October 18, 2024
Are You Ready for Disaster?
When I was young, our cat, Butter, had a medical emergency that panicked our family. After not eating for two days, we took her to the veterinarian and discovered she had swallowed a sewing needle. My father rushed her to an emergency veterinary clinic two towns over. One surgery and hours later, that emergency visit cost my parents $2,500 — money we didn’t have at the time. Through a series of budgeting choices and taking debt on a credit card, we found a way to cover the cost, but not without putting our family under financial strain.
Veterinary care, especially in unexpected situations, can be costly and stressful. Like many pet owners, my parents wanted to do everything they could to help Butter, but as my father told me years later, if the surgery had cost any more, we simply wouldn’t have been able to afford it.
Now I have my own dog, Peanut, and the memory of Butter sticks with me. I often wonder: what would I do if Peanut needed emergency surgery? What is my emergency plan? Can I afford to cover that cost?
This is where pet insurance can help. Without it, out-of-pocket costs for treatments can add up quickly. Pet insurance provides support, helping families stay together when unexpected medical expenses arise. At the OHS, we are proud to partner with Petsecure to provide new OHS cat and dog adopters a complementary six-week trial of pet health insurance to help as their pet settles in.
Pet insurance works for some, but we know it’s not financially feasible for every family. If pet insurance isn’t the right fit for you and your pet, setting aside money specifically for your pet’s potential medical needs can help ease an unexpected expense. Start small by contributing a fixed amount each month — $25 a month can go a long way. Over time, this fund can grow into a safety net for emergency care.
Pets enrich our lives with love, companionship and joy. While we hope never to face serious illness or injury, no amount of planning can account for every emergency. Pet insurance or a savings plan offers financial protection and peace of mind when it comes to your pet’s health.
Having pet insurance or investing in a pet emergency fund can help keep you and your pet together if disaster strikes.
Facing a different barrier to keeping your pet? Let us know. We’re here to help.
Sara Barnoski
Manager: Advocacy