Why do many pet owners own pets? If they say I do not have money to bring them to the vet.?

Question

I have come encountered with many questions on yahoo answers that say my dog is sick but i do not have money to bring them in. I do not understand.

Answer 1

I guess they don't think about the pet being healthy and happy. If they cant afford it they should give it to some one who can.

Answer 2

Some people don't think that their pets need a yearly vet exam but only will take them to the vets when they are sick. They might be short on cash which inhibits them from giving their pets the proper care that they need from the vets. As a part of their proper care, all pets need to see the vet once a year for their shots and their health.
Some vet clinics have a payment program to people who are tight on cash.
I know my clinic does.
When I took my 14 cats and one dog into the vets back in 1994 for blood work and shots, it ran up to $700. I didn't have that much money on me or in my bank account. I asked if there was a way I could pay some of it now and in another month pay a little more. They allowed me to do so. And after four months, I paid it off.
My 14 cats ended up having Feline AIDs, Feline Lukemia and breast cancer. And no, I did not put them all down because of the disease that they had. I gave them the best five months to nine years of their lives. I have one cat left out of that bunch and he's an old man now and he does not have AIDs or Feline Lukemia either and we test his blood every six months.
My dog died of old age at 15 1/2.

Answer 3

For my rats/hamsters, I usually do it if they're sick, or if there's something I'm not really concerned with, but curious about, and would prefer to ask a vet. For example, one of my rats has an umbellical hernia. It's not life threatening, really doesn't even need surgery. But I wasn't sure what it was at first, and while my rat acted fine, took him to the vet. I was planning on bugging the vet about how the neuter operation works in rats (Know the basics, wanted to know about their office experience, anesthesia, etc.) and I would much rather talk to the vet in person on those things then over the phone. Anyway, for me, I pester my vet a lot, but it's not really a annual or bi-annual. Frankly, somehow I doubt I'd get past 6 months without visiting the vet, but mostly just because I'm a worrywart.

Answer 4

Maybe they were financially stable when they received the pup and things changed drastically for them. That does happen more than many realize. Some folks live from pay check to pay check and if they lose a position or even the job itself, some will not only be short on cash, they might be homeless. Of course some folks simply have no idea what is really required of them to own a pet. They want to love an animal but think it is as simple as feeding them and loving them. If medical expenses weren't so expensive, not just vets, but M.D's and dentists, more folks could afford health care. It is absurd what people are charged today.

Answer 5

As a general rule, I agree in the realm of not being able to afford the regular upkeep and worming, flea-ing etc.
Then there are the emergencies ... my dog was stung by a bee and her face and head started to swell, and I had to get her to the vet for injections. I didnt jump on here to ask what to do.
If you take your animals to the vet for vaccinations, etc and buy the frontline/revolution, etc from the vet then you become a regular and if an emergency arises and you dont have the cash on you, the vet is more likely to say, fine get ur pet here and we will send you the bill after we see to him/her.

By the way, I paid for visit then and there. Even though it was after hours he charged me regular price cos he hadnt left the surgery.

Answer 6

It infuriates me too. If you cannot afford to care for an animal then you shouldn't have one.

I barely get by but I'll tell one thing. I make sure my animals eat before I do and I'll make sacrifices in my life before I offer anything but the best of care for my pets.

Anyhow, how do people know that someone who sounds like they know what they are talking about (and giving advice) actually does???

If you establish a relationship with a vet they will usually offer some type of payment plan should anything severe go wrong with your pet.

It's the people that do not get their animal regular care, shots heartworm, etc. and then expect a vet to see them when the animal gets unexpectedly sick.

Answer 7

Good question.
I think some people don't realize the responsibility of pet ownership, and that it costs money.
Routine vet visits are a fact of life. Sick animals need a doctor.

These people need to be educated on this, and sometimes I think some people don't look beyond providing food and shelter for their pets.

Answer 8

Unfortunately poor people also love animals. You must have places where you live like "Animal Welfare", or SPCA where people like them can take their pets for treatment for a small donation. We do here in South Africa. Vets here cost 3 times as much as if we had to see a doctor. But I agree with you, if people want to own pets they should think about these things beforehand, as it is not fair on the animal. My two dogs are my babies.

Answer 9

It makes me kinda mad to. They think if they just feed them take them out and give them some attention it is enough but its not .to me my dogs and cat are just like my kids. You have to take them to get shot. get check ups, and when they are sick. Treat for fleas and other potential problems. I love my animals I really don't understand. OH by the way is that a pic of a huskie I have two and a boxer. Very cute dog!

Answer 10

They are probably the same type of people who "Squirt" out one baby after another and expect TaxPayer dollars to feed and care for them.But public assistance does not make an allowance for pets.