Economy SUCKS! What's your contingency plan for your pets?

I was laid off in February and have used up my emergency pet fund on, guess what, pet emergencies.

So.... while I am having trouble believing my pet insurance is worth keeping, I kept it anyway. So my vet is more likely to let me pay when I'm able to because of the insurance. That and I have an awesome rapport with her.

Just hope I get another job soon. Ugh.

ADD - VPI. PetInsurance.com

ADD - Onetrickpony - good point. Pretty sure I could do some bartering too.

Worst case scenario the dog goes back to the rescue group I got him from... I would foster him and be heavily involved in finding him a new home while the rescue pays for vetting. My cat, though. Oh lord don't get me started. Sickly thing and easily stressed. Not sure he would survive a rehoming. Better just hope I get a job soon.

Thankfully I have a savings account set aside for the dogs(or if an emergency arises,its there for me to use)I also had a CrareCredit card that I was specifically intended for the dogs,but I had to max it out with emergency dental work(UGGGHHHH)so now I'm just left with the savings account,and hope that its enough if a problem arises to cover expenses.

Other than that,I have no other emergency plan,i do hope that changes soon though:)

Good news is,all of my dogs are very healthy thus far,and have been for quite awhile now.

Another plus,is our vet has known our family for over 25 years,so Im sure he would be willing to pull a few strings for us,if we were in a pinch.

I own several Chihuahuas and for years now, I have a separate Savings Account that I have set up to use for my Chi's only. I put in money every month and it adds up. At least I know that if I have any medical problems or emergencies with any of my Chi's or if they need to see the vet for any reason, I don't have to worry about where the money is going to come from and the money I will need is always there when I need it. I also use it to buy high quality food or any other supplies my Chi's need. Works for me!

Well, the cats are self sufficient in that they catch their own food and the dog has proven that he will eat almost anything that even resembles food.

I have a neighbour who is a backyard breeder and is reasonably knowledgeable in animal husbandry. I can barter with him for vet services if I had to. My own vet is a country vet and I could probably barter with them too if it came right down to it.

And if they really shyyttecan the economy I can eat my pets. They would not understand it but humans come before animals when it comes right down to the nitty gritty. Of course, that would be an absolute last resort.

We are not rich people, but we always manage to see to the PROPER care and feeding of our pets. If I seriously thought we could not, we would not have pets.

Thankfully, my animals have all been healthy for some time.

I have only had three vet visits (other than shots) in the last four years....one to put my 14 year old dog down.

I have been laid off for over a year, now, so we have all been living on my savings plus unemployment, and it is not easy.

Well, I always try to keep at least a couple thousand $ in reserve for any emergency, but I can't say I haven't had to dip into it from time to time. It's one of the reasons I haven't bred a litter in a couple of years - no funds for emergencies. I'm always prepared to beg, borrow or charge when I need to though. I think I'm gonna get me a piggy too now

I found a new home for my dog because I couldn't even afford to pay for her shots. I wanted her to be with a family that could afford to take proper care of her.