Need Financial Help For Vet? - Page 2 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Taryn0405 · 12-21-2011, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

Ha ha, me too, I buy most things with credit card, but I do pay it off at the end of the month. So many people think they can pay $20.00 a month, and they get overwelmed in a hurry. Lol, I was young once, I know how it is.

I hear you. I used to work for a Credit Union and was amazed at how young people didn't know to pay the statement balance as opposed to the minimum.
But anywho, I'm getting off topic!

Nancy1999 · 12-21-2011, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taryn0405

I hear you. I used to work for a Credit Union and was amazed at how young people didn't know to pay the statement balance as opposed to the minimum.
But anywho, I'm getting off topic!

I'm reporting you to the OT police! I look at it this way, we're bumping the thread so others can read the original poster's post.

Taryn0405 · 12-21-2011, 10:35 AM

Uh oh!! There's OT police!

I'm in trouble. I thought I just had to cower from the Polite Police!

I feel a fine being written....

Nancy1999 · 12-21-2011, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taryn0405

Uh oh!! There's OT police!

I'm in trouble. I thought I just had to cower from the Polite Police!

I feel a fine being written....

Lol, most of them just put me on ignore!

concretegurl · 12-21-2011, 06:45 PM

...Elvis has become coined 'the $10,000 dog'...
however some people are just cheap trash plain and simple...

(heck, despite his high cost of medical care and medications-I honestly don't think he ever saw a vet before getting his rabies shot and health check to be flown to me...)

often people have the means and they still simply don't want to pay for needed care.

What really bothers me is how people will pay thousands for a dog, hundreds on designer dog cloths, jewelry, purses to carry them in, even grooming etc...but their dog has NEVER seen a vet!!!

Britster · 12-21-2011, 06:51 PM

That's how I look at it. There are many people who spend their money on things that don't add joy to their life and aren't necessary.... Jackson brings me so much joy and happiness, that he's completely worth every penny.

What else could I spend money on that gives me so much sheer happiness, pure unconditional love, and laughter? He literally makes me smile every day. I don't think there's anything else that can be bought that brings me so much value to my life.

zowiandnikasmom · 12-22-2011, 07:13 AM

sadly, it is soooo true... people really do need to consider the cost of vet bills when accepting a new pup into their family. as others have said, care credit can be a godsend, plus i have a credit card just for doggie emergencies. every so often there will be an extra pay period in the month, so that is a good time to save $ for your pets or plan their needs around that. if you regularly see your veterinarian and establish a good relationship with him/her, many (like mine) will offer to accept payments directly. i have never had to take our wonderful vet up on that offer, but i am so thankful that she has offered. there are so many ways that you can make it work!!! beleive me, if i could afford it i would have 4 little furbutts running around right now lol. but i am just as happy to have my 2 and feel very fortunate to have them and be able to do whatever needs to be done!!!
we were very lucky that my zowi has been extremely healthy her entire life but at 9 years old started to have problems and was diagnosed with cushing's disease. currently, all her meds are costing just under $4 per day, about $120 or so a month. she has to get a blood test sent to the university of tennessee every 2 months at miniumum. when we 1st started her treatment in june it was $185 and just last week she had it done and it has gone up to $255! often we have had to do that test every 3 weeks while getting her dose adjusted correctly. plus she needs regular bloodwork done every 3 months at minimum at about $100. she will need the meds and tests for the rest of her life. my little nika (rip) had several medical issues (bad reactions to shots, allergies, hypoglycemia, pancreatitis) starting from a 6 week old pup and by the time she was a year old was a $3,500 dog. that's only the first year! several er visits over the 6 years she was with us cost between $400-1,300 each time. this does not even include groomers, bi-yearly dentals, dog training classes, toys, food, treat, etc.
ALL THIS BEING SAID, IT IS / WAS ALL MONEY WELL SPENT AND I HAVE NO REGRETS! but i know that 2 is my limit once you factor in all the expenses and of course, you want to be able to spoil them rotten and have fun with them lol. my girls have been on doggie boat cruises, carriage rides, etc. my babies care is very important and we never ever compromise that. thanks for pointing this out and posting this!!!

celstu1 · 12-22-2011, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beecee

Sometimes life hands people some bad cards. One day you could have the money, the next day you're struggling to keep a roof over your head.

I can afford my pups no problem right now....but if something were to happen, gawd forbid, I would have to make sacrifices...the last thing I would sacrifice is my doggy care but if it comes down to it...they also need a roof over their head.

I don't have anyone that is there to save my rear if something goes bad....I would just have to hope and pray that nothing bad happens so I can always afford my babies.

I hear this completely. I thank God everyday that my fiance & I have kept our jobs and make decent incomes. But that could all be taken away tomorrow. I have a 0% interest Care Credit card with a $3000 limit (which I could up on the fly) if anything happens.... this is not ideal but would get my pups the help they needed should anything happen.

gemy · 12-22-2011, 11:55 AM

I love the term puppy purse. So many ways it can be done too. A separate savings account with automatic withdrawals going into it every 2wks or once per month. You can set it up so that you can't write cheques or anything against it. Here in Canada, and I'm assuming something similar in US, we can buy Canada Savings Bonds, 100% backed by the federal gov't, and these will give you a better rate of return than a savings account - and again can be set up by the bank to withdraw $x per month out of your account. They can be redeemed yearly, or in a pinch during the year, you would just lose a bit of interest on the amount.
We don't have anything like care credit up here, but of course credit cards.

Maybe OP it would help to know that 10yrs ago a customer survey was done by the AVMA on lots of aspects of consumer spending. One question asked was; "How much are you willing to pay annually for vet care'? The answer was very low indeed about $250 or so. Even less was a consumer willing to pay for cat care.
This opened my eyes, to ppl's beliefs/values etc.

RachelandSadie · 12-23-2011, 05:55 PM

i wholeheartedly agree. i would just get care credit if i have to for anything too major to just pay out. now i don't rush to the vet for little things that i have had the knowledge and experience to treat at home like a one day tummy bug, but my gosh if that tummy bug doesn't go away quick and my meds and methods don't work fast i'm off the the vet in a hurry. anything that causes them pain or makes me scared we just rush to a vet. i'm not about to wait something out all night that i feel is putting their lives in danger. wouldn't do it to a child and won't to my pups. if i go into debt and take years to pay it all off i'd do it in a minute for them both.

i love those dogs and their lives are so important to me. can't watch them suffer. even with little tummy bugs like Sadie had last saturday i was preparing myself that the cerenia wouldn't work and if she threw up even once after the meds i was ready to leave for the ER weekend vets. luckily she stopped, bland diet worked, and the pepcid worked and she's back to her usual stinker pot self.

anyways thanks for reminding us the importance of a "pet purse" and that if you can't afford the vet you can't afford the pet.

katirob · 12-23-2011, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taryn0405

I'm a big offernder of this. I bought Gizmo with a credit card because I get 5% back on all of my purchases!

I had the money up front no problem. But I guess I'm just one of those people.

Ha ha - I never thought of using a credit card to buy the dog - I don't think the breeder would have accepted it, but I sure could have used the miles I would have earned!!

CouversMom · 12-23-2011, 09:01 PM

I agree! I don't know why people think they can adopt an animal and then not take care of it properly! I have an 8k Care Credit and a $15,000 credit card along with quite a bit of money saved up, so I feel good knowing my babies would be covered should something happen. So far we have only had a couple of non-routine vet visits (less than 1k), so we have been lucky. I had a friend whose yorkie mix was ran over by a truck and it was 7k for her surgeries and rehab and they used Care Credit. It is worth the piece of mind to have it and to know that your pups will not ever go without.

Lil Sis · 12-31-2011, 08:17 PM

I agree about pet care. But I will add, it is about education of the owners.
Many people were raised that pets were ONLY pets... They can learn. The other comment is we really don't know what is going on in a home, or the reasons some people make bad choices. Some of us have iit easier then others. I have Never

had to make a choice of my care vs my fur babies care, so I am lucky. I have learned life can change in a second!

KazzyK810 · 12-31-2011, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrimsonLuvsLola

The dogs I had now are dogs I had when my mom was still alive. Now that she's passed on I have a hard time keeping things paid (bills and such) I would go hungry before my dogs bowl would go empty. So I understand when some people say they cant afford the vet bills. I know I can't afford them but that doesnt stop me from getting my pets cared for. I'm going to the vet tomorrow for an allergic reaction my Sammy is having, I'll find a way to pay for it. I always do.

This is the reason ZoE has a Trust. Not only would it cover her medical bills, but it would cover the cost of her life care should anything happen to me. My daughter would gladly care for ZoE, but I don't feel it's right to burden her (a young college student who has plenty of bills of her own) with the additional cost of supporting & caring for my dog.

ademas · 03-09-2012, 06:52 PM

Not all expenses can be anticipated and absorbed. I, too, have savings, and all of my credit cards and lines of credit have zero balances. Aside from a modest car payment, I have no debt.

That said, it's still not difficult to imagine a series of circumstances that could destroy my nest egg. I'm grateful it hasn't happened, but I firmly believe that the vast majority of people are one medical emergency away from bankruptcy.

I love my baby. He's 12, diabetic, hypothyroid, and today I got the possible diagnosis of Cushing's Disease. I'm really beside myself. Yes, I can afford his insulin, needles, blood glucose testing supplies. and regular vet visits. Yes, I could afford the $140 in blood work today, and I'll be able to afford the $242 test to confirm his Cushing's diagnosis.

After that? I'll have to take things as they come. I live in the real world. There are treatments and medications that I can't afford for myself. There are also treatments and procedures that I simply would not put a 12-year old, elderly dog through.

I wish I was without limits on my resources, but it's my reality. There would be a lot more homeless (and euthanized) pets out there if only those with the means to anticipate every emergency were able to be pet owners.

12-21-2011, 10:35 AM	#18
Taryn0405 Owned by a Gremlin Donating Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: The Mitten State! Posts: 3,706	Uh oh!! There's OT police! I'm in trouble. I thought I just had to cower from the Polite Police! I feel a fine being written.... __________________ Taryn Momma to Gizmo AKA Monkeyman My husband, daughter, son, and dog make me who I am "My goal in life is to be as good of a person my dog already thinks I am."

12-21-2011, 06:45 PM	#20
concretegurl Between♥Suspensions Donating Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Vaissades Posts: 7,979	...Elvis has become coined 'the $10,000 dog'... however some people are just cheap trash plain and simple... (heck, despite his high cost of medical care and medications-I honestly don't think he ever saw a vet before getting his rabies shot and health check to be flown to me...) often people have the means and they still simply don't want to pay for needed care. What really bothers me is how people will pay thousands for a dog, hundreds on designer dog cloths, jewelry, purses to carry them in, even grooming etc...but their dog has NEVER seen a vet!!! __________________ Shan & 8 kids now!

12-21-2011, 06:51 PM	#21
Britster Action Jackson ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Maryland Posts: 17,815	That's how I look at it. There are many people who spend their money on things that don't add joy to their life and aren't necessary.... Jackson brings me so much joy and happiness, that he's completely worth every penny. What else could I spend money on that gives me so much sheer happiness, pure unconditional love, and laughter? He literally makes me smile every day. I don't think there's anything else that can be bought that brings me so much value to my life. __________________ ~ Brit & Lights! Camera! Jackson! CGC ETD TKP ~ Follow Jackson on Instagram: https://instagram.com/jacksontheterrier Last edited by Britster; 12-21-2011 at 06:52 PM.

12-22-2011, 07:13 AM	#22
zowiandnikasmom YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: illinois Posts: 902	sadly, it is soooo true... people really do need to consider the cost of vet bills when accepting a new pup into their family. as others have said, care credit can be a godsend, plus i have a credit card just for doggie emergencies. every so often there will be an extra pay period in the month, so that is a good time to save $ for your pets or plan their needs around that. if you regularly see your veterinarian and establish a good relationship with him/her, many (like mine) will offer to accept payments directly. i have never had to take our wonderful vet up on that offer, but i am so thankful that she has offered. there are so many ways that you can make it work!!! beleive me, if i could afford it i would have 4 little furbutts running around right now lol. but i am just as happy to have my 2 and feel very fortunate to have them and be able to do whatever needs to be done!!! we were very lucky that my zowi has been extremely healthy her entire life but at 9 years old started to have problems and was diagnosed with cushing's disease. currently, all her meds are costing just under $4 per day, about $120 or so a month. she has to get a blood test sent to the university of tennessee every 2 months at miniumum. when we 1st started her treatment in june it was $185 and just last week she had it done and it has gone up to $255! often we have had to do that test every 3 weeks while getting her dose adjusted correctly. plus she needs regular bloodwork done every 3 months at minimum at about $100. she will need the meds and tests for the rest of her life. my little nika (rip) had several medical issues (bad reactions to shots, allergies, hypoglycemia, pancreatitis) starting from a 6 week old pup and by the time she was a year old was a $3,500 dog. that's only the first year! several er visits over the 6 years she was with us cost between $400-1,300 each time. this does not even include groomers, bi-yearly dentals, dog training classes, toys, food, treat, etc. ALL THIS BEING SAID, IT IS / WAS ALL MONEY WELL SPENT AND I HAVE NO REGRETS! but i know that 2 is my limit once you factor in all the expenses and of course, you want to be able to spoil them rotten and have fun with them lol. my girls have been on doggie boat cruises, carriage rides, etc. my babies care is very important and we never ever compromise that. thanks for pointing this out and posting this!!! __________________ My Princess Zowi 1/21/01 My Precious Pixie 5/28/10 My Little Angel Nika 4/16/04-8/29/10

12-22-2011, 11:55 AM	#24
gemy YT 2000 Club Donating Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Huntsville,Ont,Canaada Posts: 12,340 Blog Entries: 2	I love the term puppy purse. So many ways it can be done too. A separate savings account with automatic withdrawals going into it every 2wks or once per month. You can set it up so that you can't write cheques or anything against it. Here in Canada, and I'm assuming something similar in US, we can buy Canada Savings Bonds, 100% backed by the federal gov't, and these will give you a better rate of return than a savings account - and again can be set up by the bank to withdraw $x per month out of your account. They can be redeemed yearly, or in a pinch during the year, you would just lose a bit of interest on the amount. We don't have anything like care credit up here, but of course credit cards. Maybe OP it would help to know that 10yrs ago a customer survey was done by the AVMA on lots of aspects of consumer spending. One question asked was; "How much are you willing to pay annually for vet care'? The answer was very low indeed about $250 or so. Even less was a consumer willing to pay for cat care. This opened my eyes, to ppl's beliefs/values etc. __________________ Razzle and Dara. Our clan. RIP Karma Dec 24th 2004-July 14 2013 RIP Zoey Jun9 th 2008-May 12 2012. RIP Magic,Mar 26 2006July 1st 2018

12-23-2011, 05:55 PM	#25
RachelandSadie No Longer a Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 5,748	i wholeheartedly agree. i would just get care credit if i have to for anything too major to just pay out. now i don't rush to the vet for little things that i have had the knowledge and experience to treat at home like a one day tummy bug, but my gosh if that tummy bug doesn't go away quick and my meds and methods don't work fast i'm off the the vet in a hurry. anything that causes them pain or makes me scared we just rush to a vet. i'm not about to wait something out all night that i feel is putting their lives in danger. wouldn't do it to a child and won't to my pups. if i go into debt and take years to pay it all off i'd do it in a minute for them both. i love those dogs and their lives are so important to me. can't watch them suffer. even with little tummy bugs like Sadie had last saturday i was preparing myself that the cerenia wouldn't work and if she threw up even once after the meds i was ready to leave for the ER weekend vets. luckily she stopped, bland diet worked, and the pepcid worked and she's back to her usual stinker pot self. anyways thanks for reminding us the importance of a "pet purse" and that if you can't afford the vet you can't afford the pet.

12-23-2011, 09:01 PM	#27
CouversMom and Khloe Mae's too! Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Eastern Washington Posts: 14,732	I agree! I don't know why people think they can adopt an animal and then not take care of it properly! I have an 8k Care Credit and a $15,000 credit card along with quite a bit of money saved up, so I feel good knowing my babies would be covered should something happen. So far we have only had a couple of non-routine vet visits (less than 1k), so we have been lucky. I had a friend whose yorkie mix was ran over by a truck and it was 7k for her surgeries and rehab and they used Care Credit. It is worth the piece of mind to have it and to know that your pups will not ever go without. __________________ Michelle- mommy to Couver and Khloe Mae! http://yorkiehavenrescue.com/

12-31-2011, 08:17 PM	#28
Lil Sis Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: South Florida Posts: 8,008	I agree about pet care. But I will add, it is about education of the owners. Many people were raised that pets were ONLY pets... They can learn. The other comment is we really don't know what is going on in a home, or the reasons some people make bad choices. Some of us have iit easier then others. I have Never had to make a choice of my care vs my fur babies care, so I am lucky. I have learned life can change in a second! __________________ Shinja mom to Remy lil Sis to Bailey and Sammy

03-09-2012, 06:52 PM	#30
ademas No Longer a Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Des Moines, WA Posts: 18	Not all expenses can be anticipated and absorbed. I, too, have savings, and all of my credit cards and lines of credit have zero balances. Aside from a modest car payment, I have no debt. That said, it's still not difficult to imagine a series of circumstances that could destroy my nest egg. I'm grateful it hasn't happened, but I firmly believe that the vast majority of people are one medical emergency away from bankruptcy. I love my baby. He's 12, diabetic, hypothyroid, and today I got the possible diagnosis of Cushing's Disease. I'm really beside myself. Yes, I can afford his insulin, needles, blood glucose testing supplies. and regular vet visits. Yes, I could afford the $140 in blood work today, and I'll be able to afford the $242 test to confirm his Cushing's diagnosis. After that? I'll have to take things as they come. I live in the real world. There are treatments and medications that I can't afford for myself. There are also treatments and procedures that I simply would not put a 12-year old, elderly dog through. I wish I was without limits on my resources, but it's my reality. There would be a lot more homeless (and euthanized) pets out there if only those with the means to anticipate every emergency were able to be pet owners.