Why do some of you get so defensive when someone says "I can't take my pet to the vet"?

Question

I don't understand it, does that mean they love their animal less than you do just because they can't afford the crazy amount of a vet's bill for what might be wrong with their pet? I'm sorry, but would you rather pay a vet's bill instead of a rent and get evicted if that were the case? Honestly, some of you don't understand people's home lives and some of you seem to think that just because someone can't afford a vet's bill, they're horrible, horrible owners. At the very least they ask to see what they can do to help their pet through whatever he or she is going through instead of ignoring symptoms all together.

Answer 1

Well as a general rule it is better not to have a pet that you can't afford. I agree that sometimes things come up that the bill is absurdly expensive for and often you can opt out of some types of testing. If there is something going on with your pet then you should at the very least be able to afford a vet consultation and basic blood work or you're not being a responsible pet owner.

Recently my cat got sick and I took her in. They wanted to do $300 worth of tests - and put her on an antibiotic. I asked if they planned to put her on the antibiotic either way and they said yes. So I opted to do the basic blood work and the antibiotic, then if her symptoms did not improve I would take her back for the additional tests. Within 3 days of antibiotics she was back to normal and I saved over $200 by not blindly agreeing to tests and asking questions.  

Answer 2

I do agree with you, and I may get blasted for that.  I call a vet when it's absolutely necessary.  One of our dogs got loose and got hit by a car, so that wasn't even a question.  The ER cost $500, but I found a way (and was late on my truck payment that month).  He's fine, but my checkbook was hurting.

I currently maintain a herd of 12 goats, 6 sheep, 50+ chickens, 7 rabbits, 5 cats and 3 dogs... and I don't know anyone who could afford to take all of these animals to the vets for every little thing.  Vaccinations?  I do them myself.  Nail trimming, grooming and shearing?  All on me.  I can deliver a breach birth, do CPR and diagnosis many of the problems that can occur.  I'm not a vet, and if an animal is not responding to treatment or it's something out of my realm of expertise, then I do call the vet.  In an emergency, I suck it up.  

But there are alot of people who's economic situation has gone downhill over the last few years.  I'm earning about 1/3 of what I was making 3 years ago, but I still have the same number of mouths to feed.  I think it's horrible that many people have to make the choice of buying groceries, putting gas in their car to get to work, or get health care for their own children.  Sorry, in that situation, Fluffy's trip to the vet is going to have to wait.

If I didn't know how to do alot of the stuff myself, I'd recommend the mobile clinics that some pet stores are now offering - it's only about $30 for their basic shots.  I think that's a great idea for many owners and definitely saves some money.  And again, there are discounted spay/neuter clinics as well - and I feel every pet owner should make at least the $35 investment of having their pet spayed or neutered there!

Part of being a good owner isn't about how much money you're willing to pump into a vet bill.  A large part of it is being familiar with the species you have and knowing your animal well enough to know when it's okay and when it's sick.  An educated owner is likely to learn what constitutes a minor problem (that very well may be treatable at home with mild antibiotics or better husbandry practices) as opposed to something that does require a vet.

I did invest in vet books, I do research and I ask alot of questions when the vet is out.  I don't believe in calling the vet for every little thing.  There are some great reference books out there for nearly every species of animal, particularly the Storey's Guides, that also list common problems and treatments.  Knowing how to take care of your animal and familiarizing yourself with common problems can definitely save money on vet bills!!

  

Answer 3

I don't get defensive, I get angry- not at folks trying to figure out the surgery that will cost THOUSANDS of $s that their pet needs, but at the idiots who don't have $150 to take their dog in for a simple check up and treatment for common ailments.

Yes, they love their pet less than I love mine0- i take care of mine PROPERLY and my pets have NEVER gone without needed medical care...

IF YOU CAN"T AFFORD REGULAR CARE FOR AN ANIMAL< YOU SHOULDN"T HAVE IT.

The idiots who can't afford simple vet care are the ones who get 'defensive', because they know they're in the wrong and NEGLECTFUL.

Answer 4

People don't think twice about taking their sick children to the doctors office. Pet owners have the same responsibility with their pets. Denying them proper care is neglect.

Answer 5

If you can't afford to take care of the animal then don't get one. It's not just a financial thing either. If you can't take the time to be with them and care for them then you shouldn't have one. Animals are living beings not some cute accessory that you use at your convenience.

Yes I would forgo paying my rent in order to pay for my cats' vet bills. They are like family to me and I made a commitment to take care of them. The average person can't determine that their pets ailments are. Somethings cannot be seen by the naked eye.

So in your opinion it's better to let an animal suffer because you can't hold up to the commitment that you made? That's some seriously messed up logic.  

Answer 6

Because having a pet means being responsible for its health and well being. That includes taking them to the vet for annual check ups AND when the animal is sick or injured. Pets are expensive to have. If someone can't afford to attend to their basic needs, then they really should NOT have a pet to begin with.

I'm known as the "animal person" at work and have had several people tell me they're getting rid of their dog and ask me if I want it. I tell them no, I can't afford another dog. They always say "Oh well it's free because I know you'll give it a good home." Then I ask them "Okay, so if it's free you're going to pay for the food and vet care of this animal for the rest of its life even while it's living with me?" They get the stupidest look on their faces and walk away mumbling about how they never thought of that.

Too many people get pets without even remotely considering the financial obligation that goes along with them. Then when the animal gets sick they decide to dump it. Why should an innocent animal suffer because someone didn't think before they acted?

Answer 7

If you can't afford something, you shouldn't do it.

So if you know you have to pay the rent, the bills, for food, and things like that, that's fine- that is more important than an animal, and you should only get an animal if you have the money AFTER this to take it to the vet.

If you don't have the money to take it to the vet before you buy it, you shouldn't buy it.

Simple as.

It's not being defensive, it's just being smart- you don't go and buy a Wii, for example, unless you have the money for it after all the essentials. So why would you go and buy an animal if you didn't have the money for things like vet care?

Answer 8

If you can't provide proper care for them you shouldn't have adopted them.

Answer 9

Your right...especially in todays economic status.  I would suggest you contact the SPCA or your local shelter.  there may be some assistance programs that you'd qualify for.  Not everybody has funds readily available ALL the time....if only rich people had pets..the world would be (more) full of homeless pets!  God Bless

Answer 10

People are going to go off and say "if you can't afford one, you shouldn't have one" but who can afford much in today's economy?? It does not make you a bad pet owner nor a bad person, the things happening to your pet just happened to come during a time when you can't afford to spare extra cash. h**l, even most people can relate with not being able to go to their own doctor because they didn't have medical insurance or even the $50 co-pay to even see the doctor..not even mentioning prescriptions. Most ailments with pets can usually be cured over the counter anyway like worms, fleas, joint aches, and things like that...and there are very valuable resources available on the internet.

Take everyone's negative opinion with a grain of salt. People shouldn't throw stones without actually thinking about walking a mile in your shoes for a moment. Unfortunately sympathy is hard to come by these days. Good luck with your pet, I am sure it knows you care about it very much and would do everything in your power to ensure its well being.