Is an animal worth the money it takes to treat their illness?

I'm a passionate dog lover who's owned dogs all my adult life, often owning more than one dog at a time.  But I really dislike the trend I've seen take place in recent years regarding veterinarians--how more and more often vets are offering high cost end-of-life treatments for pets such as radiation treatments for cancer and pet owners are being pressured into pursuing these treatments (because the vets have to pay off the high cost of their new equipment).  I know someone who spent many $1,000s to keep her sick cat alive and the cat only lived another 9 months--and the cat was in pain the whole time, too.  That just doesn't feel right to me.

My husband and I have agreed that when a pet's time comes, then it's their time.  When our last dog got very ill with cancer at age 14--yes, the vet brought up the option of high-cost radiation (for a 14-year-old dog!) but we chose to put her down--same as I'd want to be put down if I were in her  place.  I loved her too much to want to drag her pain out.  To spend $1,000s just to add a few painful months to her life?  It's not the right thing to do.

my pets rarely got sick because I gave them home made food, not slop  from a can or box. If u have this attitude towards animals I suggest u don't get one.

If you have to ask this you have NO business getting ANY pet.

Let's look at this from a moral stand point. How much is a LIFE worth to you? Do you put a price on your love? Is one of your family members "more loved" than another? Where do you draw the line on care, compassion and love?

To MOST of us pet owners. Our pets are part of our family. Part of the fabric of that family. A member who WE TOOK THE RESPONSIBILITY for when we took them into our family. We chose to bring these lovely and loving beings into our life. It is our responsibility to make sure they are healthy. By feeding them a proper diet. Exercising and stimulating them. Keeping them healthy with regular checkups and medical care. A good, moral person would not hesitate or even think of these things. It is our responsibility, period.

On a person note. My wife and I raised our children to respect life, ALL LIFE. But especially the lives that we chose to bring into our family. A knowledgeable pet owner knows when to let go of a animal. Not for monetary reasons. But for HUMANE reasons. There comes a point in all life. When no amount of money will change the outcome of their health or their fate. Judging by your screen name. You believe in God. If I was you. I would look long and hard at that belief if you could even think of asking this question.

We never use the phrase. "Owning a pet" with our dogs and cats. We don't own them. WE OWE THEM !

Well, if you are going to keep a pet at all, it is your responsibility to properly care for it.

You need to consider such things as vets and expensive bills.

Worth it is not part of the responsibility, you do it, or don't do it at all.

Am I the only one to spend 2 hours going across town, on public transit to buy a culture of fruit flies for a pet jumping spider ?

She never went hungry or for want. Lived out her whole life content.

I rescued a bat with a broken wing and needed lifelong care, that little guy cost me well over 2 grand vet bills, daily care, amenities. That can be 20 years. Had to send him to a bat sanctuary to live out his life, just too much for one person.

I suppose that depends on the prognosis with treatment, what your financial situation is, and how much your pet means to you, personally. I have insurance on my pets and see them as family members, so will certainly pursue treatment for any serious illness if treatment will restore their quality of life.