More Affordable Vet Care?

We all know that veterinary care for our babies can be quite expensive. But why does it have to be so expensive that it puts the pet guardian in the position where they have to choose between a 2nd mortgage or letting their pet go? It doesn’t make any sense and saddens me greatly. There has to be a way to provide a more affordable vet care. One that will not force pet parents to make a difficult choice.

More Than Just Routine Check-ups

Yearly check-ups are important to your cat’s health. As they get older, you may need to progress to every 6 months. This may help you catch something before it is too late. Remember, most cats won’t show you signs of being sick until they are really sick. Emmet has a vet visit every month to check on his GI mass and his heart condition. These visits are fairly affordable, and I have included them into my monthly budget. However, what about those extras that his health requires? That is where it can become tricky and the need for more affordable vet care is required.

Today, Emmet had an appointment for an ultrasound. We are working to get him off the prednisolone and on one that is more heart friendly. Before switching him, his vet and I decided to have an ultrasound done so we have a picture of the current state of his GI mass. It will be just another way to monitor his mass and how he is adapting to a new medication. This appointment was a lot more than his normal monthly appointment. In addition to the EKG he had back in December. Since discovering his mass in 2022, I have spent a few thousand on Emmet to keep him healthy. But not everyone can afford to do that. This is where tough choices happen and why more affordable vet care is important.

My Cats are My Family

My cats are my family, and I will always do what I need to do to provide them with the best possible care. I take great pride in the fact that I have always been able to cover emergency situations if they come up. When Monti was diagnosed with kidney disease, I spent a small fortune in just over a month trying to save him. I have been able to cover everything that Emmet has needed over the past couple of years. When Zazzles had severe anemia and required a trip to the emergency vet, I actually had to swallow my pride and ask for assistance. Luckily, I have amazing friends who donated to his care. Not every pet parent is that lucky. And that is what not only saddens me but scares me. What happens to those who are not as fortunate to be able to afford the necessary care needed for their beloved pets?

When I was sitting at the vet’s office today waiting for Emmet, I witnessed 2 different cases. The first was a dog who was having some nasal breathing issues. That owner was informed that her dog would need to have a nasal scan to see what was causing the issue. Once the camera was inserted and the issue discovered, then depending on what was found, there would be additional costs. The initial cost of the scan was $5,000! Luckily, that owner was in the position where she could proceed with the procedure. Sadly, the second case was not as fortunate. A poor lady’s cat was diagnosed with cancer. Chemo and radiation were offered as treatment. Both of which are extremely expensive. It was an expense that this poor lady could not even think about affording. When I left with Emmet, she was in tears having to make that difficult decision.

What Needs to Be Done?

I was so torn when I left the vets today. Full of gratitude that I am in the position to pay for all that Emmet needs. In tears for that poor lady who will probably have to say goodbye to her cat because she did not have the means to pay for the treatment. It shouldn’t have to be that way. Pet parents should not have to make that choice. There are ways to help cover these costs. You can get pet insurance. There are some really good ones out there. Flatbush Cats, in New York, recently opened a non-profit vet clinic with affordable services. But there has to be more. I know the cost of living is increasing, however, our pets shouldn’t have to suffer because of it.

“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” –
Gandhi