Our pets provide us with fun, companionship, and unconditional love. In return, we incur the responsibilities that go with pet ownership, including veterinary care. Providing our pets with the preventative health care they deserve, as well as keeping them in a safe environment, significantly reduces the risk of illness and injury. Together, you and the veterinarians at Arrowhead Veterinary Clinic can take control of your pets health.
What health care considerations should I plan for when determining how much to set aside for my pet’s care? Pets are not a one-time expense. Arrowhead Veterinary Clinic recommends you consider the following before bringing a pet into your home:
- Cost for regular preventative health care such as vaccinations, parasite control and dental care.
- Cost of spay or neuter surgery for the pet.
- Costs for treatment of unexpected illness or injury.
- Breed-specific predisposition to certain conditions such as: allergies and skin diseases, ear and/or eye disease, heart, endocrine and immune-related diseases, or orthopedic conditions.
- Costs to provide appropriate daily care including proper nutrition for the life stage and lifestyle of the pet.
What kind of veterinary care is available for my pet? Pet owners today have access to the same advanced technologies that are available in human medicine, including emergency healthcare services, veterinary specialists, advanced diagnostic imaging, laboratory services, surgery, pain management, boarding services, and more. Management and treatment of health conditions like diabetes mellitus, thyroid gland disorders, hip dysplasia, cancers, arthritis, and allergy and other skin issues are enabling animals to live longer.
What ways can I pay for veterinary care? Budgeting for pet health care costs is difficult because costs vary greatly. Some individuals and families simply pay for these things out of their household budget as they arise. Others may need to consider other options for funding proper care for their pets. These options include:
- Monthly payments to an annual preventive care plan such as Arrowhead Veterinary Clinic’s Feline or Canine Preventative Care Plus Plans to cover normal preventative care services
- Regular contributions to a personal savings account designated for veterinary care
- Credit card reserves
- Medical credit cards such as Care Credit
- A pet health insurance plan to cover unexpected illness or injury.
How can Arrowhead Veterinary Clinic help me reduce the cost of veterinary care? The best way to reduce the cost of veterinary care is to invest in preventative care for your pet. This means scheduling regular exams during which we can help your pet avoid preventable conditions and detect diseases early. Just like with humans, preventative health care is widely recognized as a method of helping reduce long-term medical costs.
How do I know what kind of preventative care is right for my pet? Talking with the veterinarians and staff at Arrowhead Veterinary Clinic can help you determine what kind of care is right for your pet based on its life stage and lifestyle. Each pet is different and unique and we can give you a personalized assessment of what kinds of routine tests and care your pet needs to stay healthy. Preventative care includes routine tests such as blood work, urinalysis, fecal testing, parasite prevention, immunizations, dental cleanings, x-rays, and more. Monthly payment into Arrowhead Veterinary Clinic’s Annual Care Plus Plan can help reduce sudden out-of-pocket expenses.
I love my pet, but do I really need to see my vet regularly for dental cleanings? Yes! You visit your dentist regularly for dental cleanings and procedures, so it makes sense that your pet receives similar care. An estimated 80% of adult dogs have periodontal disease, which is painful for your pet and can lead to other health issues. Because 60% of the dog and cat tooth lies beneath the gum line, regular cleanings by our veterinary team are necessary to keep your pet’s mouth disease-free.
How does the cost of veterinary care compare to human health care? Veterinary care is actually a good deal compared to human medicine. We live in a world where veterinary clinics can use the same technologies that are being used in human health care. Thankfully for pet owners, veterinary clinics offer medical care for a fraction of the cost of human medicine. In human medicine, we often usually do not see the full cost of health care, as it is generally covered by health insurance or a health care program.
How are veterinary fees determined? Fees for veterinary health care take into account the complexity of the case and treatment options, operational costs of maintaining the hospital facility with the appropriate technologies and equipment, and support personnel to provide the elevated level of service and care that pet owners expect and deserve.
Why do the fees at Arrowhead Veterinary Clinic differ from those at the hospital my friend takes their pet to? It is important to recognize that just like any other health care service, veterinary clinics provide varying levels of care and expertise. Veterinary clinics differ in the services and personal care they offer. As consumers of health care services, pet owners must choose based on a combination of the quality care they seek as well as their financial constraints.
What can I do to keep my pet healthy and avoid costly and painful treatments? Scheduling regular examinations and following recommendations for routine tests (blood work, fecal testing, x-rays) can help your veterinarian detect disease before it becomes serious. Diet and exercise are vital, too: ask your veterinarian for a nutritional recommendation for the individual needs of your pet. This can contribute to your pet’s overall health.
Pet owners are in control of their pet’s health. Providing appropriate nutrition in a safe, enriched environment is the obligation of the pet owner. Seeking proper veterinary care and developing a strong relationship with the veterinary practice team is also essential in promoting good health and longevity. Providing appropriate nutrition, environment and veterinary care is a small payback for the unconditional love, enrichment of our lives, companionship and joy that pets give us.
