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We routinely schedule checkups for ourselves, or at least we should be
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But when it comes to our pets, a new nationwide study is revealing
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why more than half of American pet parents are skipping recommended vet treatments
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The report from Gallup and PetSmart Charities says cost is the number one reason
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52% of U.S. pet owners have skipped or declined veterinary care, with seven in 10 citing they either couldn't afford it or didn't think the cost was justified
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And this isn't just happening in low-income households. A third of pet parents making $90,000 or more say they've also put off care for financial reasons
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In a press release, a senior researcher at Gallup says the data shows that many pet parents are not being presented with alternative care options
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that could make veterinary services more accessible despite interest in such options
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Insurance company Lemonade broke down the average cost for vet care. Routine checkups start around
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while emergency visits can quickly escalate to several thousand Pet allergy testing can cost nearly and that price climbs if you opt for a blood test Dental cleanings for dogs which often require anesthesia range from to
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but for cats, cleanings start closer to $200. And if your pet needs emergency care, an exam alone
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can cost up to $200, but it's the testing, treatment, or overnight hospital stays that
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really add up. That's why Lemonade reminds pet owners not every cough, vomit, or odd stool needs
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an immediate ER trip. The PetSmart Gallup study suggests payment plans could be a game changer
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for pet parents. The American Animal Hospital Association warns skipping annual checkups
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or delaying care can sometimes make issues worse and more expensive to treat down the line
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To help pet parents out, PetSmart Charities donated $100 million to improve access to vet care
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but they estimate the cost for adequate care for all pets currently going without care is more than $20 billion annually
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With Stray Arrow News, I'm Kennedy Felton. Download our app or visit san.com for more
