Stream Valley Veterinary Hospital 2009 / The (Pet) Healthcare Debate

The (Pet) Healthcare Debate

by Shannon M. Pecora, M.A.
Stream Valley Veterinary Hospital

If you’re lucky enough to have a great insurance plan, you can feel safe with the knowledge that a $25 copay and an $10 prescription fee will be all that you need if you suffer an illness or injury. But with all that we’ve heard and seen in the news over the past year or so, we know this isn’t the case for everyone. Our own healthcare is a big enough challenge that, if someone were to ask how we plan for our pets’ healthcare, we may not be able to answer.

It’s always a good idea to save and budget for routine veterinary visits: semi-annual exams, vaccines, lab work, and preventives. Pet insurance, from agencies such as VPI or the ASPCA, can help you manage these and other costs, sometimes including spay or neuter surgery, dental cleanings, or emergency visits. Coverage will depend on the policy you choose. So, again, if you have a sound insurance plan, medical bills (even for your pets) aren’t particularly worrisome.

However, pet insurance may not cover all procedures or treatments. Or, you may not have pet insurance anyway. Then one day, your cat becomes blocked, your dog eats a pair of socks, or your bird begins feather-plucking. During your pet’s office visit, the veterinary staff should present you with their “Plan A”—their best-case scenario for diagnostics and treatments. You should ask for an estimate if you have any concerns, and sometimes this ideal plan may be beyond your means. This can be a scary thought when you worry about your beloved pet’s well-being.

But you don’t have to feel stuck. One important step to take is to ask questions and voice your concerns. Veterinarians call their ideal suggestions “Plan A” because they often can develop a “Plan B” if needed. Let the staff know of your constraints, and you can work together with your pet’s best interests and those constraints in mind. Also, companies like CareCredit and Wells Fargo may be able to offer you third party payment options, so you can take care of unexpected expenses over time. You don’t necessarily need to sacrifice your pet’s health in a tight situation.

From recent experience, we all know that there is no quick fix for the country’s healthcare issues. This includes the costs of veterinary care, which tend to increase with advances in research, technology, and treatments. The best thing we can do is plan ahead when possible and know all of our options when the unforeseen occurs. Hopefully, this strategy can help all members of our families.