We all know the saying, 'a dog is a man's best friend,' and our devoted pets quickly become part of the family. They provide us with love, companionship, and a deep sense of responsibility. But when our furry friends suffer health problems, the costs can hit the roof, just like the story of a Sydney couple who faced bone-chilling medical bills amounting to $37,000 while trying to save their French bulldog's life, as highlighted on A Current Affair.

On Easter Saturday, Matisse the bulldog's back legs suddenly began to wobble. Desperate for help, her distraught owners, Daniele and Sabrina, rushed her to their local vet, only to be sent home without a proper consultation. Their concern for Matisse grew, so they decided to head straight to the Sydney Veterinary Emergency and Specialists for a more thorough investigation of Matisse’s health.

'We were just told to sign these documents and leave them a $3,000 deposit because Matisse was going to have to be kept in there overnight to stabilise her,' Sabrina recalled. Little did they know this was only the beginning of the financial blow.

Over the next six days, Matisse received intensive care, including surgery, scans, tests, medications, and around-the-clock monitoring by staff. Naturally, these services came with a hefty price tag, which caught the couple completely off guard.

'It's a massive, massive bill, so we're just asking them to reconsider,' Daniele explained. Unfortunately, Matisse wasn't insured, leaving the couple to find a way to foot that staggering $37,000 bill.

However, according to a report from Finder, many Australians are in the same boat as Daniele and Sabrina, willing to dig deep into their pockets to save their beloved pets. The report revealed that dog owners were willing to spend, on average, over $3,500 on medical bills before contemplating euthanasia. A staggering 17% of respondents even admitted they'd be willing to pay more than $10,000 to save their pet's life.

According to the Animal Medicines Australia study, it's no wonder that Aussies are willing to face significant financial stress to ensure the health and well-being of their furry friends.

Dr Robert Zammit, a veterinary surgeon, told A Current Affair, 'People want human equivalent care for their animals.' And who can blame them? After all, pets are family too.

However, this story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of considering pet insurance before disaster strikes. While it may seem like an unnecessary expense at first, it could potentially save thousands of dollars in unexpected medical expenses.

The Importance of Pet Insurance​

When it comes to the medical needs of your beloved pet, it pays to be prepared. In times of emergency, the vet bills can quickly rack up, and unanticipated hefty costs can add extra stress in financially difficult situations. It's, therefore, important to consider investing in pet insurance to cover any potential medical bills or treatment costs.

Arming yourself with pet insurance provides peace of mind. Accidents, illnesses, and ageing-related health concerns can all occur with our animal companions, and despite our best efforts, any costs associated with this care can add up. Insurance plans allow you to spread the costs associated with more expensive treatments over time rather than having to have a lump sum of money on hand immediately.

When browsing through pet insurance providers, make sure you do your due diligence and consider what cover is included and for what cost. Vet care fees can vary significantly when it comes to specialists, rehabilitative treatments, medications, and surgeries. That way, you can choose a plan that best suits your pet’s needs and your financial means.

Though pet insurance may seem expensive in the short run, the long-term peace of mind of having this financial protection in times of need is invaluable. With pet insurance, you can rest assured that you are both fully covered and providing the best care possible for your furry family members.

Key Takeaways

• A Sydney couple had to pay $37,000 in medical bills to save their French bulldog's life at an emergency veterinary clinic.
• The medical fees began to mount as the dog required surgery, scans, tests, medications, and constant monitoring by staff over a six-day period.
• A report from Finder suggests that dog owners, on average, are willing to spend over $3,500 on medical bills before considering putting their dog down.
• Australians show great willingness to spend on their pets, as 63% of dog owners and 60% of cat owners consider their pet part of the family, according to a survey by Animal Medicines Australia.

If you have pets, it’s best to have a discussion about the best insurance options so that if such a situation arises, you'll be better prepared. In the end, your beloved companions are worth the effort; just ask Daniele and Sabrina!

 

[maxesmum]

Holy cow! I can’t even begin to think how I’d feel if slapped with that bill! Didn’t they think to check up? Make some sort of daily enquires? People thought we were nuts spending lots on our dog but it was a manageable debt and one we were happy to pay but 37,000?.? Hell no! I couldn’t find that kind of money if MY life depended on it,let alone the dogs!

 

[elaine41]

I never leave my pets alone with an unknown vet because you don't know what they are going to do or what they will charge. I have made the decision quite a few times that it was time for my darlings to be euthanised before I took them to a vet. They are not my family, they are my pets & while I love them dearly & cry gallons of tears when they die, I have to do the right thing by them & not leave them to suffer unnecessarily.

 

[Jennylolo]

they should have been informed of costs for every single test etc done on the pet and the ok be given, not a simple do what you want with a deposit without the breakdown. Mind 3K deposit is a bit suss to start with- that's a lot of tests!. That is simply not an ethical vet/practice. Every vet I have used (had any years with a pony/horse stud, sheep, rescue birds, dogs and cats.) has always provided breakdowns and given choices which to pursue if any, and again if it is deemed necessary for any further investigations- everything itemised. Where is the integrity?

 

[maxesmum]

they should have been informed of costs for every single test etc done on the pet and the ok be given, not a simple do what you want with a deposit without the breakdown. Mind 3K deposit is a bit suss to start with- that's a lot of tests!. That is simply not an ethical vet/practice. Every vet I have used (had any years with a pony/horse stud, sheep, rescue birds, dogs and cats.) has always provided breakdowns and given choices which to pursue if any, and again if it is deemed necessary for any further investigations- everything itemised. Where is the integrity?

Exactly,my vet would never incur costs without asking first. It all sounds a bit suss,doesn’t it?

 

[ElleJay]

I don't trust emergency vets. I took my cat to one a few years back when he became seriously ill on a Sunday evening. They did put him on IV fluids overnight, but when we collected him in the morning they said he was fine. When we got home and opened his carrier, he was staggering and could hardly walk. I took him straight to our normal vet, who found he had a temperature of 40 degrees! They also did tests and it turned out he had Salmonella poisoning! The emergency vet cost $800 for the night, I would have thought they should at least check his temperature before sending him home!

 

[Loren]

We all know the saying, 'a dog is a man's best friend,' and our devoted pets quickly become part of the family. They provide us with love, companionship, and a deep sense of responsibility. But when our furry friends suffer health problems, the costs can hit the roof, just like the story of a Sydney couple who faced bone-chilling medical bills amounting to $37,000 while trying to save their French bulldog's life, as highlighted on A Current Affair.

On Easter Saturday, Matisse the bulldog's back legs suddenly began to wobble. Desperate for help, her distraught owners, Daniele and Sabrina, rushed her to their local vet, only to be sent home without a proper consultation. Their concern for Matisse grew, so they decided to head straight to the Sydney Veterinary Emergency and Specialists for a more thorough investigation of Matisse’s health.

View attachment 20030
'We were just told to sign these documents and leave them a $3,000 deposit because Matisse was going to have to be kept in there overnight to stabilise her,' Sabrina recalled. Little did they know this was only the beginning of the financial blow.

Over the next six days, Matisse received intensive care, including surgery, scans, tests, medications, and around-the-clock monitoring by staff. Naturally, these services came with a hefty price tag, which caught the couple completely off guard.

'It's a massive, massive bill, so we're just asking them to reconsider,' Daniele explained. Unfortunately, Matisse wasn't insured, leaving the couple to find a way to foot that staggering $37,000 bill.

However, according to a report from Finder, many Australians are in the same boat as Daniele and Sabrina, willing to dig deep into their pockets to save their beloved pets. The report revealed that dog owners were willing to spend, on average, over $3,500 on medical bills before contemplating euthanasia. A staggering 17% of respondents even admitted they'd be willing to pay more than $10,000 to save their pet's life.

According to the Animal Medicines Australia study, it's no wonder that Aussies are willing to face significant financial stress to ensure the health and well-being of their furry friends.

Dr Robert Zammit, a veterinary surgeon, told A Current Affair, 'People want human equivalent care for their animals.' And who can blame them? After all, pets are family too.

However, this story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of considering pet insurance before disaster strikes. While it may seem like an unnecessary expense at first, it could potentially save thousands of dollars in unexpected medical expenses.

The Importance of Pet Insurance​

When it comes to the medical needs of your beloved pet, it pays to be prepared. In times of emergency, the vet bills can quickly rack up, and unanticipated hefty costs can add extra stress in financially difficult situations. It's, therefore, important to consider investing in pet insurance to cover any potential medical bills or treatment costs.

Arming yourself with pet insurance provides peace of mind. Accidents, illnesses, and ageing-related health concerns can all occur with our animal companions, and despite our best efforts, any costs associated with this care can add up. Insurance plans allow you to spread the costs associated with more expensive treatments over time rather than having to have a lump sum of money on hand immediately.

When browsing through pet insurance providers, make sure you do your due diligence and consider what cover is included and for what cost. Vet care fees can vary significantly when it comes to specialists, rehabilitative treatments, medications, and surgeries. That way, you can choose a plan that best suits your pet’s needs and your financial means.

Though pet insurance may seem expensive in the short run, the long-term peace of mind of having this financial protection in times of need is invaluable. With pet insurance, you can rest assured that you are both fully covered and providing the best care possible for your furry family members.

Key Takeaways

• A Sydney couple had to pay $37,000 in medical bills to save their French bulldog's life at an emergency veterinary clinic.
• The medical fees began to mount as the dog required surgery, scans, tests, medications, and constant monitoring by staff over a six-day period.
• A report from Finder suggests that dog owners, on average, are willing to spend over $3,500 on medical bills before considering putting their dog down.
• Australians show great willingness to spend on their pets, as 63% of dog owners and 60% of cat owners consider their pet part of the family, according to a survey by Animal Medicines Australia.

If you have pets, it’s best to have a discussion about the best insurance options so that if such a situation arises, you'll be better prepared. In the end, your beloved companions are worth the effort; just ask Daniele and Sabrina!

What I can't believe is that 37% of dog owners and 40% of cat owners DON'T consider their pets as part of the family!

 

[elaine41]

What I can't believe is that 37% of dog owners and 40% of cat owners DON'T consider their pets as part of the family!

My family have 2 legs each, my pets have 4 legs. Does that answer your question? I love my pets & would never see them in any trouble but refuse to pay exorbitant amounts in order to keep them alive.

 

[MindyMac]

Vets and their prices should be controlled by the government. Sadly, many just rip people off and use people and their Heart Strings. Sometimes, euthanasia is better. I have a few cats now, all desexed and microchipped but there is no way I can afford vet bills and that concerns me. I ensure that they eat well and I purchase various kinds of foods wet & dry and I also buy the expensive dry dental foods from the pet store to ensure their teeth are keep top notch. They also get Revolution Plus once a months and they have no fleas. They have warm beds and this bedding gets washed. I give my washing machine a washing cleanse with Aldi Washing Machine Cleanse Tablets and use hot wash. I do this before I wash my own clothes and linen. I ensure that the filter is cleaned out before the cleanse wash and as well as after the full cleanse wash. Hot water and full cycle. I actually did some of their laundry today and more tomorrow.

I search for various pet foods on sale and try and get the best bang for the few dollars I have. I also put a variety of foods out for the strays and it's always gone by the morning.

I have paid vet bills in the past, when I had an income which is obviously higher than the Disability Pension that I'm now on. I have a tower of foods no for them wet & dry, including human tin tuna large can in Brine. Some eat this. They are never hungry and if they are, they get some dry food.

If vets were more controlled including medications and injections, then more people would go to to vets. Sadly, Australia is more like America. Out of Control and too pricey. I've donated when I can to animal shelters and raising funds for animals that have done it tough and need urgent vet care, but even these vets just after $money.

How can it be that Fairfield Council in NSW can issue notice to their residents and people on the pension that they are again offering desexing & microchip & register for $49. Because, it is on again and I saw the Post and sent it to many animal charities so people there in Fairfield area that qualify can have their pets tended to.

Fairfield Council NSW do it every year. The others should follow suit so it stops kittens & puppies being born. This is PROOF that the vets can do all of it for this little amount. I have no doubt that the vets in the Fairfield area finally busy at this time instead of an empty clinics.

Other areas are $free. Some areas down to $50.

They ae doing dogs as well. A little more but cheaper.

Owning Dogs and Cats

More about desexing, responsible pet ownership, and what to do if your pet is hurt or stolen or if you find a dog on the street.

www.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au

 

[Tipsy]

We all know the saying, 'a dog is a man's best friend,' and our devoted pets quickly become part of the family. They provide us with love, companionship, and a deep sense of responsibility. But when our furry friends suffer health problems, the costs can hit the roof, just like the story of a Sydney couple who faced bone-chilling medical bills amounting to $37,000 while trying to save their French bulldog's life, as highlighted on A Current Affair.

On Easter Saturday, Matisse the bulldog's back legs suddenly began to wobble. Desperate for help, her distraught owners, Daniele and Sabrina, rushed her to their local vet, only to be sent home without a proper consultation. Their concern for Matisse grew, so they decided to head straight to the Sydney Veterinary Emergency and Specialists for a more thorough investigation of Matisse’s health.

View attachment 20030
'We were just told to sign these documents and leave them a $3,000 deposit because Matisse was going to have to be kept in there overnight to stabilise her,' Sabrina recalled. Little did they know this was only the beginning of the financial blow.

Over the next six days, Matisse received intensive care, including surgery, scans, tests, medications, and around-the-clock monitoring by staff. Naturally, these services came with a hefty price tag, which caught the couple completely off guard.

'It's a massive, massive bill, so we're just asking them to reconsider,' Daniele explained. Unfortunately, Matisse wasn't insured, leaving the couple to find a way to foot that staggering $37,000 bill.

However, according to a report from Finder, many Australians are in the same boat as Daniele and Sabrina, willing to dig deep into their pockets to save their beloved pets. The report revealed that dog owners were willing to spend, on average, over $3,500 on medical bills before contemplating euthanasia. A staggering 17% of respondents even admitted they'd be willing to pay more than $10,000 to save their pet's life.

According to the Animal Medicines Australia study, it's no wonder that Aussies are willing to face significant financial stress to ensure the health and well-being of their furry friends.

Dr Robert Zammit, a veterinary surgeon, told A Current Affair, 'People want human equivalent care for their animals.' And who can blame them? After all, pets are family too.

However, this story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of considering pet insurance before disaster strikes. While it may seem like an unnecessary expense at first, it could potentially save thousands of dollars in unexpected medical expenses.

The Importance of Pet Insurance​

When it comes to the medical needs of your beloved pet, it pays to be prepared. In times of emergency, the vet bills can quickly rack up, and unanticipated hefty costs can add extra stress in financially difficult situations. It's, therefore, important to consider investing in pet insurance to cover any potential medical bills or treatment costs.

Arming yourself with pet insurance provides peace of mind. Accidents, illnesses, and ageing-related health concerns can all occur with our animal companions, and despite our best efforts, any costs associated with this care can add up. Insurance plans allow you to spread the costs associated with more expensive treatments over time rather than having to have a lump sum of money on hand immediately.

When browsing through pet insurance providers, make sure you do your due diligence and consider what cover is included and for what cost. Vet care fees can vary significantly when it comes to specialists, rehabilitative treatments, medications, and surgeries. That way, you can choose a plan that best suits your pet’s needs and your financial means.

Though pet insurance may seem expensive in the short run, the long-term peace of mind of having this financial protection in times of need is invaluable. With pet insurance, you can rest assured that you are both fully covered and providing the best care possible for your furry family members.

Key Takeaways

• A Sydney couple had to pay $37,000 in medical bills to save their French bulldog's life at an emergency veterinary clinic.
• The medical fees began to mount as the dog required surgery, scans, tests, medications, and constant monitoring by staff over a six-day period.
• A report from Finder suggests that dog owners, on average, are willing to spend over $3,500 on medical bills before considering putting their dog down.
• Australians show great willingness to spend on their pets, as 63% of dog owners and 60% of cat owners consider their pet part of the family, according to a survey by Animal Medicines Australia.

If you have pets, it’s best to have a discussion about the best insurance options so that if such a situation arises, you'll be better prepared. In the end, your beloved companions are worth the effort; just ask Daniele and Sabrina!

Because of the way we all feel about our fur babies the vets go hand over fist to empty our wallets... Its nothing but absolute greed with these people and no regulations to stop it.... how would they like it if I charged them 20 to 40k for looking after their gardens and lawns.... for those of you who think thats crazy then think again its the same damn thing, over charging because of the way our heart string have been stretched is damn right immoral and disgusting