“I’m sorry, what?” When I first took Sugar to the vet, was completely caught off guard. Who knew it costs this much just for a visit? And “What do you mean I have to bring her back for additional shots?” “Why didn’t anyone tell me, WTF?”
I’m sure most first-time dog moms have said that at least one time after a visit to the vet. In fact, even experienced dog moms might have said the same thing after a visit to the vet. So, in this blog post we’re discussing veterinary bill sticker shock and how to avoid it.
FINANCIAL PREPAREDNESS
Financial preparedness is being ready and able to cover unexpected expenses without financial strain. According to a USA Today survey, over 50% of dog parents have admitted to cutting back on veterinary care for their dogs due to the financial strain of having a dog.
As a dog mom, financial preparedness reduces stress and anxiety associated with unexpected veterinary bills. It also ensures that your dog receives timely and adequate care as well as enhances your overall well-being by providing financial peace of mind. To build financial preparedness, it’s important to do the following:
Start Saving Small – Set a specific savings goal. Save a small, manageable amount from each paycheck. For example, your savings goal may be $500, and you may save $20 each paycheck to get to your financial goals. One trick that works for me is looking at savings as an automated bill. This way a savings plan is always built into the budget.
Set A Savings Minimum – Map out your monthly pet expenses. Once you’ve identified your monthly pet expenses, use that to set your initial savings goal. Aim to save between 3 and 6 months of pet-related expenses.
Think Long-Term – Create a long-term savings plan. Outline where you want to be in 6 months to a year with your savings goal and build from there. This could mean that you’re gradually increasing your savings each month, starting a side-hustle like selling pupcakes, or cutting non-essential expenses to boost your savings.
STRATEGIES TO AVOID VETERINARY BILL STICKER SHOCK
Financial preparedness allows you to be proactive and reduce the sticker shock from a visit to your dog’s vet. Here are 10 strategies to help you avoid sticker shock.
Get Pet Insurance – Enroll in pet insurance early to cover unexpected health issues. Compare different pet insurance plans and choose one that fits your budget and dog’s needs.
Schedule Regular Check-Ups – Schedule and keep regular vet visits for preventative care. Keep a calendar and schedule them in advance. This way they’ll be on your calendar. Regular preventative care appointment timelines are based on your dog’s needs. However, it’s safe to say that at minimum visits will be once a year.
Keep Up with Vaccinations – Maintain a vaccination schedule to prevent costly illnesses. Create a vaccination record and update it regularly. Also, note that a lot of groomers, dog sitters, and other dog service providers will require your dog to be up to date on their vaccinations.
Maintain A Healthy Diet – Feed your dog a balanced and nutritious diet. Research affordable, high-quality pet food that fits your budget. Also, consider baking your dog’s treats at home. Consult with your dog’s vet to determine the best diet for your dog.
Practice Dental Care – Get regular dental check-ups and practice at home dental care. Introduce a dental care routine to your dog, which includes brushing and dental treats. Neglecting dental health can lead to expensive treatments as your dog ages.
Exercise Regularly – Ensure your dog gets regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight. Incorporate daily walks and playtime into your dog’s routine. Lack of exercise can cause obesity and related health issues, which can increase your dog’s healthcare expenses.
Create An Emergency Fund – Build an emergency fund specifically for your dog’s emergencies. Start with a small amount (i.e., $20 out of each paycheck) and gradually increase it. This will help you handle some of those unplanned vet expenses.
Explore Low-Cost Vet Options – Research community clinics and veterinary schools for quality affordable care. Utilize these resources for routine care and minor treatments.
Compare Prices & Shop Around – Shop around and compare prices for vet services. Research vets that offer competitive pricing without compromising quality. It’s important that you go to a vet that you trust. So, cheaper should not always be the reason that you choose a vet. Quality care is key.
Utilize Preventative Medications – Avoiding preventative medications can lead to costly treatment. Use flea, tick, and heart worm preventatives to avoid major health issues. Set reminders for administering preventative medications regularly.
An unexpected vet bill can really throw off your day, and your budget. So, being proactive in your financial preparedness can not only help you manage the budgeted vet expenses, but also navigate those “are you kidding me” unplanned vet bills. These strategies are a great way to continue to be proactive as you work towards your financial goals.
Now, we’d also love to hear from you. How do you avoid vet bill sticker shock? Share your stories and connect with us @pupcakesugar.
Check out our pupcake recipe eBook, Sugar’s Dish: My Start from Scratch Story & 10 “Easy As Pupcake” Recipes to Try at Home. This eBook includes 10 beginner pupcake recipes for you to try at home with your dog.
You’ll also get a chance to step into Sugar’s world. Sugar’s character is a “pupcakepreneur” that owns and operates her own pupcakery called Pupcake Sugar.
Also, sign up for the Pupcake Sugar mailing list to get Sugar’s favorite birthday pupcake recipe to try at home with your dog. It’s great for dog moms who are new to baking dog treats.
