New programs might help you control pet care costs
 

Merle F. Marks, DVM
 

Timberland Animal Clinic
 

Part 3
 

In my previous 2 articles we looked at veterinary costs and various

programs which can help defray certain expenses for pet owners. This

article looks at the feasibility of those programs and the future

implications to pet owners. Please remember that each situation is

different and certainly my opinions are just that, my opinions.
 

Looking down the road
 

In general, people resist change. I know I certainly do. Many of us

don't look very far down the road either, myself included. Maybe its

a lack of vision, but the world is changing. New medicines and technologies

make many life saving situations possible that weren't possible just

a few years ago. The bottom line is that we veterinarians want to

practice the best medicine possible and offer clients options they've

never had before. All too often the scenario reads If we don't perform

this procedure, your pet will have to be euthanized. The number one

reason for treatments not being performed is the clients lack of finances. The

lack of finances is because no one plans for major medical bills for

their pets. Most people don't even budget for their pets regular yearly

exam and vaccination visits. But there is help out there. The best

program I believe is the straight forward pet insurance program. As

opposed to the HMOs and wellness plans which have to be used at the

clinic which offers the program, pet insurance can be used at any

clinic or specialist. Pet insurance does give the pet owner more freedom

to make better health choices for their pets. Isn't that what we all

want? Nothing is more frustrating for a veterinarian than to know

that they could fix a problem but the owner cant afford treatment.

I know that is the most heartbreaking for the owner. As situations

change, we must change to meet these situations or we will be swallowed

up by them.
 

Veterinary Pet Insurance
 

One company which has been around for many years and is exclusively

endorsed by the American Humane Association is Veterinary Pet Insurance. Information

is easy to get and they have sold over 750,000 policies. Coverage

costs between 28 and 69 cents per day for any pet aged eight years

or younger. You can sign up with no physical exam required and you

may use any veterinarian worldwide without pre authorization. Policy

pays for prescriptions, lab fees, x-rays, surgery, hospitalization,

treatment and even office calls for any covered medical problem.
 

The choice is yours
 

My recommendation to you is to look at what level of care you as the

financial provider are willing and/or able to provide for your pet

or pets, and then look at a brochure for pet insurance and see if

it enables you to improve your care level. We have free brochures

in our office, we receive no favors or kickbacks for endorsing any

plan. Feel free to stop in any time and pick one up. EC
 

Merle Marks is co-owner of Timberland Animal Clinic, located at 17641

S.E. Stark. He can be reached at 255-9766.