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When owners can't afford healthcare for their dog?

40K views 93 replies 47 participants last post by  Hannalore 
#1 ·
What are some options for an owner if they find their Doberman, or any dog for that matter, suddenly in need of expensive vet care and that owner simply does not have the ability to pay.

Hopefully they have family/friends who will loan them the money; they have a credit card with a way to repay that card or deal with it later; they can refi a car; take out a medical loan with the vet, again if they have decent credit; or hopefully they have thought ahead and have health insurance for their animal. But for those folks who honestly cannot afford the cost and have bad credit, what do they do, especially if the emergency care is needed right then?

Maybe in their heart they know there's a serious issue and they don't even go to the vet because they know they'll be faced with several thousand dollars in bills when they struggle to pay their rent.

I don't want to judge owners who probably should have done their research first and found this website and studied all the true costs associated with owning a Doberman. For whatever reason they have this dog and the dog needs three or four thousand dollars in emergency care. Does anyone have thoughts on other options that might be available?
 
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#86 ·
Just some personal observations about dog heath insurance -

When I brought my current girls home I checked rates with Nationwide (the biggest one out there) and it was ungodly expensive, covered not as much as I had thought, and had a pile of exclusions in the fine print. Unless one of the girls got hit by a car yearly I would have never broke even with it.

Even 'if' I bought one policy and used it for both girls (If I can barely tell them apart - No way any Vet could) there still would have been no way I would have been able to break even without major accidents happening often.

Looking back now with the girls nearing 4 yrs of age - I would have spent enough in premiums insuring both of them that the same money being saved / set to the side would have grown large enough to buy another Doberman from a good breeder with a good bit left over.

On top of that the same company that sells the pet insurance is also who I use for my home and auto and guess what? That company (Nationwide) while being more than willing to sell me overpriced health insurance is unwilling to cover ANY sort of liability issues with those same Dobermans. Dobermans fall on a long list of 'excluded' breeds that they refuse to cover as far as any sort of liability is concerned. Meaning - Suppose one ran out in the street and got hit by a car. The Nationwide dog health insurance may pay for the dog medical (or burial) expenses but what about the damages to the vehicle that hit the dog? Not covered. I am 100% liable for any and all damages caused by my dog running out in that street and Nationwide will not pay out a dime.

Even if the person driving the car was understanding about things and decided to not sue me for damages if they take their car to get it fixed and their insurance company pays for the repairs - That insurance company WILL sue me looking to get reimbursed for every dime they have spent.

If it were a Standard Poodle and the same accident happened that dog WOULD be covered (the liability for damages to the car) by either the Homeowners or renters insurance but being a Doberman - They are excluded.

I get that 'insurance companies are NOT in the business to lose money' but the breed specific liability exclusions irk me to no end and are unfair. Companies like Nationwide have made it clear (to me at least) that if you want to own Dobermans - You are on your own for most of the unexpected expenses that may occur. Anything related to liability and you are on the hook for it all.
 
#3 ·
In Canada there are many resources for pets in need of care.

If your pet needed expensive surgery ( broken leg, bloat, HBC) you fill out a form which will allow you to qualify for free vet care. You must meet criteria though (live on your own, you make x amount ect)

You can spay/neuter your cat or dog for $68 at participating vet clinics.

Vaccinations and other annual medication can be given to you free if you qualify.
 
#5 ·
Turn it into the vet or rescue group if either one is willing to take the dog and get the dog some help then rehome.
 
#7 ·
:lol2: Our cardiologist has told us that if Niz is ever too much for us, he'd be take him in. At least Niz would be well cared for!

I understand that some things can come up, but if you don't have money saved up and a steady income, I don't think a dog is right for you. We had no idea the costs associated with health care, but because we adopted him, it's our duty to provide the best care we can. In some ways, I do feel that we're an inadequate household for our dog when I think, "What if we need stem cell therapy for his DCM and can't afford it?", and he may be better off in a household in a better financial state.
 
#9 ·
In the long run better education of all dog owners for the need of either a decent sized savings account…. dedicated for unexpected vet emergencies or pet insurance. With that said, I think many of the reputable breeders are already asking those questions and screening accordingly and trying their best to sell only to people who take the responsibility of owning a dog seriously, and that does include being able to provide often expensive veterinary care.
 
#11 · (Edited)
DogsR4Life, That sounds great. I believe Canada may have an advanced healthcare system for humans as well. At least advanced in some of our minds...but that's another story/debate, huh. I'm curious to see if there is anything similar in the US for our animals.
 
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#20 ·
My own vet clinic (Harvest Hills) is very progressive and I just saw this on their website.

Many members of the staff here at the clinic participated in our first Homless Dog Vaccine clinic which took place Sunday, November 21st at the Calgary Drop In and Rehab Center. Pfizer Animal Health and Novartis supplied vaccines and deworming for the dogs and the City of Calgary Bylaw Animal Services provided members of their staff to place microchips, city licensing and an opportunity to participate in the cities spay/neuter program. It was with the help of Calgry City Police that we were able to locate our clients and their dogs to come and take part in our free clinic and our friends at the Drop In and Rehab Center who so graciously allowed us to use a room in their facility. We look forward to the spring of 2012 when we take our Dog Vaccine clinic on the road for the homeless!
 
#21 ·
While the idea of a pet healthcare savings account, with enough to cover an emergency surgery or the like, is nice, some of us are actually penalized for saving money. Both my (autistic) kids are on SSI, and, as a family, we can not have over $5000 in "resources" (readily available cash). That means we can't have much of a "rainy day fund" because if we go over the limit, my kids will lose their SSI. Without SSI, they don't have Medicaid. Without Medicaid, they don't have health insurance. :(
 
#34 ·
Wow, that's downright absurd. I had no idea it carried those kind of restrictions. What does it count as "readily available"? Would it allow you to put some away in a long-term CD or such? :/
 
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#22 ·
^^^ Then can you make the savings in cash? Then they won't know what your resources are...

If I were in a situation where I didn't have the money for a veterinary emergency... I'd start selling off everything I owned. I really don't understand why so many owners are willing to take money from others and such to meet a vet bill... But aren't willing to part with a TV, or a PS3, or some jewelry or furniture or clothing or what not.

Those are far easier to replace, less stressful on relationships and hold less long term obligations than debts do (which many debts also accrue interest making you pay more than the initial vet bill over time).

Then, I'd consider asking friends and family for help or taking out new loans / debt. But only after I'd pulled together as much as I could.
 
#23 · (Edited)
Maybe if I stuffed the cash under the mattress. Seriously, our credit union has to report our account balance the first of every month to Social Security. Plus, I have to take in my husband's pay-stub every month, to report his income. And fill out annual paperwork about how the money the kids got was spent. There is more to it, but the full explanation would give any sane person a headache.
 
#24 ·
I guess I don't agree with the 'If you don't have a huge sum of money laying around, you don't get to have a dog.' Its just a little ridiculous.. not everyone is in such a situation, and things can change- quickly.

In no way do I have a large sum of money in savings for Callie in case something happens. We keep insurance on her with a deductible/monthly rate that is manageable for us and a tiny fund that should cover the office visit + our deductible. And yeah, if it came down to life or death for her you bet I'd be on the phone with my Dad. Totally acceptable. She's not going to die for lack of funding. I WISH I had the finances to have $5000 in an acount just for dog accidents, but we're just starting out.

I guess I just am rubbed the wrong way by the 'If you can't afford it, get rid of your dog.' So damn insensitive.
 
#26 · (Edited)
I think most people don't feel that way, I do think many (myself included) feel that if you get a dog you should be willing to make a LOT of sacrifices if vet bill issues were to arise. I unfortunately know many people that would rather euth or get rid of a dog rather than sell anything they own or make budget & lifestyle chances to pay a vet bill. And those people, I don't think should have a dog. Not because they can't afford it outright, but because they would still value other things more should the animals health become an issue.

And really, if you CAN'T afford it and CAN'T get the money or help together to pay for it... You SHOULD give up the dog to someone who can, because whether you can afford it or not... The dog will still need the vet care in an emergency, its not optional. But that doesn't mean they should not have a dog at all, just that if it came down to it they'd need to choose whats best for the dog IF they could not meet the needed funds. (But I don't agree that a family shouldn't try and just give the dog up.)
 
#25 ·
@Rosemary: Wow, that sounds nuts, for SSI? now if only they required that sort of accountability for welfare recipients. That ticks me off, SSI is an entitlement, imo. You pay into it. Your children have an eligible condition to receive it.

I know people on welfare that don't work, don't try to and don't actually NEED it. That really rubs me the wrong way to hear about the situation you're put in. :(
 
#37 ·
Slightly (ok very, off-topic), but the entire social security system is VERY messed up. I was born with bilateral, club-radial hands and no thumbs (this is kind of what an x-ray for me would look like: Cardiac Images (24 of 24)).

I have been denied for SS 3 seperate times. There are many things (very simple things, at that) that I just cannot do. I cannot lift a lot of weight, I have very slumped shoulders so unless I am very focused on my posture, sitting (and sometimes even standing) for a very long time causes me upper back and shoulder pain, the list goes on.
 
#27 ·
I for one, started out on a good note, after being kinda a bad ( credit wise ) person in college, I started to work on getting things straightened up. When I got my dog I was in a good place or better. Then I had a severe health issue. No health insurance on myself let alone my dog, my credit still sucks I havent had enough time to get it straightened out. So when I found myself with a dog with broken hips, all heck broke loose, everyone I knew at that time was struggling. Care credit wouldnt look at me, couldnt get a loan anywhere. Came down to the last straw. I was going to have to make a decision. Bawling, talking with the vet and a university vet, they both came to the conclusion that the type of breaks she had were not bad enough for surgery and it wouldnt benefit her much. She would heal just as good with 10 weeks of solid crate rest as she would with surgery. I was recovering from surgery so the vet offered to house her for free for the first 10 days to give me time to recover enough to be able to help her.:)
Without the kindness of that country vet, I would not have been able to help her. I didnt think I would ever be in that kind of problem.

I am still struggling, but one thing I do, is make sure my animals get fed and taken care of first. If that means I may not eat, thats ok with me. Slowly I hope to get a emergency fund built up for all of us LOL.
 
#29 ·
I think the problem comes in when people who can't afford it going out knowingly adopting or purchasing pets or free to good home ads. There are many people in this economy who have really had to make sacrifices (us being in that category) and NO FREAKING WAY WOULD I GIVE UP MY PETS, anymore than I would give up my children. Our income has decreased by more than $70,000 in the last 2 years. Sure, our lifestyle has drastically changed, BUT my pets care has not. Did we know that we would have such a drastic hit? Absolutely not, but we make do. I don't have a huge savings, or any savings at all at this point...it was all spent when we were trying to save our home. Emergencies came up during this time and we scrimped, borrowed, begged and again, made by. You do what you have to do. The same thing I would do tomorrow if the need arose. BTW--I do have care credit, my mom co-signed for me many years ago when Cleo was hit by a car. I keep that line open and always pay it off within a year so there is no interest. It has been a life saver more than once.
 
#35 · (Edited)
a sticky is an awesome idea for all this information!

KCFilley, maybe contact a Moderator and see if it is a possibilty.

There are many who at times do need help with their unexpected Vet bills.

I wish there where more organizations that help KEEP pets in their homes. I think it is so sad that some do need to give up their pets because of hard times and circumstances when sometimes just a few extra bucks, maybe a bag of food, a crate, a little education/help, etc., can change things so much for the better for pet and owner.
 
#42 · (Edited)
Even peer support (yeah DT!) goes a long way with me. I know repeating the repeats gets tiresome but please don't judge me, just talk to me and sometimes maybe just listen. Just to have someone say "Here I've been thru that and here's what I did," is a great help.

Sometimes shopping vets might help if we have the time. When Wheeler got DCM, I didn't even know what DCM really was and his local vet was treating him for liver failure. A vet later and a trip to the University of Missouri revealed DCM and that my dog was already in failure and at risk of sudden death. Course I put him on every med available. To help fray costs and because Wheeler's vet had mis-daignosed him, I sought out a vet in this area who is known to have no bedside manner but loves the animals. He didn't take appointments and people often had to wait for four or five hours in the parking lot because the smell in the clinic was unbearable. But when he looked at Wheeler he was 100% focused on trying to do whatever to help. I think he ran blood tests, two fecal samples (weight loss) and gave us refill scripts for a couple of meds for a total of $40. He didn't have Pimobendan in his clinic so he had it shipped directly to me from the mfgr and I was charged his cost. Plus, he followed up for weeks afterwards just to check on Wheeler. Of course we already had the diagnosis from the University of Missouri but I took Wheeler there because the cost of the meds was less expensive. I've since found someone who the clinic calls Dr. Wikipedia.

Another thing I do today is buy as much medicine as possible from Costco. I always ask my vet if there is a human drug that works. In the last couple of years I've purchased Alprazolam, Metronidazole, Prednisone, Cephalexin, and Doycycline from Costco. I'd say the cost is less than half what my vet charges and I have little pride when it comes to saving money.

Thanks for all your responses. You guys are such troopers!
 
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#41 ·
Trupanion Insurance

Not sure how to just 'post' here without replying. But this ties into this conversation. Does anyone have experiences with Trupanion? I believe we pay the first $500.00 per incident and then 10% but have never had to use it yet. Trying to assess value. It does also cover hip displasia. Ostensibly, Rhett is from a very healthy line (Kimbertal) but I do want to cover my bases and he plays hard at the dog park so one never knows.
 
#45 ·
Not sure how to just 'post' here without replying. But this ties into this conversation. Does anyone have experiences with Trupanion? I believe we pay the first $500.00 per incident and then 10% but have never had to use it yet. Trying to assess value. It does also cover hip displasia. Ostensibly, Rhett is from a very healthy line (Kimbertal) but I do want to cover my bases and he plays hard at the dog park so one never knows.
I think you might need to do a bit of research on Kimbertal. You can start by using the search function here.
 
#43 ·
Two expensive surgeries common to this breed are for bloat and obstruction. Both require immediate intervention and usually expensive surgery to be successful. Therefore, people have to find a way, either through insurance, a savings account, or whatever way to get money fast, to be prepared well ahead of time. There is no way a dog with bloat or an obstruction could be put on hold while trying to get help from one of the charitable 501 type organizations.
 
#44 · (Edited)
true, but it would be helpfull if they knew they might get assistance paying their bill after emergency surgery.

recently there was a pitbull who needed very expensive medical attention immediately.....................the Vet bills soon were over 5000 dollars and more surgery was needed.

It did not take long for an organization to step in and cover those bills completely.

keep forgetting to say.............even if you do not use your Vet very often..............it is a good idea to get to 'know' them, just stop in and say Hi once in awhile............

i have always been on good terms with any of the Vets i occasionally need in my town. Years ago, one of them would always give me the option of either paying my bill or working it off at their clinic. I usually chose to work it off as i loved helping behind the scenes. Mostly i cleaned the kennels or exercised the dogs but i also got to see a lot of what happens with surgeries, and testings that were done.
 
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