Should there be a scheme similar to the medical card for family pets?

Veterinary Ireland has raised concerns that rising bills are forcing some people to abandon their pets because they cannot afford the cost of their healthcare.  

In October, the ISPCA said the number of abandoned dogs it was caring for was at “unprecedented” levels and St Vincent de Paws co-founder Susie Jones said more and more pets are being left at her shelter in Cork.

“The statistics that came out in the summer found there was a 95% increase from last year,” she told Newstalk Breakfast. 

“So, God knows what it is going to be this year.” 

Ms Jones believes one potential solution would be for those on low incomes to receive subsidised vet bills.  

“I understand that they have labour costs and staff to pay for and everything like that,” she said. 

“You know the way with prescriptions and going to see the doctor, [there’s] the medical card and the drug payment scheme? 

“If there was a scheme like that or put in place for people with pets, it would probably make it easier for them to keep their pets as well.” 

A Shichon dog with an elderly owner on a couch, 18-05-18. Image: Magdalena Bujak / Alamy

Often, Ms Jones is approached by pet owners looking for help with their bills but the only thing she can do is recommend a vet who does not ask to be paid all at once. 

“We’re not a charity,” she said. 

“We’re actually a voluntary organisation and we’re not for profit, so we don’t deal with monetary donations. 

“I do try to recommend them to vets that I know would do payment plans or something like that.”

A Bernese Mountain Dog. Image by: Alamy.com.

Some vets have even reported being asked to euthanise animals because their owners cannot pay for their care but Ms Jones has not encountered this. 

“If they can’t afford to treat their dogs, even the cost of putting a dog down is very expensive,” she said. 

“Recently, I had to put my own dog down to health issues, she was 15, and it cost me over €250. 

“So, I couldn’t imagine people that can’t afford to look after their dog’s health, would be putting them down.” 

According to Statista, 27% of Irish people own at least one dog and 19% a cat.

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Main image: A vet with a dog.