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by Kim Harris The economy's tough. Shelters and rescues reporting owner surrenders at heartbreakingly high levels. Owners who aren't surrendering are having to make terrible decisions regarding vet care based solely on their ability to pay for the increasing costs of that care in an economic climate where their own paychecks are getting smaller and two paycheck homes have become one paycheck homes. Or less. First things first: your pets aren't going to get in a snit if they don't have new collars and accessories with the right labels. Not even if they're still in that adolescent stage. Your dogs won't throw a fit if you stretch their food by adding a peanut butter sandwich to their diet on a regular basis. They won't tell you they're sick of peanut butter. Chances are you'll find out they know the sound a peanut butter jar lid makes when it's being unscrewed and will be there waiting with salivary glands running wide open before you even get the lid off of the jar. Realistically, it's a lot less detrimental to your pet's health to cut back -- reasonably, go too cheap and you wind up with more vet bills to pay -- on the caliber food you're feeding than it is to go to a crowded shelter. There's no recovering from that needle. But what happens if you have a veterinary emergency? Or the time comes for vaccines? If your dog has a condition that requires regular medications? Planning ahead is always the best defense. Many vets now accept pet health insurance. It's a monthly expense, but the premiums, so far, aren't prohibitive in most cases and if you can budget them in are a whole lot less traumatic than one unexpected trip to the vet. If you do decide to go that route, though, be absolutely sure you've read everything thoroughly and had someone explain and initial anything you did not understand. Know what you're paying for! Most communities have organizations or vets that sponsor rabies clinics where your dog can get his rabies vaccine at a greatly reduced price with no charge for an office visit. Occasionally they will offer other vaccines as well. Ask! Your vet or your local shelter are good places to check. Another resource is at your fingertips. Google using the terms “veterinary care assistance” and you'll come up with literally pages of hits that will take you to lists of organizations dedicated to helping get veterinary care for your pet when you are strapped. There are good people who man organizations that will help with everything from preventative measures like vaccines and spay or neuter to catastrophic medical care. Some organizations, like United Animal Nations, not only provide assistance themselves, but also have their sites set up with easy to find and follow links to help those who need assistance with veterinary care, help after a natural disaster or personal emergency, assistance with medications for chronic diseases or conditions, and grants to aid good samaritans who are caring for rescued animals; even things as mundane as helping to get someone in hard economic times a little help feeding their pets. Breed associations are another place to check if you have a pure bred dog. Some will even help with a not-quite pure bred, and there are breed specific assistance groups in many areas of the U.S. and Canada. If there is a veterinary school in your area, it's worth a try at contacting them to see if they offer care at a discounted rate since it also provides valuable opportunities to teach students. Often, veterinary schools will charge as much or more as a high-end clinic, since they have invested in the latest equipment and techniques, but it's worth asking about, after all, the worst they can do is tell you “no.” Another possible resource is the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). They have instituted a “Helping Pets Fund” that veterinarians accredited by the AAHA can submit requests to for assistance on behalf of clients in need. Don't rely on someone else to bail you out without taking care of as much as possible yourself; cut off the cable, use a credit card if you have one, do your best, then ask for help if your pet needs it. Do remember, help is out there. As a last resort, if you absolutely cannot keep your pet fed, find a rescue or even a good home by your own efforts. There's no need to ditch a family member at the pound. Provided by Kim Harris of www.pet-super-store.com; Where you can find great deals on "Dog Doors" and "Dog Steps" TO LEARN ABOUT BUDGET STRETCHER PREMIUM Giving You The Power To Control Your Money |
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