Help with Vet Bills: 7 Pawsome Ideas

ItLet’s face it, veterinary care can be a real financial hurdle. Many pet owners experience sticker shock when the vet bill reaches four digits, especially for dental procedures. Even chronic conditions requiring medication can strain the budget. But don’t let cost prevent your pet from getting the care they need! Here are 7 ways pet parents can get help with vet bills.

1. Scratchpay

Scratchpay is an online payment plan for veterinary expenses that can be used for dogs and cats and just about any species. It is not a credit card and it isn’t a line of credit, so even pet parents with less-than-stellar credit can get approved.

There is also no deferred interest and no hidden fees. The downside is, your vet must be registered with Scratchpay to be able to use it.

Scratchpay pays the veterinarian up-front, then you make payments to Scratchpay.

As far as payments go, you have a couple of options:

If you’re able to pay 20% right away and pay your balance in full within 60 days, you won’t pay any interest. 

If that’s not possible, you can pay monthly over a period of 12 or 14 months with interest figured into the payments.

2. Care Credit

CareCredit is a healthcare financing credit card that can be used for people  or pet healthcare payments. If you qualify (yes, you need to have pretty decent credit), you might be able to sign up and take advantage of their interest-free promotions. Like SCratchpay, if you are able to pay off your balance within a set period of time, anywhere from 6 to 24 months, then you won’t have to pay any interest.

Having said that, be sure to read the fine print, because if you do not pay off your balance within a specified period, there is a hefty penalty in the form of deferred interest charges.

3. Crowdfunding

You’ve no doubt heard of GoFundMe, but did you know there is a crowdfunding platform for pets called Waggle.org.

Waggle connects pet parents with a supportive community to crowdfund critical medical care for their furry companions. While they work with veterinarians, sponsors, and donors, the heart of Waggle lies in empowering pet owners to raise funds directly. Every dollar donated goes straight to the vet bill, ensuring your pet receives the treatment they need.

4. Loans

If you are able to qualify for a personal loan (again, credit matters here), it is generally a less expensive route to go than putting all of your expenses on a credit car with a high interest rate. Many personal loans can be applied for and approved the very same day, so yes it can come in handy for emergency medical needs.

5. Pharmacies and GoodRx

Older pets often require daily medications to treat chronic illnesses. The cost of the prescription meds can really add up over time. That’s why it pays – literally – to shop around and find the best prices.

You can save on pet medications at Chewy’s well-stocked pharmacy! They offer competitive prices on a wide range of prescriptions your pet needs.

If you can’t find what you’re looking for at Chewy, consider using GoodRx at your local pharmacy. This free discount card can help you save on pet medications, just like any other family member’s prescriptions! It’s always a good idea to compare prices before you buy.

6. Pet Insurance

Pet insurance works a little bit like health insurance for humans. The two most common policies are accident-only and accident & illness policies.

The one main difference between human health insurance and pet insurance is that a majority of policies make you pay the vet costs up front, then file a claim for reimbursements. There are however some pet insurance companies that do pay the vet directly on your behalf.

Pet insurance can work really well in conjunction with a personal loan, Scratchpay, or a line of credit like Care Credit. Simply use the loan or credit to pay those upfront costs, then use your reimbursement payment to pay off the balance. 

Depending on the policy you choose, you can be expected to be reimbursed for 70% all the way up to 100% of your veterinary expenses.

7. Charitable Organizations

Facing a hefty vet bill? Don’t despair, help is available! Several charitable organizations can assist pet owners in need.

Here are some resources to ease the financial burden of veterinary care:

• Charitable Organizations: The Pet Fund, the Brown Dog Foundation, and Frankie’s Friends Charitable Pet Foundation are just a few examples. Keep in mind that aid is typically based on income and may require an application process. These resources might not be suitable for emergency care.
• GoFundMe: This website is a great place to find a comprehensive list of organizations dedicated to helping people afford veterinary care.
• The Humane Society of the United States: They offer a wealth of information on financial assistance programs for pet owners, including pet food banks, vet care assistance, and even housing assistance.

By exploring these options, you can ensure your furry friend receives the treatment they need without financial hardship.

It’s also a great idea to ask your vet clinic or the emergency animal hospital for additional resources. Many veterinarians have funds set aside to help people in a financial crisis, or they may know of local organizations.

The information contained on this blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your pet's health care or treatment plan.

The authors of this blog are not veterinarians and do not claim to be experts in pet health. The information provided here is based on our own experiences and research, as well as information from reputable sources. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information.

We encourage you to do your own research and consult with your veterinarian before making any decisions about your pet's health.