They called him their perfect son. It mattered little that Ben was a 115-pound black Labrador Retriever - he was as much a part of Kim Rogerson and Michael Morrow’s family as their two-legged offspring. That’s why they didn’t hesitate to fork out $1,200 for emergency surgery when he had a life-threatening stomach illness at age eight. Then, when he had several benign lumps removed, another $1,000. Soon after, he began having breathing trouble and went though a battery of tests. When Ben died of thyroid cancer at age 11, the Montreal couple estimated they’d spent $3,700 on veterinary bills in his last two years.

Rogerson and Morrow aren’t alone in their dog devotion: According to a 2004 survey of U.S. and Canadian pet owners, 58 percent said they see their veterinarian more often than their family doctor. But as much as we love our pets, vet treatments can put major dents in our wallets, with one in five pet owners spending a grand or more on vet bills in the past year. Don’t assume you’re getting ripped off, though. “Veterinary costs have to stay very competitive,” says Ian Sandler, a Toronto veterinarian. “Dollar for dollar, what’s being provided in your vet’s office is a bargain compared to the cost of human health care.”

It is possible to keep your pet healthy without taking out a second mortgage. One key to reducing your vet bills is your choice of animal doctor and the location of his or her practice. Sandler estimates that 70 to 75 percent of his revenues go toward overhead costs - real estate, equipment and staff. “The cost of running a practice is extremely high,” he says. That means prices can vary depending on whether your vet’s office is in downtown Vancouver or suburban Sudbury and whether there’s competition in the area. Consider shopping around for a good vet outside your immediate neighbourhood – but not so far that you can’t get there quickly in an emergency.

A little planning can also help you breathe easier if you do have to rush Rover to the clinic. Medical emergencies can cost thousands, and most vets require payment immediately, but pet insurance can cover up to 80 percent of your bill. Comprehensive plans typically start at about $19 a month for a cat and $34 for a dog. “Insured pets get better and faster treatment,” says Randy Valpy, president of Petsecure, Canada’s largest pet insurance company. “If the owner pays the bill, vets have to get them to approve every test and treatment, but if the insurance company is paying, vets can do what they need to without worrying about the cost.”

The caveats? Pre-existing conditions aren’t covered, basic plans won’t pay for routine exams, your annual deductible can rise as your pet ages and certain breeds require higher premiums. If you’re leery, set up a savings account and deposit an amount equivalent to the premium each month. If Sylvester’s lucky enough to live a long, healthy life, you’ll have a nice nest egg after he goes to the great litter box in the sky.

   

First published in Chatelaine's September 2009 issue.
© Rogers Publishing Limited