When You Can’t Afford the Vet: A Vet’s Honest Advice
And What You Can Do About It
If I told you that over 50% of pet owners are now delaying or skipping veterinary visits, would that surprise you?
I hear it all the time.
“My dog is sick, but I can’t afford to go.”
“I know I should see the vet, but I just can’t right now.”
New studies published in 2025, from both the United States and Canada, confirm this is exactly what’s happening. More than half of pet parents are putting off vet visits, including preventive care, diagnostics, and recommended treatments.
The big question is why.
And just as important, what can you realistically do about it?
This Is Not Neglect
Let me be very clear about one thing first.
This is not about pet parents not caring.
Most people want to take their dog or cat to the vet. They know it’s important. The problem is cost. Household budgets are tighter. Inflation has affected everything. Veterinary care has become far more expensive, often faster than wages have increased.
That creates guilt. Stress. Emotional pressure.
You know your pet needs care. You just don’t have the thousands of dollars it may take. And then you’re stuck choosing between rent, groceries, and a vet bill.
That does not make you a bad pet parent.
Why Veterinary Costs Have Risen So Much
Veterinary fees have increased for several reasons:
• Higher staffing and labor costs
• More expensive diagnostic equipment
• Rising overhead and operational expenses
• Increased corporate ownership of clinics
Thirty years ago, corporate veterinary clinics were rare. Today, an estimated 25 to 40% of general practices are corporate-owned. Corporate models are built around profit targets and investor returns. That pressure drives fees up across the board.
Procedures that once cost a few hundred dollars can now cost thousands.
Even suggested fee guides published by veterinary colleges have climbed dramatically.
All of this adds up to one reality. Care is out of reach for many families.
Prevention Still Matters, But What If You Can’t Afford the Visit?
Ideally, catching problems early saves money and prevents suffering.
A cat drinking more water.
A dog gaining weight.
Early dental disease.
Those are things best addressed sooner rather than later.
But if you cannot afford even an exam fee, what can you do?
This is where practical, realistic home care becomes important.
Start With Food
You do not need the most expensive food on the shelf. You do need better than the cheapest option.
For cats, avoid kibble whenever possible.
For dogs, choose a mid-range kibble with animal protein listed first.
Then improve the food with simple, affordable additions:
• Cooked chicken as a topper
• One egg daily for dogs
• Greek yogurt for probiotics, about 1 teaspoon per 10 to 20 pounds
• Olive oil, ½ teaspoon per 10 to 20 pounds daily
• Squash for antioxidants, 1 tablespoon per 20 pounds
These small changes improve protein quality, reduce inflammation, and support long-term health.
Exercise Is One of the Most Powerful Tools You Have
If there is one thing that makes the biggest difference, it is exercise.
Exercise supports weight control, heart health, brain function, immune balance, and joint health. It helps prevent diabetes, arthritis, and many inflammatory diseases.
Studies show lean dogs can live up to two years longer.
Minimum goal:
• Walks at least three times daily
• 10 to 15 minutes per walk
More is better if your dog can tolerate it.
Be More Involved in Your Pet’s Health
You do not need advanced training to notice early changes.
Pay attention to what is normal for your pet:
• Appetite
• Energy level
• Drinking and urination
• Body weight
• Behavior
Weigh your dog or cat at least monthly. Small changes matter.
Learn how to do a basic home exam.
Look at the eyes, ears, gums, teeth, and movement.
Feel for heat, swelling, or pain.
Early awareness often prevents bigger problems later.
Learn Simple Home Remedies
Many common issues can be safely managed at home:
• Hypochlorous acid for skin irritation and ears
• Pepcid for mild stomach upset
• Cetirizine for hives and allergic itching
• Castor oil topically for pain and inflammation
• Propolis for bacterial skin issues
• Brewer’s yeast for flea support and chromium
These options are inexpensive, widely available, and often very effective.
Other Options to Consider
Pet insurance
Best started when pets are young, though it can be costly.
Telemedicine
Useful for guidance, triage, and follow-up care when clinic visits are not possible.
These are not perfect substitutes for in-clinic care, but they can help bridge gaps.
You Are Not Powerless
Veterinary care is more expensive than ever, and that is unlikely to change soon. Financial pressure is real. The stress you feel is real.
But you still have options.
By focusing on diet, exercise, observation, basic skills, and simple home remedies, you can protect your pet’s health in meaningful ways.
You cannot treat everything at home.
But you can do far more than you may realize.
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P.S. I grew up far from veterinary clinics. We learned to care for animals with what we had. That experience shaped everything I teach today.
