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The Cost of Veterinary Care for Your Dog
As more advanced diagnostic tests and treatment options become available for our pets, the difficult -- yet necessary -- topic of the financial aspect of dog care must be considered. And though it may seem unfair, the reality is that healthcare for many dogs is not a right...it's a privilege.
The price you pay to purchase or adopt a dog is just the beginning. As a dog owner, it is your resposibility to be repared to financially provide food, bedding, kennels or cages, and training. If you rent an apartment, you'll probably also have the additional cost of a security deposit. If you travel or vacation, you'll need to be prepared to pay a kennel or a pet sitter to care for your dog while you're away.
In addition to these regular expenses, and as much as we hope it won't happen, it is also important to be prepared financially for illness or injury to your dog. No matter your dog's breed or pedigree, illness can occur at any age, and an injury as common as a broken leg can cost upwards of $3,000 to surgically repair!
While no one could attempt to assign a monetary value to our dog's life, the grim reality is that sometimes the cost of healthcare exceeds what you are able (or willing) to pay. When considering the cost of an expensive surgery, medications, and therapy, It's important to keep in mind your dog's quality of life after the procedure, the risk of potential complications (resulting in even more expense), and the overall benefit your dog will gain from any procedure. So in reality, deciding whether dog is worth $3,000 to you, or whether you can afford $3,000, most times the dog owner's decision should be based on wht the dog is able to tolerate, and how much overaall benefit your dog is likely to gain from the procedure.
Pet insurance is a common solution to solving the affordability factor in owning a dog; however, keep in mind that all policies have limits, and if your dog already has a condition, chances are that particular condition won't be covered. If you're planning to purchase pet insurance, it's best to apply when your dog is young and before any health problems have occurred. Find a pet insurance company (I highly recommend VPI Pet Insurance) that will provide you with a free quote to help you decide if pet health insurance is right for you and your dog.
This is why it is so important, when considering whether to adopt a dog, that you must take into consideration -- and budget for -- the cost of veterinary care for illness or injury to your dog.
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