Facing an unexpected, expensive veterinary bill can be extremely stressful. As a pet owner, you want to do everything possible to get your furry friend the care they need. However, vet bills can easily run into the thousands of dollars, leaving many pet parents wondering – what happens if I can’t pay my vet bill in full?
The good news is you have options. While an unpaid vet bill can negatively impact your credit or lead to being denied future service, there are ways to get financial assistance so your pet still receives treatment.
Don’t Panic – Vets Won’t Take Your Pet Away
First things first – take a deep breath. It’s a common myth that vets can seize your pet if you don’t pay your bill. Legally vets cannot take your animal away or refuse to release them to you even if you owe money. They can send your account to collections or refuse future service until the balance is paid, but they cannot hold your pet hostage.
Payment Plans Offer Flexible Financing
Many veterinary clinics understand financial hardships happen and will work with you on a payment plan. This allows you to pay your bill in installments over time. Payment plans vary by clinic, but often require 10-50% as a down payment, then set up weekly, biweekly or monthly payments.
Corporate-owned vet offices usually don’t allow payment plans. Your best bet is smaller, privately owned clinics who may show more flexibility. Before any procedure, discuss payment plan options so you know what to expect.
Search for Organizations Offering Aid
Numerous nonprofit organizations and shelters offer financial assistance for those unable to pay vet bills. Search online databases such as Petfinder to find groups in your area. Breed-specific rescues like Doberman 911 or Labrador Life Line can also provide aid if you have that breed of dog.
The Humane Society website lists additional resources for veterinary financial assistance. Crowdfunding sites like GoFundMe allow you to share your pet’s story and raise money from friends, family and compassionate strangers.
Consider Credit Cards or Special Financing
For very large vet bills, companies like CareCredit provide credit cards specifically for healthcare, including veterinary services. They allow you to pay off the balance in fixed monthly payments over 6, 12, 18 or 24 months depending on the amount. This can make expensive treatments much more manageable.
You can also use a standard credit card to finance vet expenses over time while caring for your pet. Just be sure to make payments on time to avoid heavy interest charges or credit damage.
Look Into Lower-Cost Vet Services
Animal shelters and nonprofit clinics aimed at low-income families sometimes offer discounted rates, vaccinations, and spay/neuter services. Veterinary schools with teaching hospitals also charge much less than private practices.
The care won’t be substandard, but less diagnostics may be run and there’s emphasis on keeping costs down. Still, your animal will receive good medical treatment for an affordable price.
Consider Pet Insurance for the Future
Pet insurance won’t help with a current vet bill, but can be invaluable for future health issues. Policies cover up to 90% of unexpected vet costs when your pet gets injured or sick. They can be lifesavers in emergency situations.
Insurance also helps budget regular preventive vet care like annual exams, vaccinations, and dental cleanings. Catching problems early before they become serious will save you money and heartache down the road.
Fetch by The Dodo provides comprehensive accident and illness coverage with low pricing, no annual or lifetime caps, and a fast, easy claims process.
Don’t Wait – Get Prepared Now
The hardest part of an overwhelming vet bill is feeling helpless. But there are always options, and you don’t have to shoulder the burden alone. Do some research ahead of time so you’ll know exactly where to turn for aid if an emergency arises. Here are a few quick tips:
- Ask your vet if they offer in-house payment plans
- Search online databases for financial assistance programs
- Consider crowdfunding or funding through a credit card
- Look for discounted services through shelters or clinics
- Get pet insurance ASAP for future health issues
With a little planning and creativity, you can find a solution to get your pet the care they need. Stay positive, be proactive, and never give up hope. Where there’s a will, there’s a way when it comes to caring for our furry friends.
Here are your options
Vet services can be really expensive, and many people aren’t prepared for the costs — especially if their pet gets sick unexpectedly.
“Sadly, many owners find themselves in a situation when their dog becomes unwell, and they cannot afford their treatment,” Dr. Simon told The Dodo. “This often happens in an emergency setting and when their pet is very unwell.”
If you ever find yourself in this situation, it’s important to know what your options are so you can take care of your pet.
The Dodo spoke to Dr. Linda Simon, a veterinary surgeon and a veterinary consultant for FiveBarks, and Dr. Chyrle Bonk, a veterinarian from Hepper, to find out how you can get help with your vet bills.
Ask about a payment plan
You can ask your vet if they offer payment plans to help with the costs of an expensive bill.
Payment plans will differ depending on the veterinary office you go to and the type of treatment your pet is getting. “Some will accept payments on emergency services but not on elective services, such as vaccinations or spaying and neutering,” Dr. Bonk said.
You may have to pay part of your bill right away as a deposit and then pay the rest off in installments. “Most will ask for a percentage up front, anywhere from 10 to 50 percent, depending on the total bill,” Dr. Bonk said. “They may then set up weekly, biweekly or monthly payments until the balance is taken care of.”
Keep in mind that corporate-owned vets don’t usually offer payment plans. You’ll be more likely to have payment flexibility at small practices.
My Dog is Unwell But I Have No Money For The Vet – What Can I Do? – Dog Health Vet Advice
FAQ
What will a vet do if you can’t pay?
Do vets do a payment plan?
Can a vet bill ruin your credit?
Are vet bills negotiable?
Can a vet take your pet if you can’t pay your bill?
Luckily, it’s a myth that vets will take away your pet if you can’t pay your bill. “Let’s bust a common misconception that pet owners have: Vets can not seize animals for unpaid vet bills,” Dr. Bonk told The Dodo. “So, if you can’t pay your bill, the vet can’t keep your pet.”
Can vets seize animals for unpaid vet bills?
This is a myth. Veterinarians can’t seize animals for unpaid vet bills. However, your vet can send your payments to a collection agency. This can negatively affect your credit score and possibly accrue additional fees. Some vets may even refuse services to you until payment is received.
Can you pay vet bills with a credit card?
You may be able to use a credit card to pay for your bills so you can pay later. “Vet clinics may also accept credit cards and let the credit card company deal with the payments,” Dr. Bonk said. The company CareCredit offers veterinary financing with monthly payments. You can also consider crowdfunding for help paying vet bills.
What happens if my vet bill is overdue?
When your vet bill is overdue, it’s likely to go to a collection agency at some point. It may not go to collections immediately, but you might face some consequences for your unpaid bill. For example, it may hurt your credit score as you fall further behind in payments. Below are six ways to get help with your pet’s expenses. 1.
What to do if you can’t afford vet bills?
Now, let’s hear from some professionals in the field on what to do when you can’t afford vet bills: 1. “It’s important for pet owners to be proactive about their pet’s health and seek out resources for financial assistance when needed. Don’t be afraid to ask your veterinarian about payment plans or low-cost options that may be available to you.”
Can I negotiate a payment plan if my vet bill is overdue?
Speak with your vet to find out if you can negotiate a payment plan. When your vet bill is overdue, it’s likely to go to a collection agency at some point. It may not go to collections immediately, but you might face some consequences for your unpaid bill. For example, it may hurt your credit score as you fall further behind in payments.