Do you buy pet health insurance?

we have 3 dogs and 3 cats, yes insurance costs a lot each month. but try to think of it as saving in a bank account.

you may have to pay for shots etc, but when your pets develope chronic illnesses that need meds for the rest of their lives, you will appreciate it

There's more than one company that offers pet insurance. Did you get a flyer from the vet? Do a internet search or call other vets. Some policies offer discounted services if not "covered" shots. Some policies are very restricted, but cover surguries for things you hope will never happen.

I would either buy it the next time I get a young pet OR make a real commitment to put $50 in the bank every month just for pet care. If you're lucky it will even out. Out of all our dogs and cats, we only had to spend $1200 on surgery once on a cat *big hit to the bank account* and $300 on a dog once for a torn claw. Overall, $1500 for two pets over the age of 10 is very good considering all the random stuff that can happen - torn pads, swallowed objects, smashed tails, etc.

You can also call your local American Kennel Club or maybe a reliable breeder and ask what insurance they reccomend.

It's good to think about things like this before they happen, even if it is not pleasant to think about.

I added some insurance links below...and a link to a story about a St. Bernard that swallowed a bread knife - he's fine, but you know that cost a lot!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15730776/

You have to look at the policy. Animal health policies are not like people health policies. Some just reduce some of the fees and others just pay for check ups. Most of them are not worth the cost.

i don't... i just hope that my pet won't get ill ;)