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Getting cat to the vet on college student budget

This forum is for cat lovers seeking everyday advice and suggestions on health-related issues. Remember, however, that advice on a public forum simply can't be a substitute for proper medical attention. Only your vet can say assuredly what is best for your cat.

  
Tommy

Crazy bear
 
 
Purred: Thu May 3, '12 8:29pm PST 
My bf, well more like fiancee. Received a letter that it was time for tommy's checkup and we're trying to figure out how much it will cost. He is a half a year away from graduating college so all the cash he makes at work go on cell phone bills and such and i am in nursing school so i have no time to work. Is there such thing that you go to the vet and you can make small payments to pay off the bill? that would be soo much easier.
thanks for reading =]
p.s. his parents say it's his cat and his responsibility, they already pay for tommys food and litter.
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Member Since
05/04/2012
 
 
Purred: Fri May 4, '12 3:30am PST 
When I was a Veterinary Nurse a few years ago, we came across owners with this problem quite frequently. To be honest, it all depends on your vet and the practice policy. If you speak to the receptionist or nurse at the practice they should advise you as to wether they will let you pay in instalments.
To be honest though, if it is something as routine as a check up, then you will more than likely have to pay at the time. Our clients were able to pay weekly/monthly if it was due to an emergency such as the pet needing urgent unexpected surgery.
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Jack

1198637
 
 
Purred: Fri May 4, '12 9:01am PST 
Momma has something called Care Credit. It's a credit card you can only use at doctors, dentists, and vet clinics for medical expenses. You can charge it and you have 6 months or a year, depending on the size of the bill, to pay it off interest free. After that interest hits. It works really well for us because we can pay it off in that time frame.
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Merlin - An Angel- Forever

*Poof*
 
 
Purred: Fri May 4, '12 9:37am PST 
Some vets offer payment plans and other financial aid.

Also see this thread for a list of organizations that may be able to help with vet bills.
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Orange Ruffy

The Baboo Kitty- has Spoken!
 
 
Purred: Fri May 4, '12 9:46am PST 
Where are you located?
There are places you can go that are cheaper....we have found that a local pet store that has 'clinic days' out of their store. For our rescue's tests, rabies and feline distemper shot was $65.00. Thats not bad here in overpriced New York.

If you check local animal organizations, they may have lower cost clinics attached to them. Never hurts to check. Call your local no kill and ask if they can suggest someone, the same with a local rescue. They may know.

We're struggling too, and our vet, who I like, is expensive. We've found that we're practising triage for some of our guys....

I've also been told by a local rescue friend that as cats get older, if they are indoor cats, they may not need all the shots a vet suggests.

All the best,
The KG Cats
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Tommy

Crazy bear
 
 
Purred: Fri May 4, '12 10:03am PST 
I am located in Brooklyn, ny
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max

here to help
 
 
Purred: Sat May 26, '12 8:08pm PST 
Unless you're attending a "not exactly a college " it should at least a vet tech program or veterinary college. They cater to students. CATER get it. Go squeaky wheel get oiled
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Merlin - An Angel- Forever

*Poof*
 
 
Purred: Sun May 27, '12 4:37am PST 
Not too many colleges/uniersities have vet tech/pre-vet programs (which are just for undergrads to learn about the veterinary field and get experience) or even a veterinary school.

Here is an article about low cost vet clinics in the Brooklyn area: http://brooklynian.com/forum/brooklyn-pets/low-cost-local-pet- care Keep in mind that most low cost clinics can only do basic exams and vaccinations. If your cat needs a more thorough check up or bloodwork, the clinic will refer to you a full service vet hospital.
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