FYI for those in the US (at least) with expensive prescriptions for pets - Costco prices for pet meds is really good.

[dalias@hachyderm.io]

@jerry Human meds too. My kid's Rx allergy nasal spray is also available OTC, and Costco sells packs of 5 for the same price as 1 anywhere else (80% less!)

[jerry@infosec.exchange]

@usb between my cat and my dog, I spent $21000 at the vet last year

[usb@infosec.exchange]

@jerry omg

[prettygood@socially.drinkingatmy.computer]

@jerry I also recommend pet health insurance to anyone who will listen. I pay $180/mo in premiums for two senior dogs, and the policy reimburses 70% of non-routine care.

One dog had $13k worth of surgical procedures in 2025 and I never had to fight to get reimbursement or anything. The other dog takes $15/dose allergy medication, which by itself makes the policies worthwhile.

[jerry@infosec.exchange]

@prettygood I think I will be getting it for my next pets, whenever that might be. I wish I would have had it for the last two for sure

[scm@sfba.social]

@jerry You don’t even need membership to use the pharmacy in California (I think it’s a state-by-state thing)

[jerry@infosec.exchange]

@scm I think that is true here in Georgia too, but I think the prices are lower if you are a member

[rez@social.ultimaterez.com]

@prettygood @jerry I'll second that. We have a show dog that likes to get into trouble (as Cavaliers do). We have made better use of his health coverage than I care to admit

The cat is on her own though. >.>

[heartofcoyote@neuromatch.social]

@jerry Never buy meds from the vet if you can help it. I get my dogs’ meds from Chewy and my grocery store pharmacy & it’s way cheaper.

[funnymonkey@freeradical.zone]

@jerry Cosign.

[axomamma@mastodon.online]

@jerry Read the fine print. Pet insurance typically will not cover costs associated with any disease or injury which began/occurred X number of years prior to the start of a policy. If a person put $180/month into a savings account when they got a puppy or young dog, after eight years, they'd have $17k, plus interest.

[crypt0cler1c@infosec.exchange]

@prettygood @jerry who is your provider?

[prettygood@socially.drinkingatmy.computer]

@crypt0cler1c @jerry Healthy Paws

[crypt0cler1c@infosec.exchange]

@prettygood @jerry thank you!!

[andersgo@mastodon.bsd.cafe]

@jerry Having two cats myself, fully chipped, neutered and seeing the vet on a regular basis, they provide a good idea what a fully privatised healthcare system looks like. The insurance has all kinds of exceptions and fees to deter you from using it until at least the “next time”, and the vet doesn’t moderate the treatments and checks. It’s always the full menu served. It’s an expensive business in the end, (but they are so cute though!).