If you’re an animal lover with a few pets, you do your best to take care of your furry, reptilian or feathered friends. Like you, they’ll need health check-ups and will get sick or injured at some time, requiring medical attention.
To make sure those expenses don’t become a financial burden or are so costly that you can’t afford the treatment, here are six ways to help you prepare for and deal with them.
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Create a savings account specifically for pet expenses. If you have many pets or one with a known medical condition, put aside a set amount each pay period in a separate account just for those expenses. You can open an additional savings account and set up automatic transfers right in our online banking. Maintenance these transfers as you wish, placing the power in your hands to schedule in quantities that fit your budget, but also help you save automatically! Start small each pay period and set up a transfer of $10 to your additional savings, and watch your savings grow for your pet.
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Pet insurance. There are quite a few pet insurance companies to choose from, like Healthy Paws, and Trupanion. Many won’t cover pre-existing conditions, so choose an insurance company before your pet develops a chronic condition.
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Negotiate an installment plan. If you’ve been a customer in good standing, your vet may be willing to accept payment in monthly installments.
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Find animal welfare organizations or charities in your community. Some animal shelters offer veterinary loans and grant programs, and many veterinary schools run low-cost clinics. Konza Vet Clinic is a low-cost vet clinic right here in Manhattan.
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kstate CREDIT UNION Visa. Our credit card offers a competitive low rate and has no annual fee. This may be the best way to finance and offer more flexibility, so the expense doesn’t hit your budget all at once.
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Apply for a personal loan. If your pet’s treatment is going to be a major expense, then consider asking the credit union for a personal loan. The loans usually have a fixed rate and must be repaid in monthly installments within a set amount of time.