2007-01-02 00:57:25 · 20 answers · asked by redroses_dozenroses 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
some organisations like the rspca or pdsa will help u and fund ur pets treatment if ur on benefits ask at ur vets and they will give u the numbers u need ...goodluck
2007-01-02 01:00:27 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
In what way do you need a vet? Is it for vaccinations/neutering/flea treatment etc? Or is it due to an illness that your pet is suffering from?
If you are in receipt of council tax or housing benefit, and your pet is ill, you will be eligable to go to one of the animal charities such as the PDSA or the RSPCA, where a service is offered for which no acual charges are made, they just ask you for a donation. These are the only benefits that qualify for help at the PDSA, (I think RSPCA is a little different). If you don't receive these you will therefore need to go to an ordinary veterinary practice.
These charities do not offer preventative treatments like neutering and vaccinations, flea and worm treatment. Every pet owner needs to go to a private vet for these services. If you are unable to afford to have your cat/dog/rabbit neutered/vaccinated and treated monthly for fleas and worms, then you should consider rehoming your pet, becasue these are considred basic expenses for owning a pet.
I have worked for the PDSA and for private veterinary practices. It is amazing, the numbers of people that expect private practices to offer reduced rates for these services. It's like having an expensive sports car, but being unable to pay for insurance on it, or putting your kids in private school but not being able to buy them the uniform.
I really do appreciate that sometimes there is no other way than to rely on benefits, and I understand that if everyone on benefits got rid of their pets there would be a lot of homeless animals out there. But I do think that if you own a pet, caring for it is a priority and it should be neutered, vaccinated and treated for fleas and worms every month.
It is advised that all cats, dogs and rabbits are insured from a young age. This means that no matter how much the vet bills may come to, they can always receive the best treatment for whatever may be wrong with them. Vet bills can be expensive, for example, a fractured leg repair following a car accident could cost £4-500, and MRI scan costs around £1000, arthritis treatment could cost £70-80 per month. Insurance pays for all these practicalities. Premiums are usually between £8-25 per month depending on species, breed and your address.
2007-01-03 19:55:37 · answer #2 · answered by myfairladyisasleep 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The people who make unhelpful comments regarding people on benefits shouldn't keep pets are very unhelpful and unkind.
At least you are trying to get treatment for your pet. some people wouldn't bother.
There are people who really don't want to be or choose to be on benefits.
At the moment due to unforseen circumstances I am unemployed.
I am doing my best to get another job does this mean I should get rid of my dog, What sort of trauma would that cause the animal who is very much loved and who loves me.
I will be re employed within weeks but in the meantime if my dog needs help I will have to go to the PDSA.
When I get a job again I will resume my monthly donation to both the RSCA and the PDSA.
Take no notice of those people who just want to give abuse.
Maybe your usual vet will have a charity scheme why not phone and find out?
Good Luck
and a happy and prosperous new year to you
x
2007-01-02 09:17:35 · answer #3 · answered by mummylove 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
you can afford to pay a vet for routine things. I too am on benefits and always pay the vet myself unless it is a massive bill and even then I ask him to let me pay in installments. Perhaps you should consider taking out insurance for the dog at around £6 a month.
If you DLA and carers allowance, I know from experience that it is sufficient to live well on and save something every month too unless you smoke of course.
One of the downsides of not living in a city or near one means that there is no PDSA hospital near me so my animals are my own reponsibility which is how I like it anyway, being an independant minded person who HATES being on benefit but has no choice.
Luckily I have a fantastic vet who offers reduced rates as I have so many animals and is willing to allow me to pay a hefty bill in installments.
2007-01-02 10:16:57 · answer #4 · answered by fenlandfowl 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
PDSA. Take proof of benefits and they'll do it free.
You lucky person.
Totally strange how people who work full time and can afford an animal are refused one because they aren't home enough, yet someone who doesn't bother to earn a living and lounges about the house gets a financially demanding pet.
To mummylove: Not on the housing estate we used to live on. Practically the entire street had vicious, flea ridden and underfed dogs (and children for that matter). When my husband and I went to the cat and dog shelter to offer a pooch a home we were refused because we worked over 37 hours a week, despite our neighbour agreeing that he would look after the pooch while we were earning its dinner (he's a breeder and has his own dogs), then we found out the poor creature was put down because he's been in kennels for like two years and they couldn't get a home for him. Not one of those little scallies on that estate worked, they were all leeching some benenfit or another. One fella used to carry crutches about when he went to the Drs or the DSS office but as soon as it hit Saturday night he'd chuck them in his house and run about with his mates! I guess that's why I'm so cynical but yes, in your case I can sympathise so I'm sorry and no offense meant. x
2007-01-02 09:14:42 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Check and see if there is a Blue Cross vet near you. You can pay them what you can afford for treatment for your pet, but you may need to take proof that you're on benefits with them.
2007-01-02 09:00:57 · answer #6 · answered by KB 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your first priority should be your pet, as you are inquiring about a vet, i'm guessing your pet is ill. The PDSA and RSPCA can help you with the costs, but whatever you do, make sure your pet is your first priority. When you take on a pet you are responsible for their well being. Good luck.
2007-01-03 17:18:54 · answer #7 · answered by tool 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
many organisations will provide free vet care to those on low incomes or benefits. Try the BLUE CROSS, RSPCA or other local animal charity for source of information. Your loacal vet will also be able to advise - ours never turns an animal away.
2007-01-02 09:01:57 · answer #8 · answered by David M 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
As some have said, the PDSA are a good organisation. You need to be on housing benifit I believe, though it could have changed.
Also, if you don't have a PDSA near by. You could try the RSPCA, I'm quite sure they take people on benifit for a small charge. You could ring them and ask what these charges are, as they change depending on treatment, but are still quite small.
2007-01-02 09:07:13 · answer #9 · answered by Pye 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Go to a animal welfare charity - they will treat the pet at a reduced price - you must take proof of benefits.
2007-01-02 09:08:58 · answer #10 · answered by PetLover 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋