Pets

Owners Would Spend Thousands To Save Pets’ Lives

Posted: 12/8/2011

(NAPSI)—Planning ahead and budgeting for the cost of pet health could help you feel more prepared when you face a serious health situation with your pet.

“Determining how much we are willing or able to spend to sustain the life of a pet is a decision none of us ever wants to make, but given the rising cost of pet health care, it’s often an inevitable one,” said Dr. Jennifer Coates, a Colorado-based veterinarian and author.

According to a recent survey by The Kroger Co., approximately one in 10 dog or cat owners is willing to spend more than $3,000 on medical procedures if it meant that their pet could be saved. Meanwhile, a majority of pet owners (61 percent) surveyed said they would be willing to spend between $100 and $1,000 to save Fluffy or Fido’s life. Another 15 percent are comfortable spending between $1,000 and $3,000 for lifesaving medical care for their pet.

When asked what they fear most about their pet’s well-being, about one in four of dog owners said cancer (27 percent), followed by hip/knee/leg injury (17 percent) and getting hit by a car (16 percent). The biggest concern for cat owners was kidney disease (19 percent), cancer (17 percent) and injuries sustained by fights with other animals (10 percent).

Only a small percentage of the pet owners surveyed said they had pet insurance--4 percent of dog owners and 2 percent of cat owners. However, 61 percent of dog owners and 48 percent of cat owners said they would consider purchasing pet insurance if it costs under $20 per month.

Interestingly, at least half of pet owners (55 percent with dogs, 51 percent with cats) would be interested in adding their pets to their own health insurance plans, if such a thing were allowed.

“Veterinary care has become increasingly more sophisticated and expensive, with some lifesaving treatments running as high as $5,000 or more,” said Dr. Coates. “Those potential out-of-pocket costs are what make pet insurance a prudent investment. And from an emotional standpoint, pet insurance keeps owners from having to ask that dreaded question, ‘how much can I spend to keep my pet alive?’”

More information is available at www.savewithpetinsurance. com.

Potential out-of-pocket costs are what make pet insurance a prudent investment.

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