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

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The gap between those two figures is where the real financial strain shows up. Veterinary costs have climbed 60% over the past decade, and the survey found that more than half of pet owners feel significant financial stress over a bill under $1,000 — with nearly 1 in 5 saying any surprise vet expense, regardless of size, is enough to strain their budget. Even households earning six figures aren't insulated: close to half said a bill under $2,000 would cause real financial pain. Roughly a quarter of pet owners say they've put vet costs on a credit card and carried the balance for months, or longer.

So when the bill outpaces what a household can absorb, what actually happens — and are there better options than declining care altogether?

Find out how affordable a Healthy Paws pet insurance plan could be today.

Depending on your situation, one or more of these options may offer a workable path forward:

If your pet is insured, review your policy carefully. While pet insurance typically doesn't cover pre-existing conditions, it can still significantly reduce the financial burden of new illnesses or accidents by reimbursing a portion of emergency vet costs. And, in some cases, your pet insurance policy may even reimburse for the cost of wellness routine visits and vaccines, which can make a regular visit more manageable upfront.

And, if you don't have coverage in place, it may be worth considering. While the cost of a policy is ongoing, the monthly premiums average about $62 for dogs and $32 for cats, according to industry data, and most pet owners find that it pays off to purchase coverage. Three in four insured pet owners said their coverage had significantly reduced out-of-pocket veterinary expenses, according to the Healthy Paws survey, and 87% reported greater peace of mind during health emergencies.

Learn more about the pet insurance options from Healthy Paws now.

Not all veterinary care comes with a high price tag. Many communities offer low-cost clinics, nonprofit veterinary services or mobile pet care units that provide basic care at reduced rates. These clinics often handle vaccinations, wellness exams and minor treatments, but some will offer more comprehensive care services as well. While availability varies by location, these options can be a critical resource for pet owners facing financial constraints.

For example, humane societies, animal shelters and veterinary schools frequently offer subsidized care at a fra