Pet care sticker shock: How to choose a specialist you can afford

How much would you pay to save your pet?

According to estimates by the American Pet Products Association, Americans will spend over $13 billion on general and specialty care this year.

Paying for a debilitating disease or injury can be costly. Specialty care is more expensive due to additional training, equipment and facilities.

Angie’s List Tips: Navigating veterinarian specialty care

• Check credentials: From a cardiologist to a radiologist, verify the veterinarian’s board certification. Board-certified veterinary specialists must complete an internship and residency in their specialized field which typically means an additional three to five years of training and required exams.

• Do your homework: Before committing to costly care, ask the specialist detailed questions about his/her experience, training, success rate, and techniques he or she will use to treat your pet.

• Know your limits: Think ahead before an accident or illness occurs about how much you want to spend on your pet’s health. While some are willing to pay whatever it takes to keep their pet healthy, others are left with sticker shock. Research pet insurance options to plan for unexpected expenses, but be sure to ask about deductibles, exclusions, co-pays and caps.

• Manage your expectations: Some pet health conditions cannot be resolved, no matter how much money you spend on treatment. Seek a second opinion if you’re not satisfied, but be prepared if nothing can be done.

• If you run into problems: Speak with your veterinarian to resolve any issues. If a situation can’t be resolved, you can file a grievance with your state’s veterinary board.