How Much Does An Emergency Vet Cost?
We all treat our pets as part of our family, and we probably allocated a budget for their vet care needs, including routine check-ups and vaccines. But what happens when your favorite pet suddenly gets sick or injured? The first thing on your mind is how much does an emergency vet costs for them to get better, right?
What is a Pet Emergency?
You need to decide first on the seriousness of your pet’s condition. It can be hard to determine whether you should wait until your regular vet opens or seek care right away, especially when your pet becomes sick in the middle of the night. Knowing what to do is even tougher when you’re traveling. One way to help make that decision is to call an emergency veterinary hospital. A trained professional is on stand by to help you.
The majority of the vets agree that certain conditions of your pet are too risky to wait out before seeking treatment. Some of these include:
- Diarrhea or repeated vomiting, especially if there is blood
- Seizures
- Not eating food or drinking water for the whole day
- Injury caused by a traumatic accident or an animal attack
- Swallowing a foreign body
- Breathing difficulties
- Abdominal bloating and high fever
Any condition on the list can threaten your pet’s life. If you see the symptoms, take your pet to the vet immediately.
How to Afford an Emergency Vet Checkup
Whatever type of pet clinic you choose, know that emergency services might take a considerable chunk of your wallet. Vets and pet owners acknowledged that emergency vet fees could be costly due to some factors like medicine, technology, and supplies used for your pet's care.
An actual emergency vet visit can range from $800-$1500. The costs vary depending on the severity of your pet's case, but most vets require a fee for the initial exam.
If your pet needs surgery, that can end up adding thousands of dollars into your vet bill.
Get a Pet Insurance
Pet insurance can somehow offset some of the costs of the emergency vet visit. Different pet insurance companies offer varying coverage plans that can range from 60-90 percent reimbursement for emergency vet care. Other pet insurance companies also offer low-cost accident only coverage for pet owners who are on a budget.
Communicate
Not all veterinary clinics offer in-house payment plans. However, it doesn't hurt to ask if you can pay for your pet's emergency care in installments over time. They can work with you to find cheaper alternatives without compromising your pet's health when at all possible.
Also, try to check with your local animal shelter to see if they can provide emergency veterinary care at a reduced cost.
Get Specialized Cards
Another secret pet owners (including vets) shared is using a specialized card. It's not just for your favorite pets but for you, too. These cards are built-in financing for you you and your pet's medical needs.
How to Prepare for an Emergency Pet Care
Preparing for your pet's emergency care can be stressful and tasking. This is the reason why experts and pet owners who've had emergencies before recommend that it is essential to identify a high-quality clinic that provides 24-hour emergency care. It's tough to be ready for a pet emergency, considering that it is something unexpected.
But knowing a clinic that operates outside the regular hours can make a difference in terms of outcome.
Which Emergency Vet Clinic Should You Visit?
Experts recommend visiting a clinic (with your pet ) that you consider going to beforehand. You should go to the first place that will give you care, especially in emergencies. You should also take into consideration the offers, vet practices, emergency services, and specialty care of the facility. Most vets with general practices provide some emergency care. Dedicated clinics specialize in emergencies only, while other pet health care facilities offer a broad spectrum of services, including emergency care.
Prioritize Prevention
Taking your pet to the vet annually for check-ups is the best and easiest way to avoid a pet emergency. This practice will make sure that your pet gets the necessary medical attention and for you to also keep track of your pet's health.
Also, it pays to be always prepared for all kinds of emergencies. Not all pet emergencies are medical emergencies. Natural calamities are also considered emergencies because pet owners tend to scramble and panic if they don't have a way to bring their pets to the vet.
Conclusion
Experts say that planning can ease some of the stresses and high costs of emergency vet fees. As seasoned pet owners, having a plan in place is essential to address this issue. We hope that this article on how much does an emergency vet costs will guide to decide the best pet emergency plan for your household. So start planning now so that you know what to do and where to go in case your most precious pet gets sick or injured. Find out more about survival kits.