Commentary
Veterinary teams are consistently criticized about basic pet care costs. Sadly, those same people rarely complain about the cost of new toys or treats and have no idea what basic care for pets costs annually.
Pets provide joy and companionship, but costs can add up quickly, especially for first-time owners who don’t know what to expect.” – Adriana Morga
Every animal health pro has an opportunity to share information like the Associated Press article linked below. Social media networks, newsletters, local reporters and radio broadcasters, as well as local service clubs, are excellent vehicles to get the cost of care messages into the general public’s attention. This cannot be a one-and-done message. Rather, it is something that we all need to continually reinforce.
Source: AP via AVMA Animal Health SmartBrief, September 7, 2023. Link. Initial costs for a dog or cat go beyond the fee to adopt or buy them, shares Morga. She quotes the APPA averages of $1,400 a year for a dog and $1,200 for a cat beyond the initial costs of housing a pet. Boarding, daycare and breed-specific risks are included in the discussion. Pet insurance is also mentioned as a way to hedge against the unexpected.
We have tools to educate and inform, BUT they are no good unless consistently shared over and over.” – Kirk Augustine
Also see: Cost of Care wheel is now 24/7 digital resource, AHD, February 14, 2023. Link. Share the <Link> to this tool which shows veterinary costs based on actual claims data for accident, illness and preventive care invoices submitted over a five-year time frame for nine popular dog breeds and five cat breeds.
Also see: Pet Health Zone, Nationwide’s new digital platform informs pet owners, care teams, AVMA via Pet Products SmartBrief, September 4, 2023. Link.
Also see: Share this with pet owners when asked for a pet insurance recommendation, AHD, August 15, 2023. Link. Pawlicy Advisor is a tool that provides accurate and transparent information about multiple pet insurance companies to help pet owners compare and choose the insurance benefits that best fit their pets specific needs and budgets best. No hidden fees and no upcharges to the pet owner.