According to a recent poll, nearly half of millennials (48 percent) said they probably or definitely could not come up with $2,000 in case of an emergency. That’s a problem, considering millennials are now the largest pet-owning demographic in the U.S.
Unexpected emergencies and accidents can happen at any time to a pet, which is why pet experts say it’s critical to take steps to prepare financially for unforeseen expenses.
Providing preventative care
Scraping together $2,000 in case of a pet emergency may seem like a daunting task, especially to millennials who may be facing financial obstacles like overcoming student loan debt or saving up to buy a house.
But saving up for an unforeseen pet emergency may not be as difficult as millennials think. Staying ahead of expenses through preventative veterinary care can help ensure young pet owners are prepared to care for their furry companion if the worst happens.
In an interview with ConsumerAffairs, Rob Jackson, co-founder and CEO of Healthy Paws, recommended that millennials commit to preventative care for their pet. Doing so can help consumers avoid expensive vet bills and complications later, he said.
“Keeping pet care costs down over the long-term means committing to preventative care, seeing your vet annually to nip conditions in the bud, and enrolling in pet insurance as early as possible to avoid pre-existing conditions,” Jackson said.
“Just like humans, everything from dental check-ups to vaccines help your pet live a longer, healthier life,” he continued, noting that preventative care safeguards pets’ basic health.
For example, Jackson says that staying up to date on shots, heartworm medication, and other preventative health care measures can help protect pets from big diseases like heartworm or rabies.
“While you can’t prevent every accident or illness, taking these precautionary steps can save a lot of stress for both you and your pet further down the road,” he said.
Catching diseases early
Routine wellness exams go “hand-in-paw” with preventative care and can also help stave off expensive medical bills.
“A quick physical and a few tests can rule out any illnesses in the early stages, possibly saving your pet’s life,” Jackson said. “Again, just like humans, discovering illnesses in their earliest stages means a better chance for recovery and survival.”
According to a recent survey by Nationwide insurance, the following cat and dog conditions can be avoided by preventative veterinary care: dental diseases, internal and external parasites, infectious diseases, reproductive organ diseases, and respiratory infections.
Buying pet insurance
Another way consumers can avoid big vet bills is by buying pet insurance that covers their dog or cat. Having this coverage can be a lifesaver if a chronic illness or condition presents itself down the line.
“A limping injury may need diagnostic tools like x-rays and MRIs that can run up to $5,000,” Jackson pointed out. “We regularly see small claims – an allergy diagnosis and treatment may be $250 – as well as catastrophic claims – spinal diseases that can run over $40,000.”
“With veterinary science evolving to treat our pets better and faster, the price tag is higher as well,” he said. “Pet insurance protects your pets by giving you the financial freedom to seek out the best care possible.”