What do I do if my pet is sick and I don’t have the money to pay the vet bills? Can Animal Happiness Vet still help me? This is a heartbreaking situation on BOTH sides of the consulting table and a question we hear far too often.
It does cost money to have a pet, and everybody should factor vet bills into family budgeting before purchasing or taking on a new pet. The best way to lower your financial risks with vet bills is to get your pet insured. But obviously if your animal is already sick – it is too late to get insurance for that problem!
As a small family practice we simply can’t provide treatment on credit – in any situation. However, we do support two different third-party payment plans and they can ensure the optimal health of your pet without leaving you unable to put food on the dinner table. They cover your bill now, we treat your pet immediately and you pay the debt off later. Win, win!
The first organisation we’ve partnered with is VetPay. This is a veterinary specialist lender who offers flexible payment plans. They provide same day finance so that you are empowered to provide the very best healthcare for your pet.
Another lender we work with is Zip, who can lend you the cost of smaller bills in minutes. You may have heard of them elsewhere as they lend money for all sorts of purchases. They charge no interest and the fees are surprisingly reasonable!
As with anything financial, it pays to do your own research and work out which of these options might suit your personal circumstances. It’s possible to set yourself up with a Zip or VetPay account at any time before you might need to use it, or if you’re in at the vet hospital and need a payment plan option, then our staff will be on hand to point you towards the options available.
The team here at the Animal Happiness Vet is all about keeping our animals happy and healthy, so if you have any queries or concerns about your pet, or the costs associated with their veterinary care, then please contact us as we’ll be only too happy to help.
Further reading:
How much does it cost to own a dog or cat: https://moneysmart.gov.au/getting-a-pet
The cost of pet ownership: https://www.rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-care/pet-ownership/cost-of-pet-ownership
To Whom it May Concern:
Hello, how are you? I do hope that you are well. I would like to bring a Tabby Cat “Tiger” but I am wondering how much does it cost for an X-Ray (with a full check up, and do you also do claw cutting as well?)
I do not recall as to when the last time was that he has been to the vet for a full check up but I feel that it is important. Can you kindly please send to me a quote for the full check up consultation plus an X-Ray and do you accept payment in a form of a bank transfer? That would be very helpful and how much would it cost to get copies of the X-Ray results as well and perhaps a letter from you explaining the results? Would the quotation also have your BSB and account number.
Tiger is over 11 years old. It has been a while since he last had a check up.
Hi there Alexander, thanks for commenting.
Couple of things here:
Firstly we would need to have a normal consult to decide if there is any need to take Xrays. It’s never something we just do because the owner has decided they want radiology performed – radiation exposure is never trivial for either your pet or our team.
Secondly, yes, bank transfer is fine for payment.
Finally we will definitely need to talk to you in person before anything further happens because anonymous requests for quotations and bank transfers is the beginning of many scams – sorry – but we need to be cautious.