My eight year old dog hurt her cruciate ligament. I’ve been battling things on my body. And have been patient with trying to get her in. I keep being put off. I’m in Tucson area and have brought her to Nogales at the animal hospital and on my third attempt to see the right dr…
Hard to get in anywhere and heading up to Utah in a couple weeks after months in Arizona south of Tucson.
I contacted a clinic in Utah and there it’ll cost almost $5000. I’m like that’s both my kidneys! I’m at a loss and ready to figure out whatever I need to do…
Vet clinics are hard to get into on the road and expensive!!! Not sure what to do…
Hey there! Sorry to hear about your puppers. Too late now, but FYI, pet insurance would have covered this type of procedure. May be worth pursuing if your pup is getting up in age and these things will start happening more often. They still won't cover pre-existing issues like this one, but a lot of other issues will be covered. Find one that doesn't require you pay up front and then reimburses you.
I do some small scale rescue in NC and we have a number of Facebook groups where we can do crowdfunding to help pay for care for animals we are rehoming. I would schedule the visit, and when we arrive, post the quote, and then people start calling in their donations to cover the visit. I would suggest this, except it doesn't seem that the nomad community is that connected in this way. I plan on getting on the road and I keep thinking having an animal emergency fund available for nomads would be pretty awesome. People could donate, maybe even find vets willing to donate time and services, like maybe at the RTR. The most critical events are urinary blocks in cats and bloat in dogs, which are very expensive to treat anywhere, but especially out West. There is also a nationwide critical shortage of vets available which is why you are having trouble getting in.
Not sure where in Utah you are going, but I suggest contacting the Humane Society of Utah as they have a number of resources. Salt Lake City seems to be pretty friendly to the needy. I would also look for other local animal groups that can offer assistance or guidance. Don't hesitate to call yourself homeless if needed. I would look for a low cost clinic where possible, but keep in mind, this surgery will be expensive anywhere. Not sure if moving further East is an option, but things do get cheaper and there are more options available due to the increased density. Free camping is more limited, but we do still have National Forests, truck stops, rest areas and Cracker Barrels.
I wish you the best and hope you can get the care you need. Kisses to the pup! <3
Someone mentioned veterinary colleges. Good idea, might be a bit of a process. Residency may be a concern.
Humane Society of Utah (or whatever state you end up in)
https://www.utahhumane.org/blog/resources-for-pets-people-in-utah
Hildegarde’s Food Pantry: Pets of the Homeless (may be able to direct you to other resources)
231 E 100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
(801) 328-2303
www.petsofthehomeless.org
Pets of the Homeless provides relief to homeless people and their pets in the form of food, resources, emergency care, and support.
you can clear it with your own doctor to have some on hand for “just in case” while you are traveling. My doctors have approved it for me to have it on my regular refill list to take as needed at the first sign when my spinal injuries flair up into muscle spasms. It has been on that list for over 30 years. It keeps me out of the doctors’ offices
