Preparing for pet’s vet bills means planning ahead

That cuddly new puppy can be pretty intimidating if pet owners consider the veterinary bills it might produce.

A pet’s torn knee ligament or a broken leg that needs surgery could cost a few thousand dollars. Even stitches to close a bite wound after a scrap with another dog can cost several hundred dollars.

Fortunately, pet insurance can defray some of these costs. But many U.S. pet owners don’t have it.

Here are some tips for handling a big, unexpected vet expense.

Consider alternatives

Veterinarians might be able to suggest cheaper treatment options.

Cats often do best if they have surgery to repair a broken bone, said Gary Block of the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association. But some fractures also heal on their own, if the pet owner is willing to confine the animal to a small crate for several weeks.

A second opinion also could be helpful. Care from another veterinarian might cost less, or they might be able to suggest a less expensive option. But prepare to pay a consulting fee to find out.

Veterinarians are used to dealing with financial worries and ultimately want to avoid “economic euthanasia” — when a pet owner has an animal put down because of the cost to cure it.

Seek financial help Many veterinarians will set up a no-interest payment plan, Block said. He also noted that big animal hospitals might have their own financial assistance funds to help customers.

The Humane Society also offers links to several funds. Some help animals with heart problems, others deal with cancer or are breed specific.

These funds might only be able to offer a few hundred dollars in help, so they won’t put much of a dent in a particularly large bill.

The website Waggle lets pet owners raise money that gets sent directly to the veterinarian to pay bills.

“People are often willing to open their wallets to help,” Block noted.

Pet owners also might be able to find discounted care through local animal shelters or veterinary schools. Eligibility for that could be based on income.

Practice prevention

Before getting a pet, prospective owners should research the animal they want, especially if they are considering purebreds. They are more likely to develop health problems. Golden retrievers are known for developing cancer as they age. Doberman pinschers can develop serious heart trouble.

“It bums me out when someone buys a French bulldog and then yells at me when their pet needs $2,000 of surgery because it’s congenitally malformed skull prevents it from breathing normally,” Block said.

After buying a pet, owners also should keep vaccinations updated. Block noted that a $20 vaccine could prevent a dog from coming down with an expensive illness.

Pet insurance also can protect against future bills, although it might come with a reimbursement cap and likely won’t cover conditions or injuries that developed before the policy started. It can cost around $30 a month or less, depending on the animal.

Pet owners who don’t opt for insurance should start a savings fund for future vet bills as soon as they get the animal, said James Serpell of the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine.

“Keep it as a safety net in case you are faced with one of these massive bills,” he said. “Otherwise, you’re going to be in trouble.”