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Americans spend more than ever on their pets, and the trend seems to be going upward in the near future. This increase is not just fueled by inflation and rising prices; people love their pets and want to make sure they provide them with the best life they can. Plus, the number of responsible pet owners increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The money often goes on high-quality food, treats, supplements, toys, and accessories, but a significant amount goes on veterinarian care as well. First, we have routine vet visits that cannot be skipped, and then there is the occasional treatment or adjustment in diet that pets need.
Lastly, there are emergencies. These cannot suffer any delays and are often high-cost with long-term impact on the pets’ health and the owner’s wellbeing (financial and mental). Sadly, many pet owners are not prepared for these situations and often end up in debt.
If you end up in such a grim scenario, a credit card is one of the most favorable options you could use to pay for your pet’s veterinary emergency care.
Here are a few things to consider:
How Much Does a Vet Emergency Cost?
With 54% more dog owners than before the pandemic, you may think that more people would invest in pet insurance. While there is some increase, the number of pet owners who think ahead is still low (only one-fifth of pet owners).
Still, many owners want to be responsible and follow vets’ advice when it comes to keeping their pets happy and avoiding health issues (especially for more sensitive dog breeds). As a result, many owners manage to avoid having to pay for emergency care.
Now, bad things do happen, and should you ever find yourself in this unpleasant situation, you should know that the cost of emergency medical treatment varies. That’s because there are a lot of factors to consider starting with your pet’s condition, the treatment you choose, or the area where the treatment will take place.
Based on other pet owners’ experience, the cost of emergency vet care can fall anywhere between $250 and $1000 (sometimes more). Plus, if your dog needs cancer treatment, the vet bills can rise up to several thousands of dollars.
Paying with a Credit Card
A new credit card can be a smart way to pay for your dog’s emergency vet visit and avoid putting yourself in debt. However, you must have a plan on how to pay it off. Otherwise, things can take an ugly turn for your credit score and financial health.
Do a bit of research and select a credit card that has low fees and allows you some benefits if you manage to pay it in a set period of time. This way, you will be able to divide your huge vet bill in several monthly payments plus a few extra fees.
Furthermore, you may want to use the same solution to pay for any special food and treatment your dog may need during treatment (often more expensive). Your dog will probably need these even if you fed them a proper diet up until the emergency.
Wrap Up
While it may not be a situation you ever want to encounter, emergencies do happen, and you need to be prepared. If you don’t think insurance works for you and your dog, the possibility of taking a new credit card is one of the best options.
Just make sure to do the proper research to identify the best offers for your current situation. After all, when things settle down, you will still have to continue with the payments.
