Cathy Goessman Webboard User Reg: 12-03-2007
Posts: 1231
Loc: Phoenix, AZ
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I'm going to be getting a small dog preferably a jack russell or other terrier at some point so I was wondering about how much I should have for an emergency medical expense fund. I remember my parent's lab Einstein's orthopedic problem was about $5000 total to fix and I don't have the kind the kind of income to just pay that with little notice. But I'm thinking $5000 is on the high end of expenses and with a small dog I wouldn't expect bloat.
We keep between $500 and 1500 at all times for each dog and for my son as well. We do break into it at times but we always replenish it as needed.
Our vet also knows us and will happily take payments if necessary which we have had to do in the past when a rescue got into something and it required 7 days of ICU and medicines with a total bill of over $1100. She was a personal rescue not a foster..so there was no group to help out with costs.
Melissa Thom Webboard User Reg: 12-04-2007
Posts: 2781
Loc: Upper Left hand corner, USA
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I keep an account of a fairly decent level still add to it monthly. I won't be done saving towards medical until I'm in the comfort of a 15k account level. For me the concern isn't usually the normal internal medicine stuff for small dogs rather broken bones, c sections, correcting patella luxation, and major teeth work all of which can make short work of that account.
Cathy Goessman Webboard User Reg: 12-03-2007
Posts: 1231
Loc: Phoenix, AZ
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I just took a look at the various pet insurance plans around and I think I'm going to go with one of them. It still requires me to pay the vet up front but then I get reimbursed less a deductible. My dog will have better insurance than I do. LOL They seem a better idea for someone with a lower income like me than scrambling to cover expenses with no hope of getting anything back.
Cathy Goessman Webboard User Reg: 12-03-2007
Posts: 1231
Loc: Phoenix, AZ
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Quote: Melissa Thom
Sounds like a good plan. Just make sure to read the fine print.
Already discovered that one of the bigger ones requires an annual exam and any vaccinations the VET thinks is necessary. No thank you unless I can find a vet who agrees to a minimal vaccination protocol. I'm looking at Embrace and will call tomorrow to see if they have a similar requirement.
While you're investigating, look into VPI (Veterinary Pet Insurance).
Not sure how their premiums compare to other companies, but I've used them for 10+ years and have been happy with them. Turn around times on claims are very good, and the claim forms are very easy (most of the info about your pet is pre-printed).
They sure don't require annual exams or mandate any vaccine protocols either.
Cathy Goessman Webboard User Reg: 12-03-2007
Posts: 1231
Loc: Phoenix, AZ
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Actually VPI does require that the dog was seen by a vet within the last year. I called them earlier. No vac requirement. I found a vet who supports a 3yr vac protocol and raw feeding though. Very happy about that.
On the other hand I also had one receptionist get snippy with me when I mentioned that even the governing body of vets didn't recommend annual vaccinations anymore. Their office did. Her responce "Oh, you must be a vet then. Just tell us when you bring the dog in." Followed by her hanging up on me.
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How much for emergency fund?
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