A Candid Discussion Regarding Doggo Ownership In The Age of Exorbitant Unexpected Veterinary Expenses And Pet Care Fees

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kalila courban
Aug 4, 2023 8:00 PM EDT

Hey friends, It sure is an expensive world we live in, and it seems to just keep getting more and more expensive for the same basic products and services. This brings us to the topic of today's discussion- dog ownership in today's age of exorbitant unexpected veterinary expenses and pet care fees. It all starts off when a passionate dog owner shares her journey highlighting the importance of responsible financial preparation when adopting a doggo, yet also the standard that finances alone determine a person's ability to care for a doggo. 

The discussion delves into the emotional and financial challenges faced when unforeseen health issues arise, revealing the support and understanding needed within the dog community. While acknowledging the responsibility of basic vet care, the focus shifts to the compassion and commitment required to care for a beloved pet, even in difficult circumstances. As opinions clash, the debate expands to parallel human healthcare struggles, sparking reflections on society's responsibility towards all living beings. This is most certainly a thought-provoking thread that unravels the intricacies of love, finance, and the profound bond between pets and their owners. And we encourage you all to give it an open-minded read. Enjoy! 

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  • 01
    Font - Posted by u/Lucille2214 11 months ago 2203 2 My take on "if you can't afford the vet, you can't afford the pet"
    via Lucille2214
  • 02
    Font - "If you can't afford the vet, you can't afford the pet" is something that I hear very often in the dog community. I agree with this, but only to a certain point. Here's why: Before I brought home my first puppy last year (I was 16) I made absolute sure that I had the money to buy:
    via Lucille2214
  • 03
    Font - . All of the vaccinations . Spay surgery Flea/tick, and heartworm prevention . A good brand of food + supplements Misc supplies (crate, collar, and toys) . Hygiene care (toothbrush/nail clippers/brush/shampoo) . And money for basic veterinary check ups every few months + a couple hundred extra in savings for an emergency
    via Lucille2214
  • 04
    Font - And so I brought her home. And everything was going good. Until she was diagnosed with hip dysplasia before she was even a year old. I NEVER thought that a dog as young as her would get hip dysplasia. I was completely unprepared for this. She now needs one, possibly two, 8000$ hip replacements that I absolutely cannot afford. And if I say ANYTHING about this to the dog community, I get absolutely BLASTED with the "you shouldn't have gotten a dog if you can't afford it.'
    via Lucille2214
  • 05
    Font - But the thing is, I can afford HER. What I can't afford is the spontaneous 8000$ surgery for a condition that is uncommon in her age. I've seen other dog owners get scorched by the dog community for similar reasons, like "your dog was poisoned by the neighbor and needs a 10,000$ treatment that you need help paying for? You shouldn't have gotten a dog if you can't afford it." It absolutely infuriates me.
    via Lucille2214
  • 06
    Font - That being said, if you can't afford ANY sort of basic vet care (check ups, pest prevention, vaccinations, basic accident care) then you should NOT get a dog. Basically, my point is that owners should not be blamed for not being able to afford/needing people's help to afford extremely expensive, and unpreventable veterinary care.
    via Lucille2214
  • 07
    Font - IndigoRose2022 - 11 mo. ago Partying Poodle One of our dogs was a literal rescue as in "take him or he's going to die" (rescued by neighbors from a puppy mill after he was rejected by his mother), so while I understand the sentiment, it's sometimes more complicated than that, for real. Did we not have the money when he had a medical issue later? Yes. Did we still give him the best life we could? Also yes.
    via IndigoRose2022
  • 08
    Font - benji950 11 mo. ago edited 11 mo. ago I very much agree. My issue is people who get a dog and can't afford the basics of food and vet. Sit happens, absolutely, but if you're struggling to pay rent then no, do not get a dog at this time.
    via benji950
  • 09
    Font - Emilius Returns 11 mo. ago Getting lambasted for not being able to afford a sudden $16,000 expense is just stupid.
    via EmiliusReturns
  • 10
    Font - Kennelsmith 11 mo. ago If it makes you feel any better in the hospitals I've worked at what you're saying is what we mean when we say if you can't afford the vet you can't afford the dog. We don't expect people to have multiple thousands to address crazy situations, but we do expect you to be able to comfortably meet their every day needs and prevention. Your vet probably loves you and your girl and hurts for her diagnosis too, it's terrible seeing HD in such a young dog.
    via Kennelsmith
  • 11
    Font - Technical_Light_3322 · 11 mo. ago Over 60% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck. FAR more than that can't drop $5-10k with no warning for an emergency vet surgery. If none of these people had pets because they couldn't afford that vet care, 90% of animals in shelters would be euthanized because they'd never find homes. Definitely don't adopt an animal if you can't afford to spay/neuter/vaccinate it and take it to the vet regularly for preventative care. It is absolutely unreasonable to
    via Technical_Light_3322
  • 12
    Font - craftycat1135- 11 mo. ago I don't think most who say that has 10+k in the bank and if they do they are able to comfortably pay that for a dog and not jeopardize the financial security of their family and future. Most are keyboard warriors or teens who are privileged enough to have had not faced the decision of where do we draw the line of what we can afford for this. They talk a big game of their hypothetical beliefs without having been in the situation. Don't listen to them.
    via craftycat1135
  • 13
    Font - Possible_Shop_2475 11 mo. ago You are 17 so I honestly feel you've done your absolute best. For other prospective dog owners, though, researching and being more aware of potential medical conditions, breeding situations and emergency costs ahead of time and investing in pet insurance if it's appropriate to your situation (OP is a minor so does not apply here) should be a part of being prepared for a dog. Not everyone has 10k sitting around for vet bills which is where pet insurance comes
    via Possible_Shop_2475

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dogs thread pets veterinarian finances doggo financial Reddit
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