyone !
XOXO

My vets are wonderful about payment plans, doing extra services for no charge, etc., too. Unfortunately, Lady loves to get sick on weekends and holidays. She had HGE three times in four months ..... once on Memorial Day and once over Labor Day weekend!

You absolutely have to be financially prepared for an after hours emergency with pets.

[smartpuppiepets]

Originally Posted by Ladymom

My vets are wonderful about payment plans, doing extra services for no charge, etc., too. Unfortunately, Lady loves to get sick on weekends and holidays. She had HGE three times in four months ..... once on Memorial Day and once over Labor Day weekend!

You absolutely have to be financially prepared for an after hours emergency with pets.

[kjc]

Originally Posted by Lisa and Pic

This sounds like a great idea and thanks for posting the link. I am also interesting in hearing from anyone that already has this card.

I applied for this last week and got it. The rates they advertise are great, but be aware they are Teaser rates... late or miss a payment and the rate goes up to 29%! Which, I decided, even if that happens having the money to save a life is still worth it. I really, really hate Credit Cards. Hopefully I won't need to use it. Heard on the news that somes cards may start charging an inactivity fee ($20/month) and other fees so check things out after the first...duh...tomorrow!

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by kjc

I applied for this last week and got it. The rates they advertise are great, but be aware they are Teaser rates... late or miss a payment and the rate goes up to 29%! Which, I decided, even if that happens having the money to save a life is still worth it. I really, really hate Credit Cards. Hopefully I won't need to use it. Heard on the news that somes cards may start charging an inactivity fee ($20/month) and other fees so check things out after the first...duh...tomorrow!

With Care Credit the terms are different with each vet or doctor that you go to. The facility sets the terms, but Care Credit collects it! Some of them offer interest free for a certain period. You just have to be sure to pay it off before that period ends. Also, with Care Credit, if you have two items charged....then when you make your monthly payment you must call them after that payment goes through if you want a certain amount designated to just one bill. It is confusing until you get used to it. If you don't pay attention, then the one that is interest free for perhaps 3 months might expire and you might think it was paid down when your payments were going to the other one! I hope this makes sense!

[smartpuppiepets]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

With Care Credit the terms are different with each vet or doctor that you go to. The facility sets the terms, but Care Credit collects it! Some of them offer interest free for a certain period. You just have to be sure to pay it off before that period ends. Also, with Care Credit, if you have two items charged....then when you make your monthly payment you must call them after that payment goes through if you want a certain amount designated to just one bill. It is confusing until you get used to it. If you don't pay attention, then the one that is interest free for perhaps 3 months might expire and you might think it was paid down when your payments were going to the other one! I hope this makes sense!

Nice tip !
Thanks .