Can't afford a vet visit? Consider doing these 6 things

Vet care has become prohibitively expensive for many pet owners, but that doesn't mean you're out of options. Vladislav Stepanov/ Owning a pet has never been cheap, but the math has shifted dramatically in recent years — and not in pet owners' favor. The average American now spends more than $4,272 a year on routine expenses for a single cat or dog, according to a new survey by Healthy Paws Pet Insurance . Stretch that across a 12-year lifespan, and the total exceeds $50,000 — or roughly what it costs to put a down payment on a home. That can be tough to add to the budget in today's economic landscape, as many households are already stretched thin by high debt loads, rising inflation and other hurdles. When a pet needs care and the money simply isn't there, many owners find themselves facing a tough choice. About 38% of survey respondents said they'd put an unaffordable vet bill on a credit card, while 20% said they'd drain their savings entirely to cover it. And, a growing number are simply skipping vet visits altogether as prices continue to rise. But while affordability is a real concern, avoiding care entirely can lead to more serious — and more expensive — issues down the line. The good news is that the choice doesn't have to be skipping care when paying for vet care feels impossible. There are concrete steps pet owners can take when cost is the obstacle standing between their animal and the care it needs. …