Struggling With Pet Medical Bills?
If you’ve ever been in that spot—wanting to do everything for your pet but feeling squeezed financially—you’re not alone. In my video, I talk about options and hope. In this blog, I want to walk you through what I’ve learned and what you can do when vet bills feel overwhelming.
Why It Happens
Caring for a dog with epilepsy often means ongoing costs: medications, lab tests, specialist visits, and occasional emergencies. Over time, those expenses stack up. Without a plan or buffer, even small surprises can feel scary.
Strategies That Helped Me
Here are some steps I took while giving Ruby the care she needs:
1. Talk Honestly With Your Veterinarian
Vets want your pet to get the treatment they need, so feel free to ask:
“Are there alternatives or more affordable options?”
“Can tests be spaced out?”
“Do you have a payment plan option?”
2. Explore Veterinary Financing Tools
There are several services built just for pet care bills:
CareCredit — a healthcare credit card often used for veterinary costs. (carecredit.com)
Scratchpay — payment plans made for pet care
VetBilling / In-house plans — some clinics offer to let you pay over time or have other programs they can help you access
Before using any, check fees, interest rates, and terms so you don’t get trapped by hidden costs.
3. Use Assistance & Charity Programs
Some organizations or foundations help with pet medical costs. Ask your vet if they know local funds. Some clinics are partnered with programs to help clients in need. My video below covers a number of these organizations.
4. Prevent What You Can
Because every dollar saved helps:
Keep up with preventative care (vaccines, parasite prevention)
Monitor diet, weight, and lifestyle to avoid health issues
Use coupons or bulk prescriptions for your dog’s meds (GoodRx is a great option and is the one that I use)
By asking, planning, and exploring options, I found paths through what felt like a lot. I want you to feel less alone and more equipped.
If you'd like help with all things canine epilepsy, my course My Dog Was Diagnosed With Epilepsy – Now What? gently walks you step-by-step through everything you need to know so you can feel calm, confident, and capable caring for your dog.