Houston County, Georgia — Statistics show that at least 1 in 3 pets require emergency veterinary care each year. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Georgia now lets you get pet insurance to help cover medical bills for your furry friend.
You can spend about $3,200 on a dog and $1,900 on a cat in your first year of ownership.
Considering veterinary care such as spaying, neutering, and microchip implantation, the costs can be high. Add in regular food and grooming costs, which can range from $140 to $225 per year, and having a pet can put a lot of pressure on your wallet.
Dr. John Hutchins is the only veterinarian, Hands of Hope Animal HospitalI’m in Byron. He said he believes it’s worth preparing for such emergencies.
“I’m a big fan of pet insurance,” he said.
In fact, he said he’s educating patients and pet owners about how pet insurance can take the burden off their shoulders when veterinarian costs start to mount.
“We’re not trying to sell pet insurance,” Hutchins said. “We hope that we are also benefiting because we are able to practice the best medical practice and not have to worry about additional costs to our bank accounts as our insurance covers them.”
Last year, when his dog fell ill with cancer, he had no pet insurance.
But as a veterinarian, he was able to take matters into his own hands.
“I just enjoyed the fact that I was able to travel with him, be his comfort and make sure he got the best medical care he thought he needed,” Hutchins said. said. “Is there anyone better suited to do it than I am?”
Grace is a 4 year old Bull Mastiff who was lab mixed. Her birthday was Tuesday, August 1, the day Georgia allowed the sale of pet insurance.
”[For] Most people who have service dogs don’t have to pay to take care of them,” said mother Geraldine Jones.
She says she is committed to protecting Grace’s health and has pet insurance through PetSmart.
