Help with vet bills?

Question

This goes along with my earlier question - I have now talked to the vet, and my dog needs surgery to have a pin implanted in her leg to repair a break. The estimated bill is between $430 and $550. I am supposed to call the vet in the morning and tell him what I have come up with -- have to have at least half up front for him to do the surgery. We live pretty much paycheck to paycheck, and right now there is nothing extra, but I was going to try to squeeze $100 extra in for her, but $550 is out of the question. Are there any options for help paying a vet bill? I know her well being is my responsibility as a pet owner, but I just flat can't afford it. My husband says just leave her as is, but I can't in good conscience sentence her to a life of pain when the option to fix it is available. It's not her fault I can't afford it - Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you all so much for all the ideas! I've got quite a few to check on after they open in the morning. And especially, thank you for all the good wishes. Trixi and I both thank you so very much!

Just to let you all know - She is in surgery now and doing well. My daughter and her roommate had some money put back for a trip in the spring and loaned me enough to cover her vet bills. Thanks to everyone who answered and helped. Unfortunately, most of the associations who help in these cases have no associated vets in Mississippi.
And just so you all know, my husband has come around, too. He isn't real happy with how much is is costing, but agrees that she deserves it.
Thanks again.

Answer 1

Yes, there are several. I don't know how long it takes before you know if you've been approved or where you live, but maybe these links may be able to help. It won't hurt to look into them. They are for financial assistance with both cats and dogs.

Good luck. I know what it's like to live from paycheck to paycheck. I hope everything turns out for your dog and she feels better soon. . Hugs

Answer 2

I know what a tough and horrible predicament this is. I have spent over a $1000 this past few weeks in vet bills due to an ill dog. And for a while it looked really dreary. I was being told it could be another 1000 for an MRI and then maybe 2000 more for surgery. I knew if she had needed that surgery, there was no way I could've afforded it.

Call other vets and see if they will accept a payment plan--you can get copies of xrays and treatment from your current vet to bring to another vet to save repeat costs. If you talk w/ them on the phone, you won't be chargerd for the call, be detailed and maybe they can do a less costly solution (cast?).

What about asking friends or family to loan you the money? Or bargain w/ them--offer them X (services, items you don't need around the house) for money. Is your bday around the corner? Ask for early presents (aka money) or even early Christmas gifts. Cheesy, I know, but in your circumstance I bet plenty of people would be willing to help out.

Answer 3

Tell your husband that leaving the dog in pain is not an option. In most states, the humane laws define criminal animal cruelty as failing to provide medical care - particularly where the animal is in pain.

This animal has a broken leg. He HAS NO CHOICE unless he wants to commit a crime.

Don't think he wants to get arrested.

Now, maybe the vet will work with you if you can put up the $100 and arrange weekly payments. Remember he has to pay his staff and overhead too.

Could you get a small loan from your bank? Can you get an advance on a credit card? Do you have anything - and I mena anything including your wedding ring and jewelry and tools - that you can pawn?

Another option would be going to a pay day loan place and getting an amount to cover the first 50% and work out a payment plan with your vet. Those loans charge some heavy duty interest but if that is all you can do, you have to do it. They are usually short-term 1-4 weeks but you can pay part off and roll it over.

That is it. Unless you are prepared to have the vet euthanize her.

Answer 4

The only recommendation may be: if you have the $100.00, is it possible to borrow the other $175.00 (being half of $550.00) from a friend or relative? and make small weekly payments to your vet for the balance? Depending on where you live, some vets offer Care Credit, which, is like a credit card for a vet bill. You can see if you can take out a personal loan at the bank, it should not take long to repay and payments will probably be low. To be perfectly honest, one of my cats needed an expensive surgery-and my solution was to sell my engagement ring from my first marriage, I would not wear it again, so I put the money to good use. Good Luck to you, I know how it is. If you run out of options let us all know. "anyone responding with an answer to this ladies question, please be kind, I am sure at this point, she does not need any nasty responses, she is already having a tough time-put yourself in her position"

Answer 5

Have you talked with your vet and explained you are having a difficult time coming up with the money, can he work with you on the cost, a payment plan, you work in the office, anything like that. Can you ask family or friends to borrow the money? and FYI, you are gonna get some real nasty answers to this post, I think all the meanies are out today. Try not to let them get you down OK? My best regards and Good Luck KG

Answer 6

We've been in this boat before. Ask the vet if they would accept a payment arrangement in thirds (or forths). You write 3 checks: $250 + $200 + $100. You give the vet the checks (post dating the 2nd two).

Answer 7

We had to have 900.00 for surgery on our dog. Go to Care Credit in you net. They have a card that you can charge your animals and even your medical bill on. The shorter time you pay it off there is no interest. When I used it, it was 3 months no interest. I know it is a credit card but when you have to do something it helps. We have had the card for 5 yrs and used it twice in extreme emergencies, it was great to have.

Answer 8

Try a different vet. Some vets are more willing to work with payments.

Answer 9

Call SPCA. They may help.

Answer 10

Well, if you cannot do anything to fix the dog, put it to sleep so it will not have to suffer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Leaving a dog with a broken bone is not an option!!!! That is just cruel.