Facing a high vet bill can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with the already stressful issue of your pet’s health being at stake. Whether it’s an emergency procedure or routine care, the costs can add up fast. 

According to the American Pet Products Association, the average vet visit cost for routine care is around $150, while emergency visits can exceed $1,000. In some cases, major surgeries or treatments can leave you with a vet bill of $5,000 or more.

But there are ways to manage these costs without sacrificing your pet’s care. This guide will show you how to save money on vet bills, plan for future expenses, and find help paying vet bills if you’re struggling financially.

How to save money when going to the vet

Saving money on your pet’s care starts with being proactive. Here are a few strategies to lower your average vet visit cost:

1. Shop Around for Vet Services: Not all veterinary clinics charge the same. Call around and compare prices for services like vaccinations, checkups, and routine procedures. Some clinics may offer discounts for first-time visits or bundled services.
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2. Ask About Payment Plans: Many veterinary offices offer payment plans for costly procedures. If your vet doesn’t mention this option, be sure to ask—this could make high vet bills more manageable.
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3. Consider Low-Cost Vet Clinics: If you’re in a low-income household, many organizations and local shelters offer discounted services for basic care like spaying/neutering, vaccines, and flea treatments. You can search for vet bill assistance programs through local humane societies, shelters, and even some veterinary schools that offer reduced rates through teaching programs.

But we all know hindsight is 20/20 and proactive tips aren’t very useful if you’ve already taken your pet to the veterinary and you’re now facing a high vet bill you can’t afford. But keep reading, we’ve got some solutions for this scenario as well:

How to deal with high vet bills you can’t afford

Facing a high vet bill you can’t afford can be incredibly stressful, but there are several options you can explore to ensure your pet gets the care they need without pushing your finances into the red. Here’s how you can handle high vet bills when money is tight:

1. Ask for financial assistance

There are numerous organizations that offer vet bill assistance to pet owners in need. Charities like The Pet Fund, RedRover, and even local animal welfare groups provide financial aid for non-emergency and emergency veterinary care.

You can also consider platforms like Waggle, which allows you to crowdfund vet bills through community donations. More details further down in this article.

2. Split your vet bill across multiple cards 

If you’re struggling to pay a large vet bill all at once, Kasheesh can help by allowing you to split the payment across up to five cards–including credit, debit, and prepaid gift cards–giving you flexibility to pay it off on your own schedule.

Instead of maxing out a credit card or draining your bank account, you can distribute the cost across multiple payment methods, making it easier to handle the bill.

Benefits of using Kasheesh to split your vet bill:

• ‍‍✅ No credit pull, no minimum credit score requirements, no rejections
• ✅ It’s free to sign up, and no hidden fees
• ✅ Works for any payment where Mastercard is accepted

Learn more about how Kasheesh works here.

3. CareCredit

Many vets accept CareCredit, which offers interest-free financing for a set period. This healthcare-focused credit card allows you to pay off the cost of vet care over time, making larger bills more manageable without incurring immediate interest charges.

❌ Keep in mind, to be approved for this option you may require a credit score of 640 or higher.

4. Negotiate with your vet

Many veterinary offices are willing to work with clients to make care more affordable. You can ask for discounts, especially if the treatment is non-emergency, or inquire about payment plans. 

Some vets may also be open to offering reduced prices for regular customers or for those facing hardship. It never hurts to ask, and you may be able to secure help with vet bills simply by starting a conversation.

5. Ask friends and family for a donation or loan

If you’re struggling to cover the cost of a vet bill, reaching out to friends and family can provide a lifeline. They may be willing to offer a loan or even a donation to help with the care of your pet. 

This can be an immediate way to bridge the gap between what you have and what you need. Many people understand how important pets are to their owners and are happy to offer help paying vet bills if they can.

6. Sell unnecessary possessions

Another option is to sell items you no longer need or use. Whether it’s old electronics, clothes, furniture, or other household items, you can list them on platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist. 

The proceeds can be used to pay down your vet bill. This strategy not only helps clear out clutter but also provides a quick influx of cash when needed most.

7. Crowdfunding

In addition to asking friends and family for donations, you can also set up a crowdfunding campaign on platforms like GoFundMe or Waggle, and try to bring attention to your cause through social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

Many pet owners have successfully raised money to cover veterinary bills by sharing their stories with a broader community of pet lovers.

Free & Low-Cost Vet Options for Low-Income Families

If you’re struggling to pay for your pet’s care, there are many resources offering help:

• Local Shelters & Humane Societies: Many shelters partner with veterinarians to provide low-cost or free services for vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and checkups. Search for local shelters on google and check if they have any information about it on their website, or give them a call and ask.

• Charitable Organizations: Nonprofits like the Humane Society, The Pet Fund, and RedRover provide financial assistance to pet owners in need.

• Vet Schools: Veterinary schools often offer discounted services performed by students under the supervision of licensed veterinarians.

• Pet Food Banks: Some organizations offer free or low-cost pet food, allowing you to allocate more of your budget toward vet care.

These resources can offer you some peace of mind and help paying vet bills in a time of need.

Financial Assistance for Veterinary Bills

As previously mentioned, several organizations provide vet bill assistance for those facing financial difficulties. Here are a few to consider:

• The Pet Fund: Offers assistance for non-emergency care.

• RedRover: Helps with emergency vet bills.

• Waggle: A crowdfunding platform dedicated to helping people raise funds for vet bills.

Reaching out to these organizations or setting up a crowdfund could help you cover the cost of care when it’s urgently needed. It's not a guarantee that they'll be able to take on your case, but it's worth a try.

How to Avoid Future Unexpected Vet Expenses

Preventing costly vet bills starts with taking proactive steps. Here’s how to avoid financial surprises with your pet’s care in the future:

1. Preventative Care

Regular checkups and preventative treatments like vaccinations, dental cleanings, and flea/tick prevention can save you from more serious and expensive health issues later. For example, dental disease, if left untreated, can lead to infections requiring costly surgeries.

2. Pet Insurance

Getting pet insurance early in your pet’s life can provide financial protection when unexpected health issues arise. Pet insurance often covers routine checkups, accidents, and some emergency treatments, reducing the financial burden of surprise vet bills.

3. Healthy Habits

Keeping your pet at a healthy weight, feeding them high-quality food, and ensuring they get regular exercise can reduce the likelihood of chronic conditions like diabetes or joint problems, which can lead to expensive medical treatments.

How Kasheesh Can Help with Vet Bills

When faced with unexpected vet costs, Kasheesh offers a flexible payment option by allowing you to split your veterinary bill across multiple cards–including debit, credit, and prepaid cards. This makes it easier to manage large bills without overwhelming your finances.

If your vet visit cost is higher than expected, you can use Kasheesh to split the total across several payment methods, preventing one card from hitting its limit. By combining multiple cards into one simple transaction, Kasheesh provides help with veterinary bills and helps ease the burden of unexpected pet expenses.

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Not using Kasheesh yet? Start splitting payments across multiple credit and debit cards:
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FAQ

How do you deal with high vet bills?

‍If you’re facing a large vet bill, consider using financial assistance programs, negotiating with your vet, or using a service like Kasheesh to split the bill across multiple payment methods.

How can I take care of my dog if I don't have money?

‍Look for low-cost clinics, charitable organizations, and local shelters that offer free or discounted services. Pet food banks and financial assistance programs are also available for those in need.

How can I cut down on my vet bills?

‍You can reduce vet costs by prioritizing preventative care, shopping around for services, and using low-cost clinics. Pet insurance can also reduce the financial burden of unexpected care.

Can I pay vet bills with Afterpay?

Some clinics may accept Afterpay, which allows you to pay your bill in installments. However, this option is not universally available. Check with your vet to see if they partner with any Buy Now, Pay Later services, or consider a service like Kasheesh to split the vet bill payment across multiple credit cards and debit cards.

Are vet bills negotiable?

‍Yes, many vets are willing to negotiate prices, especially for non-emergency procedures. They may also offer payment plans or discounts if you ask.

What is the average vet bill in America?‍

The average vet bill for routine care is around $150, but emergency visits can easily exceed $1,000. Major surgeries or long-term treatments can cost $5,000 or more.

Why are vets so expensive?

‍Veterinary care involves specialized equipment, medications, and expertise, which contributes to higher costs. Additionally, vets often need to cover overhead expenses like clinic operations and staff wages.

How do I know if my vet is too expensive?

‍If you’re unsure whether your vet’s prices are reasonable, you can compare costs with other local veterinary clinics or research average vet visit costs in your area. If your vet's costs are much higher than average without a clear reason, they may be overcharging.