Raising a pet can be a great experience, but you will have to take it to the veterinarian from time to time. It’s easy to predict some of these bills due to routine checkups, but you may also have to make an emergency visit. Some vet bills can get expensive, and if you need assistance, you can use some of the choices highlighted in this guide. These personal loans can serve as good starting points.
If you need assistance for your emergency vet bills, MoneyLion offers a service to help you find personal loan offers. Based on the information you provide, you can get matched with offers for up to $50,000 from our top providers. You can compare rates, terms, and fees from different lenders and choose the best offer for you.
Options for emergency vet bill assistance
You can choose from several financing options if you have emergency vet bills. These are some of the most common choices.
In-house payment plans
In-house payment plans have quicker approval times and do not always require credit checks. However, you may end up with a higher interest rate. In-house payment plans are more convenient if you need extra capital and a quick resolution.
Charities for pets
Some charities offer financial assistance for pet owners’ vet bills. You don’t have to pay back charitable contributions, and it is possible to raise thousands of dollars through this method. Many charities do not cover preventive care but can offer financial support for various diseases.
These are some of the top charities for pets to consider:
- The Pet Fund
- Frankie’s Friends National Fund
- CareCredit
- Veterinary Care Charitable Fund
- The Mosby Fund
- Paws 4 A Cure
- SpayUSA
- Pets In Need
- Brown Dog Fund
- Friends & Vets Helping Pets
- Waggle Crowdfunding
- Red Rover Relief
Online assistance by breed
Some charitable organizations offer financial assistance for specific breeds. You can look for charities that offer support specifically for your breed and see if they will help. Since you are narrowing your search to charities based on breed, there will be fewer applicants which will make it easier to receive funding.
Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding is a great option for people who are within communities or know how to spread the word about a good cause online. This approach involves raising money from the public instead of reaching out to a lender. You won’t have to worry about credit checks and you will have much lower fees than what a lender will provide. Depending on the average contribution size and the funding goal, you may need dozens of donors to reach your goal.
Personal loans
Personal loans can help with any emergency expense, including vet bills. You will need a good credit score to get the best rate, and it can take a few days to receive the capital you need. However, once you get approval, you will get access to your funds soon after. You won’t have to worry about raising enough funds through an online crowdfunding campaign or if a charity approves your request for extra funds.
Credit cards
You won’t have to go through a credit check or any waiting period to use your credit card to fund emergency vet bills. You’ll even earn rewards like points or cashback. Consumers can choose from many credit cards that offer the best rewards. If you want a specific card for vet bills and pet care, you may want to consider the CareCredit card.
PRO TIP! Explore credit and debit card options tailored to different needs and preferences.
Instant cash apps
Instant cash apps let you receive funds from your next paycheck early. They can help with smaller expenses and are more affordable than loans. Instant cash apps then pull funds from your next paycheck as compensation for spotting you the extra cash.
While most instant cash apps only offer up to $250, MoneyLion over-delivers with InstacashSM. You can get up to $500 as a cash advance with the app. Instacash and other instant cash apps are not loan products*.
Pet insurance
Pet insurance policies make routine care and emergency vet bills more affordable. After paying your deductible, your insurer will help you with most of the expenses moving forward up to a designated limit. It’s better to have a pet insurance policy before an emergency, as most insurers do not cover pets with pre-existing conditions. However, if your pet is still healthy, a good insurance policy can offer an extra layer of financial protection.
How to prepare for and prevent pet emergencies
Preparation can save you a lot of money in the long run. These are some of the ways you can prepare for and prevent pet emergencies.
Create an emergency plan
An emergency plan lets you take quick action if something happens to your pet. Having a Rolodex of phone numbers for veterinarians, animal hospitals, and pet poison control experts will make it easier for you to access help. Building connections and keeping emergency contacts in your phone will help considerably.
Have a pet first aid kit ready with supplies
A pet first aid kit lets you assist your pet before receiving help from a veterinarian. You should have a kit that includes supplies like bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, and tweezers. You can save money and help your pet feel better if you can remove or alleviate the pet’s pain on your own.
Know your pet’s normal behavior and habits
Paying attention to your pet’s behavior and habits can help you detect anomalies. While some changes in behavior can occur because your pet is tired or has a cold, these changes can also indicate underlying problems. If your pet deviates from its normal behaviors and habits for a few days, you may want to go to a vet.
Keep your pet up to date on vaccinations
Reviewing the suggested vaccination schedule for your pet and taking other health precautions can minimize the likelihood of an emergency in the future. It’s also a good idea to make regular visits to your vet so a professional can stay on top of your pet’s current condition.
Pet-proof your home to prevent accidents
Pets can get clumsy, eat toxic foods, and make mistakes that a person wouldn’t. Keeping small objects out of reach, making sure toxic chemicals or plants aren’t in the area, and using gates to ensure your pet doesn’t accidentally fall down the stairs can keep emergency vet bills at bay.
Protect Your Pet with the Right Plan
A good preventative plan can help you avoid emergency vet bills. However, it’s also good to know what you would do if you needed to pay a big bill for your pet. You can choose from many financing options and can even receive money from a charity or crowdfunding to minimize your borrowing costs. Instant cash is also a great choice for people who only need a few hundred dollars and don’t want to deal with a credit check.
FAQ
Do emergency vets have payment plans?
Emergency vets have payment plans available, but each vet has a different process.
How do you deal with high vet bills?
You can borrow money from a lender, use an instant cash advance app, reach out to charities, and consider other financing methods.
What happens if you don’t have money to take your dog to the vet?
You should immediately apply for a loan or get financing through another method. Some veterinary colleges may offer emergency assistance programs that can help.
