Is There A Limit To Medical Treatment For Pets?
A reader recently pointed me toward a story regarding the spiraling medical costs for pet owners.
According to Nancy Keats, a writer for SmartMoney.com, there appears to be no limit for medical treatment for pets.
She wrote:
"Dogs and cats can have pacemakers implanted at a cost of $1,000 to $1,500, while pets with kidney failure can get a kidney-clearing procedure that runs $20,000 to $25,000 for just the first few weeks. Not long ago a vet would most likely have recommended euthanasia for a cat or dog diagnosed with cancer or another serious illness. Today high-tech procedures and equipment, such as chemotherapy and MRIs — and yes, CAT scans — allow for better diagnosis and more-advanced treatment."
Is there such a thing as too much treatment for pets?
Read the full story here, and let us know your thoughts.
Happy New Year For You And Your Pets
Happy New Year!
Enjoy the new year with your family and pets.
Have fun and be safe.
Happy New Year For You And Your Pets
Happy New Year!
Enjoy the new year with your family and pets.
Have fun and be safe.
A Different Opinion On Pet Airways
With the holiday season upon us, we recently wrote here about a reader who had used Pet Airways and was one satisfied customer.
Today we received another opinion on this carrier.
..."We used them last holiday season and they were fine. This year however, it is a different story. Snow on the DC beltway...3.5 hrs attempting to get to BWI, called ahead 2 hrs to explain the gridlock, in short by 2 mins missed the van that takes pets to aiplane...out of luck no one calls you and they lock the lounge. Did learn 5 other pets missed the flt. It seems they are not able to flex..will see if there is a way to recoup some of the cost.
They are more than twice as expensive this year as last and with only one flt a week westbound...you are out of luck if weather slows you. On the other side, however, you also assume the problem if weather alters their flt schedules..."
In the interest of full disclosure, I have never used Pet Airways or any other airline to transport my dog, Anna.
Plan Now For Your Christmas Pet Present
According to reporter Shana Rose, a little over half of all pet owners will be putting a gift for the cat or dog under the tree. A majority of pet owners, 53%, said in an Associated Press-Petside.com poll that they plan to get their animals a gift this holiday season.
Whether you buy your pet a Christmas present depends on if it's a cat or a dog, and on if you're a man or a woman.
Dogs (56%) are more likely than cats (48%) to receive a gift. The poll also showed that women (56%) are somewhat more likely than men (49%) to buy their animals a gift.
You can read more here.
Do not be the only pet owner on your block to have an unhappy pet on Christmas day.
A Testamentary Pet Trust Has Limited Benefits
A testamentary trust is one that is created in a will.
Since a will is an ambulatory instrument, in that it never is effective until the testator (the one who writes the will) actually dies, this trust will not spring to use until the pet owner is no longer around.
Additionally, a will must go through the probate process and there may well be some time delays.
This delay may cause issues for the ability of your pet caretaker to secure the means and authority to take care of your pet.
One advantage of this type of trust is that is may be less expensive than the living trust. The trust clauses can be incorporated into the will of the pet owner and thus, become an integral part of the overall estate planning process
Holiday Gifts For the Animals-Just Not Your Animals
Someone recently suggested to me, that if you run out of holiday gift ideas, especially for that person that has everything, you could always remember the animals.
You can give your gift to the organization of your choice and provide notification to a friend or relative that you have donated in “their name.”
Your local humane society, shelter or animal relief agency is always in need of money and donations.
You can plan your giving to benefit homeless animals, provide supplies, adoption fees or monies directly to the shelter.
Just another form of estate planning for pets, in this case, just not your pets.
Reader Wants To Be A Pet Caregiver
I recently received a call from a reader who is interested in the position of pet caregiver.
I do not personally know this individual and have only spoken to her on the phone.
These are her credentials:
"My husband and I are interested in taking care of a small, nonaggressive dog or two dogs for an owner or owners who can no longer keep their pets. We would provide these pets with the best of care. Our dog, a Havanese, is 14 years old. We had a Maltese 12 years old who passed away. She had Cushings Disease. We have a residence in a gated community. The house has a yard and a doggie dog which provides 24 hour access to the outside area. Previously, we have volunteered at rescues, Van Nuys, California and West Palm Beach, Florida in working with large and small dogs. We have assisted in their training and socialization. We have fostered a number of dogs home to prepare them for their new homes. My husband works from home as a graphic artist. He has designed, photographed dogs and maintained a dog rescue website. I have been a guidance counselor and am currently taking classes in the medical field. We have no children. Both of us spend a lot of time home or taking our dog to the park or out for walks. We have access to an excellent veterinarian."
If you are in need of a caregiver for your pet and have any interest in speaking with her about this opportunity, contact me.
Thanks.
A Response From A Pet Airways Consumer
Last week, I wrote about Pet Airways and asked if anyone had any experiences to relate about the company or if any pet owners were planning to use their services.
I received this response from Chris:
"I actually just helped transport a woman and her dog from the LI to Manhattan who had used Pet Airways. She had the dog fly from FL to NY without any problems. In fact, when we arrived at the airport there were many happy dogs and happy owners, the crew was very pleasant. Overall, it seemed like a good experience. I know its only one example, but I hope this helps."
At least there is one satisfied pet owner.
Good to know.
