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Finding Ways to Help Clients Pay

By Marilyn Iturri

Editor of VeterinaryPracticeNews.com and Veterinary Practice News

The economic downturn is forcing some of us to face harsh realities.

News reports about home foreclosures often include an element quoting local animal shelters as saying that more animals are being surrendered and even abandoned because of the loss of homes.

Even when a situation isn’t that dire, animals facing health crises are being severely affected.

In the June issue of Veterinary Practice News, you will read about how economic euthanasia is on the rise because many owners just can’t afford the care of their pet needs.

And sadly, the economy is also affecting the bright stars out there that exist to help owners facing unexpected veterinary bills.

The American Animal Hospital Association Foundation has temporarily suspended its Helping Pets Fund because money has been running low.

The foundation reports that it has helped about 3,000 pet owners since the fund’s inception in 2005.

Other such funds exist to help pet owners facing big and unexpected bills.

The Magic Bullet Fund, for example, was founded to help people whose dogs have cancer but who cannot afford treatment.

In my area, the Animal Assistance League of Orange County (Calif.) a 501(C) nonprofit humane society, works in a variety of ways, including the promotion of low-cost neutering services and helping with vet bills.

Years ago, when I was a Big Sister volunteer, AALOC helped me pay a vet bill my Little Sister’s family was struggling to pay for a rescue dog they took in when it was injured. That was my introduction to AAL, and it was impressive.

Has your veterinary hospital established a fund through which clients can help other clients pay unexpected expenses? How does it work, and how did your clientele react to it?

Do you have a favorite nonprofit that helps with veterinary bills that deserves a shout-out?

We at Veterinary Practice News would love to hear about your experiences in finding ways to help your clients in a tough situation.

Add a comment below, or e-mail me at miturri@bowtieinc.com.

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Finding Ways to Help Clients Pay

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For many years I was the hospital administrator for a very successful practice. We were blessed to have several affluent clients who would "fund" veterinary care for special needs patients who's owners couldn't afford care or had reached a point where they were at the limit of what they could afford. Our doctors were always judicious with the money - trying to choose patients that would receive life long benefit and were otherwise healthy. Occasionally we took in the pets - fixed the problem and found a new home where affording care was not a problem. Try starting a "pet care fund" you will be surprised how much help your clients will be - after all they are pet lovers too. Debbie, Gibsonville, NC Posted: 10/8/2009 3:18:19 PM