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Taking your dog or cat to the vet in an emergency can be nerve-racking if you don’t have insurance, but there are other ways to afford the care your pet deserves.
Pet insurance is one of those tricky expenses. Some pet owners swear by it, saying it saved them an enormous bill when they had to take Fido in for emergency surgery. But for others, it’s a big waste of money as they pay more in premiums than they ever get in payouts.
It depends on where you call home. If you live in Idaho City, for example, you’ll find better coverage at cheaper prices than if you live in Manhattan.
If you decide to forgo pet insurance, it’s crucial you have a backup plan in case Fluffy swallows a rubber band. Because vet fees, lab tests, and medications add up!
Here’s what you can do to afford emergency vet expenses — current and future!
Step #1: Deal with Your Current Vet Bills
Finding the cash to put towards an emergency savings account is hard enough without juggling your vet bills at the same time. Pulled in too many directions, you’ll find this strategy means you aren’t particularly effective at paying bills or saving.
Reach out to Your Vet
If you can’t pay your bills out of pocket, talk to your vet about your options. Many vets are compassionate animal lovers who are willing to work out payment plans to ensure your pet gets the care they need.
Use Online Personal Loans
If you still can’t pay even with your vet’s help, you can check to see if you qualify for an online personal loan. You can find quick online installment loans in Idaho that provide fast and easy applications, which cuts down how long it takes to see if you qualify.
If approved, you can cover emergency vet bills with your cash loan and pay them back in increments.
Reach out for Help
If an online personal loan doesn’t give you enough cash to cover your bills, it may be time to reach out to veterinarian colleges or charitable organizations. A vet college provides care on a sliding scale, while some charitable organizations will pay some or all of your bills for you.
Step #2: Retool Your Budget
Before any great emergency fund comes a budget. This spending plan helps you prioritize your income so that you can pay bills, have fun, and still set aside some cash for an emergency.
If you aren’t sure how to achieve this balance, use the 50-30-20 budget as your guide. With roughly 50 percent of your income going toward essentials and 30 percent going to wants, you should budget for approximately 20 percent of your paycheck toward savings.
Step #3: Capitalize on Interest Rates
Interest isn’t just something direct cash advance lenders, banks, and online direct lenders apply to their financial products. It’s also something you earn on savings. While basic savings accounts earn less than one percent interest, you can sometimes find deals on high-yield savings accounts.
This way, your money will grow all on its own — although you should keep up with your monthly contributions to make the most of your interest rate.
Bottom Line
Paying for emergency vet care without insurance is a challenge, but it is doable. Follow these tips to help cover immediate expenses before planning for the future.
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