You love your pet and you treat it like family, but the costs of veterinary care can sometimes be shockingly high. And unfortunately, unlike humans (who are entitled to receive life-saving medical care regardless of ability to pay), pet owners are often left to make difficult decisions when they can't afford a necessary veterinary treatment. Fortunately, though, there are always options for making veterinary care more affordable that all pet owners should be aware of.

Buy a Pet Insurance Policy

This won't help you after you've received a vet bill, but if you're proactive enough, purchasing a pet insurance policy can save you from facing large vet bills alone. Pet insurance works in similar way to traditional health insurance; you pay a monthly premium to receive a certain amount of coverage for veterinary expenses, minus any deductible. Many plans also include coverage for regular wellness checkups and routine care.

Apply for Financing On-Site

If you're already facing a large vet bill and aren't sure how to pay it, consider inquiring about financing through your veterinary clinic {such as Covington Veterinary Hospital PC}. These days, many vets offer their own payment plans to help make larger bills easier for clients to pay for. Keep in mind, though, that your approval for a payment plan may be based on your credit history, so you may not qualify if you have a low credit score.

Start a Fundraising Initiative

These days, funding initiatives have really picked up steam, especially when it comes to getting vet bills paid. If you're really in a predicament over paying for your pet's medical care, consider starting a funding account on a website such as GoFundMe. Then, you can share your story on social media and other electronic outlets, and people can choose to donate as much or as little as they'd like to help with your cause. Be sure to include a detailed description of the specific work your pet needs done or has had done.

Check With Local Organizations

Finally, if you're really having trouble when it comes to affording your pet's medical care, consider checking to see if you qualify for veterinary bill assistance with a local organization. For example, many humane societies across the United States offer financial assistance that's need-based. Check out this detailed list of resources by state and you're sure to find an organization that can assist you (or at least point you in the right direction).