Pet Insurance Alternative
Are There Any Other Choices?

Okay, you've looked at the pet insurance companies and read their respective consumer reviews. You aren't sure if pet insurance is right for you and your pet.

You want to know what else is available and what other options you may have. It's time to consider a pet insurance alternative.

First up would be PetAssure. This is a different type of pet insurance company. I consider it a pet insurance alternative because it does not operate the way most pet insurance companies do. It is more of a discount savings plan with veterinarians and retailers alike. They have no age requirements, no exclusions, no coverage maximums, etc.

Another pet insurance alternative is CareCredit. It works just like a credit card, but is exclusively for healthcare services.  And, it’s better because you get convenient monthly payments every time you use it. You can use your card over and over for follow-up appointments or different procedures. This means you don’t have to put your pet's health on hold until you save up enough money.

How about saving for a rainy day? if you have self-discipline, open a money market or savings account. While it may take awhile to save enough for costs associated with your pet's emergency surgery or long-term chronic condition, dedicated saving every week does add up and would be there for most routine care needs.

A money market account usually has a higher interest rate and allows you to write a certain number of checks off the account each month. This would broaden your choice of financial institution to include those online. If you choose a savings account, however; I would recommend you shop around for one close to home with the best interest rate available so you can access the funds on quick notice should the need arise.

Finally, consider ways in which you can reduce your veterinary costs.

• In my area, and I'm sure in most, veterinarians, animal shelters and the Humane Society have certain days and locations where they offer reduced vaccinations and neuter/spay. Some of the larger pet stores also offer this.
  
  
• Don't be shy. Ask your veterinarian for samples when he/she prescribes medications. Most pharmacy sales people who come to your veterinarian's practice leave samples to get your vet to try their products.
  
  
• If that doesn't work, shop around. Pet medications and supplies are sold online. Believe it or not, I order my dog's heartworm and flea preventative (yes, brand names) from Australia. I get them within just a few days of ordering online and save quite a bit. You may also want to check out Discount Pet Medicines for links to sites that offer lower priced medicines.
  
  
• Don't skimp on pet food. Buy the good stuff. We are what we eat and so are our pets. When I was younger, I had a cat named Bandit who developed a urinary tract infection (on Christmas Eve no less). I spent the evening with my veterinarian (they don't make them like Doc anymore), and even assisted with placing the catheter. I learned two things. First, Bandit really loved me because while I was assisting, Bandit wrapped his mouth around my arm. He did not bite down (I believe I would have). I also learned that the ash content in the food I was feeding Bandit caused the UTI. Saving a few bucks on his food cost me a great deal more.....not to mention the suffering my kitty went through.
  
  That is not to say you have to buy the most expensive food out there. I still feed my pets from grocery store brands. I'm partial to Purina. Just read ingredient labels like you do for your own food and you should be okay.
  
  
• And while we're on the subject of feeding, don't let your pets get too fat. Make sure they have plenty of exercise and fresh water. Obese pets have more health problems.
  
  
• Just like with people, there is nothing wrong with obtaining a second opinion before you have an expensive procedure performed, except in the case of an emergency of course.
  
  
• Ever heard of The Merck Veterinary Manual? I'm sure your vet has, and he probably owns a copy. This book is the single most comprehensive reference for animal care information I've ever seen. If you don't have it, I'll save you some money. They have an electronic reference that you can research online. It lists conditions, symptoms, names of diseases, treatments, etc. You may be able to be your own second opinion!
  
  
• You might ask your veterinary clinic if they offer any type of emergency funding. Some veterinarians will set aside funds for pets whose owners cannot afford care. If there are no such funds set aside, they may allow you to finance your bill with them.
  
  
• Another option is a rescue group or other non-profit pet support group that offers financial aid.