Managing Vet Costs As a Pet Owner

There’s no getting around it: owning a pet can be expensive, especially when you have to take them to the vet. Most pet owners consider the expenses of a pet before adopting or buying one, but what happens if you already own pets and fall on hard times? What happens if your pet faces an unexpected medical emergency and you realise the vet bill is much higher than you’re anticipating? 

Luckily, there are ways to help manage vet costs in Australia, so they are more manageable for you, and your beloved furry family member can get the medical care they need. 

Understanding the Costs of Local Veterinarians 

Before deciding to adopt or buy a pet, it is a good idea to research the vets in your area to get an idea of pricing and the services they provide. Also, find out what possible health services your pet will need throughout their life to keep them happy and healthy (vaccinations, parasite prevention, etc).  

It’s important to note that the cost of a veterinarian will vary depending on their location (costs are generally higher in metropolitan areas and lower in regional areas). 

Look Ahead 

It is impossible to predict when your pet will have a medical emergency, which is why it’s a great idea to set aside a monthly amount in case a veterinary visit arises. 

Being financially prepared as a pet parent is a must. 

Preventative Care 

Taking your pet for regular vet checkups plays a key role in preventing more serious health issues down the line, prolonging your pet’s life and saving you lots of money. 

Get a Second Opinion

If a vet bill estimate is higher than expected, it’s a good idea to get a second opinion from another veterinary clinic. Another vet may offer a lower bill for the same treatment or procedure, or even a different treatment option (medication or another procedure instead of surgery, etc.). 

Pet Insurance 

Pet insurance is always an essential factor to consider when you’re a pet parent. It is crucial to help cover the cost of an unexpected illness or injury. Although it is definitely an extra investment, it can save you a lot of money in the long run and give you peace of mind. 

It’s essential to compare different insurance policies to see what each provider offers and read the fine print before deciding on one. 

At Potiki Pet Insurance, we offer flexible policy options (Silver, Gold or Platinum) which provide up to 80% back on eligible vet bills. We also offer complimentary online access to licensed Australian vets. 

Low-Cost Vet Clinics 

Although rare and sometimes difficult to find, low-cost veterinary clinics do exist for pet parents facing financial challenges. 

These clinics can be found across Australia, including: 

• Fletcher Vet (Sydney) 
• Concord Veterinary Hospital (Sydney) 
• Southern Cross Vet’s Project HoPe (Sydney) 
• Sydney Veterinary Hospital (Sydney) 
• Lort Smith Animal Hospital (Melbourne) 
• Brisbane Pet Surgery (Brisbane) 
• SASH – The Small Animal Specialist Hospital (Adelaide) 

Charity and Non-Profit Organisations

Good news, there are several Australian charities and non-profit organisations available to help low-income families, homeless people and pensioners. These include: 

• Vet Crisis Fund (no-interest loans) 
• Pet Rescue Crisis Support (Australia-wide support) 
• The Sunset Benevolence Fund (supports struggling families)
• Pet Medical Crisis (no-interest loans for pensioners and seniors) 

Fundraising/Crowd Source Funds 

We know how embarrassing it can be to ask for financial support/help. Still, when it comes to saving your beloved furry family member’s life, sometimes you have to try every avenue. 

Platforms like GoFundMe, mycause, and Chuffed let you create your own cause for people to donate to. Make sure you write your pet’s story as emotionally as possible so that people can empathise and relate. 

Sell Items 

Sites like Depop, Facebook Marketplace, and Etsy let you sell clothes you no longer wear to raise some extra funds for your pets. Depending on the original price of the clothing and the quality of each item, you can raise some surprisingly good money. 

Apply for a Loan 

You can try to apply for an emergency loan to pay your pet bills. Companies like Wallet Wizard, Latitude Personal Loans, Finance One and Swoosh can offer fast loans if you are eligible. 

Payment Plans or Pay Later 

Some veterinary clinics offer ‘buy now, pay later’ offers through Zip or afterpay, which allow you to pay your vet bills in instalments. 

If you are having financial difficulties, don’t be afraid to approach your vet and let them know. They may be able to offer a payment plan or other payment options. 

VetPay is another valuable resource. VetPay partners with veterinarians across Australia to offer flexible payment plans. 

Make sure you double-check with your vet to ensure that they offer other payment options. 

At Potiki, we understand how precious your pets are. We also know that the unexpected can happen at any time, leading to extremely high vet bills. These unforeseen circumstances are why it is best to be prepared with pet insurance. Potiki offer our customers flexible covers with excess and extras to give you and your family peace of mind. Visit our website to obtain a quick quote and explore our various coverage options. 

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