Posts: 3,061
6/21/10 7:40 P

I went online to their site and priced out basic packages for my pooches. Not too bad.

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Posts: 171
6/21/10 5:49 P

Thanks so much! I will check out that website.

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Posts: 641
6/21/10 9:14 A

I have VPI pet insurance for all 4 of my animals (2 dogs, 2 cats). They were costing me a ton btwn they're annual shots and basic check ups and then ALLL the random stuff that happens to them!!!!

It dosen't cost me that much... for my lab i think hers is about 25/month. my little dog is like 21/month and my cats are about 15/month each. It covers SO much. And it has saved me more money then i'm paying out.

You have to pay the bill upfront at your vets office... and then you submit it to VPI insurance either thru fax or mail and they reimburse you for however much they cover with a check that they mail to you.

Anyway if you want more info you can check out the website or ask me. I'de be happy to answer any questions i can.

Posts: 11,862
6/20/10 8:22 A

We don't have pet insurance. Guess I take my chances.

With my last dog, we were at the vet every few months.
First was a torn dewclaw.
Then she developed with epilepsy. Had to give her pills 2x day for life for that.
Next was and emergency trip to the vet for bleeding. They really don't know what was wrong, but it was expensive. 3 days and IV's
Then ended up with cancer. More pills, more expense for dog food. But she was worth every penny.

The dog I have now is financially great. 1 check up a year!

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Posts: 3,061
6/18/10 8:56 P

I also have a plan through my vet where I pay a monthly fee, and I am not charged for office visits and get discounted meds and treatment at that office. But it does not cover service anywhere else. When my lab pup needed knee surgery, my vet referred me to an ortho vet in another town, and I had to pay the entire bill.

Edited by: SHERRYTOO at: 6/18/2010 (20:57)

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6/18/10 8:53 P

Yes, Honeybear did have cancer in the end but she started with allergies, having special vet food (venison and brown rice or duck and potato) until it got too expensive and I got some similar at Petsmart. Also gave her a Benedryl everyday to begin with and that helped. When she developed arthritus she was on something for pain, a powder that I mixed with her food like glucosmine, then more pain meds to make her comfortable with the cancer which we didn't know about until the last month or so that she lived. All in all we probably could have greatly benefited from pet insurance. If we ever get another pet I will look into it.

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Posts: 28
6/18/10 8:18 P

We have pet insurance through our vet. It is a lot more reasonable than the ones they advertise. Ours includes their regular checkups and discounts on and drugs they need. The plan also discounts boarding although we don't do that often. With two dogs it saves us a ton of money.

I guess it would depend on what coverage is available in your area.

Posts: 3,061
6/18/10 6:39 P

I've owned lots of dogs and never had one requiring surgery (other than spaying/neutering) until Sophie. I've priced it out but with three dogs, it's bit too pricey for me. I'll have to take my chances without it -- knock on wood.

BTW - Nash has allergies buy my vet has me giving him 2 Bendadryl 3 x day. It's helped him out.

Sandi's Honeybear had cancer. She can give you more details.

Edited by: SHERRYTOO at: 6/18/2010 (18:41)

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Posts: 171
6/18/10 5:09 P

You mentioned that Honeybear cost you a mint, was it from weird incidents or did she have a health condition. I have never had a puppy or a lab before but Kana has had to go to the vet from hives and swelling because i left him home with Daddy by himself for a long weekend to a cat scratch on his cheek that got infected and now we are experiencing allergies. And now a friend has warned me to watch his jumping because labs also have issues with their hips and knees.

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6/18/10 4:53 P

I don't know much about it but sure wished we had had it for Honeybear as she really cost us a mint while she was living. Of course, she was worth every penny. Hope others can give you more help on this. Actually, a savings acct. might be a good idea!!

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Posts: 171
6/18/10 3:52 P

What are your guy's thoughts on pet insurance? I have already spent several thousand dollars on Kana's strange accidents and he is only 2. Do any of you have it and think it is a major help or is it better to make sure i have a kana savings account?

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