4 Ways to Cover Veterinarian Bills
4 Ways to Cover Veterinarian Bills. Even routine veterinary care, such as vaccine boosters and wellness checks, can cost several hundred dollars. When it comes to more in-depth procedures such as dental cleaning, tumor biopsy or bowel obstruction removal, you can easily be looking at a bill that runs into the thousands.
If your pet requires an emergency procedure, putting it off until you find funding can cost them their life. With the following options, you can get your pet the care they need quickly, preventing tragedy.
Health Insurance
While you can’t put your dog and cat on the plan you get through your work, some companies specialize in preparing owners for pet-related medical costs. By paying into the plan, you can ensure coverage of even the biggest vet bills. However, some companies only reimburse you for procedures. You will need to pay out of pocket upfront, but if you borrow money to do so you will be able to pay it back reasonably quickly.
Not all pet health insurance companies handle funding this way or cover the same needs. It is important to do your research to see what aligns best with you financially and with your pets’ needs.
Loans
If your credit is in good standing, you may be able to get the funding you need through an unsecured personal loan from your bank. However, if your credit is poor, they may not approve you, or the interest rates associated with the loan they give you could be exorbitant.
Some lenders offer lines of credit specifically for medical bills. Thankfully, they also cover the cost of animal care. Wells Fargo and CareCredit are two of the most popular options. If you need money within 24 hours, your best bet is probably with a company like MaxLend Reviews as they have a quick turnover.
The biggest MaxLend requirements are being a legal adult, not experiencing bankruptcy, and having a long-term checking account. Even if your credit is bad, they will still approve you.
Animal-based Charities
Your local humane society may have low-cost options for smaller procedures such as vaccinations, spaying and neutering. If you find yourself with a large stack of medical bills associated with life-saving care and no way to repay them, organizations like the Brown Dog Foundation may be able to lend a hand.
Crowdfunding
Websites like GoFundMe have become popular when it comes to human medical bills, but they can just as easily be used to pay off vet bills. While you don’t get the money upfront—and there is a risk of not receiving any at all if you can’t drum interest—crowdfunding may help down the road with paying back loans that you take out to fund the procedure.
With crowdfunding, it helps if you have a large social media presence or friend network, as you have more people to help you spread the word about your struggles. Always include as many pictures and details as possible, as it makes people more invested in your story and more likely to donate.
Help is there for you and your pet. You just need to know where to find it.