Comments on: Does anyone have any suggestions or opinions on pet health care?

By: SwampDog

SwampDog — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 01:48:26 +0000

It always cheaper to start over fresh with a new pet.

By: writerchick

writerchick — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 01:08:27 +0000

I am so thankful to have pet insurance so that I don’t have to be 100% responsible if my dog eats something he shouldn’t or gets sick or God forbid, hit by a car or some other unforeseen accident.

I definitely think that the $30-something I pay each month is worth it. I haven’t had to use it yet, but just knowing that it’s there is a big relief.

There are accident-only plans, also, that start for less than $10, I think, but I opted for the more expensive premium so that I have a low deductible and can get the maximum benefits from my policy.

By: BRIAN W

BRIAN W — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 00:29:23 +0000

I have 2 Siberian Huskies and I have them both on an insurance plan through PetSmart. One of my dogs was recently attacked by another dog which left her with a one and one-half inch laceration to her left side, requiring 8 staples to close the wound. This little trip to the vet cost me $220, but would have cost me over $400 without the pet insurance. Between our two dogs, the pet insurance has saved us approximately $1,800 so far (we’ve had the insurance about 2 years). For both dogs, the insurance cost us about $45 per month. To the poster who said pet insurance is waaaaaaay to expensive, especially for cats, do you still think it’s too expensive? Having pet insurance for your pets is called being a responsible pet owner!

By: mazell41

mazell41 — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 23:43:03 +0000

Make sure your kitty is spayed. Make sure she has all the vaccinations she needs. Make sure she has no fleas or ticks.Keep her indoors. Feed her a good quality cat food. I always feed mine Purina cat chow but as she is getting older, I now feed her Purina One for kidney health. Dr. said she is very healthy & she is 12 yrs. old. One more thing…if she is ever going on a trip with you, make sure she has a harness & leash. She won’t like it but it will keep her out of the road. If your kitty thinks she must go outside, have an area that has cat fencing around it & a roof of some sort on it. She can still get sunshine & air but can’t roam around where she could get hurt or catch some awful disease from another cat. I use a dog run with wire over the top & 1/2 the top is shaded.

By: Pan_24

Pan_24 — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 23:31:23 +0000

It is definitely worth it! would you rather have a £700 vets bill or just a £100 excess? There are some really good companies out there, I’m guessing you’re American, so i suggest you try virgin pet insurance as I believe they are world wide and they have really competitive rates (both my dogs are with them) and they cost me £41.48 per month(for both) it started at 30 odd a month but one of my dogs got ill and bumped the premium up, but it’s a bloody good deal if you ask me…
ttfn Babs ;o)

By: Tina K

Tina K — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 22:52:21 +0000

Keep your cat indoors, take her to yearly vet checks, and feed her quality cat food. Skip the insurance.

I also recommend a “country vet”, even if it is a little drive from home. Vets in the cities charge more. Call around.

By: tashbemee

tashbemee — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 22:25:07 +0000

PetSmart offers a plan that isn’t that expensive and most vets will offer some kind of insurance. Just be sure to read what it does cover and what it doesn’t. A lot of insurance plans for animals will only cover shots and yearly checkups and don’t provide any coverage for accidents and illnesses. Just read carefully before buying.

By: charliebrown

charliebrown — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 21:44:22 +0000

waaaaaaay too expensive, especially for cats