Veterinary Pet Insurance Should You or Shouldn't You?

Can you afford the risk?

A few years ago I would not have considered veterinary pet insurance. But now with advances in veterinary sciences it is worth thinking about. Now that pets are receiving the same type of treatments as humans, veterinarian prices have sky rocketed. There is everything from radiation therapy to kidney transplants.

So if you would do "anything" for your pet, read this informative resource e-book to determine if veterinary pet insurance is a good idea. If there is a problem, or condition that is life threatening, pet insurance could save you thousands.

Ask yourself

• What would do if your pet became seriously ill or injured?
• Would you be willing to spare no expense to save your pet?
• Are you financially able to pay out of pocket for a major medical condition that could cost thousnds of dollars?
• Do you consider your pet to be a part of the family, or do you think of your pet as being disposable?
• Can I afford the monthly premiums for veterinary pet insurance

Our Personal Story

The Bear Hike

We live very close to the national forest. Almost daily, the dogs, Dan, and I hike a few miles. We keep our dogs leashed through the neighborhood, and once we get to the forest boundary the dogs are unleashed and off they go, overjoyed and anxious to smell what the new day has brought.

Many times the hound dogs will immediately take off to chase an elusive rabbit or to run a squirrel right back up a tree. My dogs love the thrill of chase even though victory is never theirs.

Recently on a hike we heard a loud clamoring, and all the dogs took off in a dizzying cloud of fur and legs. I got a sick feeling in my stomach as I heard their howling receding in the distance. Eventually Dan and I rounded a turn on a narrow single track trail. Down below us in a thick growth of Pinon pine trees were our beloved dogs furtively eying two bears.

My heart went into my throat as it appeared to be a mother and her cub. Not wanting to get in between the mom and her cub, we anxiously called to our dogs. Obediently they came to us with smiles on their faces and tails wagging madly, all except for Jessie. She stayed rooted to the ground staring at the bears.

After a few minutes of gentle coaxing she turned toward us and left her prize. We hastily made our way back up the trail and disappeared from the bears' sight. I was shaking, but still excited to have seen the bears.

Also, I couldn't help but wonder what would have happened if one of the bears had decided to take Jessie on? After this incident we began to consider veterinary pet insurance We did not need it that day but there would come a time.

Our dog family conflict

A few weeks after the "bear hike", I decided to go hiking by myself. At the last minute I decided to take Jessie with me. Jessie is a good dog when she is by herself. She does not run off and go exploring. She chooses to stay close by my side instead.

As we came toward the front gate, after our short but invigorating hike all the other dogs were at the fence eager for a sniff at Jessie. For the most part our dogs love and tolerate each other.

This particular day though, Dixie (our alpha female) was looking quite angrily at Jessie. As I pushed past the dogs to let myself and Jessie in I heard low growling. I could tell Jessie was telling Dixie to stay away. Dixie interpreted this as a sign of dominance and shortly after, a fight ensued.

I can tell you it was much more terrifying than a bear in a tree (or two for that matter). Screaming at the top of my lungs for help, I ran for the water hose. After what seemed to be an eternity I doused them with the freezing water. Pulling Dixie aside I could tell she was in bad shape and would need medical care.

I wish we had gotten the veterinary pet insurance. Dixie's injuries were extensive to her chest and front legs requiring 40 staples too close the wounds, fortunately there were no internal injuries. For just a small monthly premium, 70% or more of our vet bill would have been paid for! After a speedy recovery Dixie is back on all fours and keeping her distance from Jessie.