Looking Out for Pets When Money is Tight

Although “they” say the economy is steadily improving, countless families are still being hit hard and sadly, pets are increasingly becoming victims of the country’s financial woes. Cats, dogs and other beloved pets are being dropped off at shelters at an alarming rate. And those are just the lucky ones. Many animals are being euthanized as a result of owners being unable to afford care for a sick or injured animal.

It is likely that many pet owners are not aware of all possible options.  It’s truly a sad situation, but there are always choices. Always. 

Pet insurance is a controversial topic. Some pet owners swear by it, others feel it’s the equivalent of throwing your money away. There are many pet insurance companies out there and new ones popping up almost daily. The basic idea is similar to health insurance for people. You pay a monthly premium, you have a deductible and you are reimbursed a certain percentage of the total vet bill, after the deductible has been met.

If finances are an issue,but you do want to have a health insurance plan in place for your pet, shop around and enroll in the most basic plan that covers accidents and illness. Those vet bills can hit you like a Mack truck, and having an insurance plan can help you offset those surprise bills. Pet Insurance Review is a recommended site that allows you to compare prices and feedback. Please know that you will need to pay the total of your vet bill upfront and then send the claim to your insurance company. Also, many companies participate in pet insurance plans as a benefit for their employees. If your company does, you can usually have the premium deducted from your paycheck. 

If you will do whatever it takes to keep your pet, consider low cost vaccination clinics and spay/neuter clinics. Check your local animal shelters or SPCA—many hold these clinics monthly. It’s so important for your pet’s health for the vaccinations to be up to date. Of course, pet overpopulation is also a huge issue, so spaying or neutering your pet at the appropriate time is a non-negotiable consideration.

Let’s say you’ve maxed out your credit card, but your pet needs to have a lifesaving procedure. There is an option called CareCredit. It is similar to a credit card, however, there is usually a period of no interest during a promotion. These promotional periods usually cover 18 months. More and more vets' offices are offering this special financing option. It probably should be a last resort, but when it comes down to life and death, it could make all the difference.

If you truly have exhausted all options and you can no longer afford your pet, do some research and find a rescue rather than a shelter. At the very least, find out what your shelter’s policy is regarding euthanasia. There have been too many sad stories of owners reluctantly giving up their pets with the belief that the animal will surely go on to have a great future with a new family, only to find out their pet was put down due to lack of space or time at the shelter. Animal rescues are a no-kill option. These days, rescues are quite full, but via research and networking, there is a place for every pet; yet it’s up to the owner to secure a safe place.

If you decide to rehome your pet on your own, never ever list it online as “free to a good home.” Please be aware that many people that have been convicted of animal abuse and neglect turn to these free listings as an alternative way to obtain an animal when they are placed on a “do not adopt” list by shelters and rescues. At the very least, conduct a background check and vet reference check and ask many questions of a potential adopter. Sample questionnaires can be found on almost any rescue’s website and it’s a good idea to take a look and see what kinds of questions you should be asking.

No matter what your situation is and whether or not you will have to give up your pet, please consider all possible options before making such a big decision. Many times, help is around the corner; you only need to ask for it.