Pet Healthcare
Pet Insurance
Nowadays, an increasing number of pet owners are deciding to get pet health insurance policies. Typically, pet insurance plans will cover your pet's medical treatments, surgeries, lab fees, and prescriptions. By having pet insurance, owners can reduce the risk of costly veterinary care and allow for a friendly and affordable budget for each household. Pet insurance can also provide peace of mind, knowing that there is a financial backup. Overall, insurance can help owners seek better pet care with economics being less of an issue or concern.
Points to consider when choosing a pet health insurance plan:
Make sure you understand what procedures and treatments are covered under each policy. Some will cover preventative care, like vaccinations, although some will require an additional cost. Many times, it is best to secure insurance while your pet is young. Older pets may have pre-existing conditions that can possibly be excluded from coverage.
Exclusions - Keep an eye out for exclusions in the policy including pre-existing conditions, hereditary conditions, and conditions for specific breeds.
Deductibles and Copays - It is important to understand that "out of pocket" expenses will be before the plan will reimburse you. Before choosing a coverage policy, make sure you understand the program's reimbursement process. Some insurance providers will allow your veterinarian to submit a claim on your behalf, while others may require you to submit the claim yourself. It is important to keep in mind that payment of your veterinarians is due at the time of service.
Do You Need Pet Insurance? (AVMA)
A Guide to Pet Health Insurance (AAHA)
Pet Care Costs
Pet Care Costs (ASPCA)
​Money Tips for Caring Pet Owners (AVMA)
Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Programs (ASPCA)
Prescriptions
Your pet's good health is the primary goal of your veterinarian. Sometimes prescriptions are necessary in order to keep your pet healthy. The American Veterinary Medical Association's website provides information and guidelines for veterinary prescription drugs.
Vaccinations
Common sense measures to protect your dogs, yourself and others (AVMA)
Vaccinations: What to expect after your pet's vaccination (AVMA)
FAQ (AVMA)
Dental Care
Your pet needs dental care, just as you do. Unless you are regularly providing some form of dental care, you are neglecting an important part in the overall health of your pet.
How to Brush Your Pet's Teeth (AVMA)
Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats (AAHA)
Ten Steps to Your Dog's Dental Health (ASPCA)
Emergency (24/7 facilities) in Massachusetts
Click Here to locate emergency facilities near you.
General Health Resources
Care for Animals – From the American Veterinary Medical Association, this is advice on veterinarian selection, pet selection, pet health, pet loss, and traveling with your pet. Visit AVMA's YouTube page for informational videos.
Companion Animals – This is information from the Animal Welfare Information Center (US Department of Agriculture).
Companion Animal Parasite Council – The CAPC educates veterinarians and the general public about health risks to both pets and humans associated with parasites.
Dumb Friends League – This includes information on pet behavior, dog training, and more.
Healthypet.com – From the American Animal Hospital Association, this is mostly information on dogs and cats information; good information on fees, insurance, complaints, medical records, etc.
Healthy Pets, Healthy People – This is from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
PetEducation.com – This site is owned and operated by practicing veterinarians.
PetPlace.com – This site is produced by a partnership of 10 organizations and covers 7 species.
Pets and Pet Health – This is a service of the National Library of Medicine.
Veterinary Partner.com – This service is from the Veterinary Information Network.
Vetinfo – This is a resource for dog and cat veterinary information with encyclopedias for each.
Complementary Medicine
Massachusetts Board of Registration in Veterinary Medicine Guidelines
Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine (CAVM) in practice (AVMA)
American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association
Physical Therapy for Pets – Information and additional reading on animal rehabilitation.
Acupressure and Massage (NBCAAM)
Acupuncture (IVAS)
Herbal Medicine (VBMA)