Happy 2017 - Time to Start Planning!!

​The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to organize and plan a budget for your pet as a means of anticipating both preventive care costs as well as unexpected medical expenses.  As far as preventive care is concerned, it is always a good idea to have your pets examined and vaccinated once a year.  Also, once your pets are considered "seniors," it is recommended that they see a doctor every six months. 


The following list provides estimated costs for routine preventative care; 

*Exams - $41-47 
*Vaccines (per vaccine) - $20-65 
*Heartworm testing per year - $37 
*Flea prevention per month - $25 
*Heartworm prevention per month - $22 
*Nail trims and anal gland expression - $40 
*Grooming - $25-80 

It is also wise to pre-plan for emergency care and unexpected pet care expenses.  Here are some examples of unexpected medical costs; 

*ACL/TPLO repair (per surgery) - $2500-3000  
*Diabetes $450-600 initially and approximately $250 per month  
*Feline Urinary Obstruction $750-1500 initially, $3000 if surgery is needed, followed by medication and prescription food at approximately $50 per month  
*Pancreatitis - $300-1000  

What financial options should you consider??? 

Pet Insurance: There are several options available for insurance but keep in mind that pet insurance works as a reimbursement. The charges must be paid by the pet owner at the time that services are rendered and then the insurance company will reimburse the pet owner based on their insurance plan.  Pet insurance companies you could look into include Pets Best, Trupanion, Nationwide, and Embrace.  
Care Credit: Care Credit is a credit based loan that can be used to cover not only the cost of veterinary medical expenses but also human medical expenses.  We accept Care Credit as a payment option and offer 6 months no interest when your cost of care is over $200.  
Savings Account: You can always set up a pet care specific savings account with any bank or credit union.  Adding money to this account every payday will help offset the cost of veterinary care. 
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Unfortunately, veterinary hospitals are not financially able to extend credit for services. However, with some pre-planning you can take excellent care of your furry friends without breaking the bank! ​

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