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When your pet is your smile keeper, it can be heart-wrenching to see them in pain because of them falling ill after swallowing something they shouldn’t have, or in need of an emergency surgery. Not many pet owners are able to afford pet insurance which can make it hard to foot the hefty bill that comes with emergency visits. Our handy guide can help you finance your pet’s emergency visit without busting your finances.
Planning ahead for your pet’s expenses
Having a companion can be one of the many benefits that come with owning a pet, but it does come at a price. The first year of ownership is usually the one that costs pet owners more, with expenses going up to $3,000 if you own a dog. Of course, this amount will vary depending on the type of pet you have, its size, and breed. Budgeting for your pet’s annual check-up can help ease the financial strain, and help detect problem areas your pet might have before it becomes dire.
What type of finance options are available?
Even if you have planned your finances, there are unplanned expenses that may pop up, and it pays to know what finance options are available to help take care of these costs. According to Choice, Aussies forked out an equivalent of $2.5 billion on vet bills. You could consider putting some of the costs on your credit card if you do not have money readily available. However, ensure that your card has a lower interest to help you manage your expenses better. Some Aussie may consider taking out a short-term loan, especially if they have bad credit, but this type of finance option can come with higher fees and interest rates.
Using a personal loan
A personal loan can come in handy at such times where you want to provide adequate care for your pet while being able to manage your expenses. There is also a wide range of lenders that offer loans that can help you find something that is tailor-made for your needs. However, before you rush to get a vet personal loan it is important to know how to compare your options so that you don’t fall into a debt trap.
How to compare your options
Being able to access the right finances that comes with a quick turnaround time is something you need to keep in mind. It is also vital to compare the interest rate, fees, and charges to see if it is affordable. Also, check whether the finance option that you choose has a flexible repayment plan that will match your budget. Finding a lender that offers you the flexibility in terms of how much you can borrow can also be beneficial. Before you sign the dotted line, consider using a personal loan calculator to see if you will be able to make the repayments over the term of the loan.
Other considerations
You may be in an emergency situation when it comes to finding the right vet to take care of your furry, winged, or scaly friend. But making rush decisions can end up costing you more in the end. Always remember to compare vet prices or looking for recommendations that match your budget.
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This guide provides general information and does not consider your individual needs, finances or objectives. We do not make any recommendation or suggestion about which product is best for you based on your specific situation and we do not compare all companies in the market, or all products offered by all companies. It’s always important to consider whether professional financial, legal or taxation advice is appropriate for you before choosing or purchasing a financial product.
The content on our website is produced by experts in the field of finance and reviewed as part of our editorial guidelines. We endeavour to keep all information across our site updated with accurate information.
Approval for personal loans is always subject to our lender’s terms, conditions and qualification criteria. Lenders will undertake a credit check in line with responsible lending obligations to help determine whether you’re in a position to take on the loan you’re applying for.
The interest rate, comparison rate, fees and monthly repayments will depend on factors specific to your profile, such as your financial situation, as well as others, such as the loan’s size and your chosen repayment term. Costs such as broker fees, redraw fees or early repayment fees, and cost savings such as fee waivers, aren’t included in the comparison rate but may influence the cost of the loan. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts may result in a different comparison rate.
