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Cost of Living - Help with Vets Fees
The Maine Coon Cat Club cannot offer financial help for vet’s fees but hope you find the following information useful.
It can be stressful when your pet is unwell and if you're also worried about money this can make the situation feel worse. The longer your pet is unwell the worse their illness can become. Seeking advice quickly will likely reduce costs overall and be best for your pet's health.
The first step towards helping your pet is contacting your local vet. Although it can feel awkward to talk about money, it's good to speak honestly with your vet about what you can afford as there may be alternative options.
Veterinary treatments have advanced so much in recent years that previously untreatable conditions are now more manageable. However, as there is no NHS for pets all these advances come with a cost. For example, sometimes there are less costly options available, but these may not be as effective. It is really important to be open with your vet about any cost limitations and accept that the treatment available may be more limited. It is important not to feel guilty about this, but to focus on the best outcome for your pet's wellbeing that is available within the funds you have.
Some vets offer payment plans through a credit company if you need help spreading the cost. Not every vet can offer this, but it's worth asking if this is an option
CAT INSURANCE
There are a lot of benefits for having pet insurance and in some cases pet insurance can save you money. If something happens to your pet unexpectedly, pet insurance can help you cover some of the expensive veterinary costs that you might not ordinarily be able to afford on your own. This is valuable to have if you don’t have the savings needed to cover expensive emergency treatment. Some policies also offer benefits like a free veterinary advice service to save you from spending money on vet appointments for minor issues.
However, the cost of cat insurance has increased so much in recent years that many people are having to let policies lapse or can’t afford to continue them.
PDSA
https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/our-services
If you are receiving benefits and live within the postcode catchment area of one of their Pet Hospitals or Pet Care Scheme practices you should be eligible for their help.They offer a range of different services to household pets.• Pet Hospitals provide free and low-cost veterinary treatments and medications for eligible pet owners.If you do not live near one of the pet hospitals but are in receipt of benefits you may be eligible for the pet care scheme.
• Pet care scheme – run with partner veterinary practices to allow you to pay a small monthly amount to get access to low-cost treatments.Unfortunately, PDSA is not able to provide financial aid.
CATS PROTECTION
https://www.cats.org.uk/what-we-do/neutering/financial-assistance
Run a neutering and chipping scheme for £10. You must be in receipt of benefits, have a household income of less than £25,000 or be a full-time student living away from home to be eligible.
ANIMAL TRUST
https://www.animaltrust.org.uk/services/free-veterinary-consultations
Animal Trust don’t charge for consultations, so you can find out what the problem is before deciding whether you can afford the treatment. They are also offer much more reasonable fees and a health plan to help reduce cost.
RSPCA
https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/costofliving/foodbankRSPCA run Pet Food Banks which can help in feeding your cat. Individual branches may also offer financial assistance or help with neutering/chipping
BLUE CROSS
https://www.bluecross.org.uk/veterinary-care-fund-client-information
Blue Cross can help with vets fees up to £300 if the following apply:• Your cats prognosis is good• Treatment preserves a good quality of life• Any surgery is anticipated to be curativeThey will also help with the cost of euthanasia (including private cremation with return of ashes)This has to be applied for by your veterinary practice.They also offer Pet Food Banks - https://www.bluecross.org.uk/help-and-support/our-pet-food-banks
LOCAL CHARITIES
There are a lot of local cat charities and branches of the RSPCA that can offer financial help. There are too many to list these and they do differ from branch to branch so its helpful to Google and contact local charities nearby
CROWD FUNDING
https://www.gofundme.com/en-gb/c/crowdfunding
https://www.justgiving.com/how-to-help/animals?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_term=help%20with%20vet%20bills&utm_device=c&utm_campaign=**UK-Discover-MKAG&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA-Oi7BhA1EiwA2rIu2zGi9ffmiiivYaxPkGPxRxQCAPpfijXHZV930o7cSkhC9s4F-zLXahoCldQQAvD_BwE
Many pet owners have started crowdfunding to raise money for their cat’s medical expenses Pet fundraising lends financial help for vet bills so you can get them the medical attention they need. We’ve seen lots of success stories with people using a donation website for their cats’ needs.
