In the movie 5 Flights Up, Morgan Freeman and Diane Keaton play a couple that is facing a very real crisis. They’re trying to move from their 5th-floor apartment, that only has staircase access, since they’re struggling to get up and down as they grow older. But as they come across the perfect option, their dog gets sick and needs urgent surgery. They see no choice but to lay out precious money for the procedure. Money that could be spent on a necessary move.
This scenario is so realistic because, as much as we care about our pets and will do whatever it takes to keep them healthy and happy, most people don’t get pet insurance. It’s just another monthly expense that’s difficult to commit to.
Thus it happens that when our pet inevitably needs urgent health care, we find ourselves stuck. Where do we suddenly get the thousands of dollars necessary for surgery?
One option that has become popular for its practicality is taking veterinary loans. Vet loans are technically personal loans that are paid back in monthly installments. These loans can be used for whatever purpose you need them.
Why should you take a veterinary loan rather than looking for another option? Here’s what you need to know.
Interest rates
The problem with many same or next-day loans is that they saddle you with extremely high interest rates. Loan companies know you’re desperate, and will take full advantage of that. You get stuck in a cycle of debt, constantly paying money just to cover part of the interest on a debt that keeps growing.
A personal vet loan can be sourced fairly quickly without huge interest rates attached. While it may not be possible to get the loan immediately, you may be able to make a plan to pay your provider in the next day or so.
Of course, the better your credit score the lower the interest rate you’ll get. If you have no credit score or have a bad credit history, you’ill have a hard time finding any loan at all. There are options, but the interest rate will inevitably be high.
Online loans are (almost) immediate
If you go the traditional route of looking to your bank for a loan, chances are you’re going to be waiting a week. There’s paperwork to be completed and processed, and the infuriating bureaucracy that should have been left in the seventies.
Look for an online loan from a reputable company. These loans can be applied for without a huge stack of paperwork. Your interest rate will be calculated live, and you’ll get an accurate evaluation of how much the loan will cost you all in all. Once you’ve completed the online application, the money will be in your bank relatively soon. It may even be the same day, depending on the loan company.
Negotiating the terms
Another great aspect of personal vet loans is that the terms are not fixed. Rather, you can negotiate with a particular loan company or do the research to find a more affordable option for you.
While other types of urgent loans will saddle you with whatever conditions the predatory company chooses, a personal loan from a reputable company will give you fair rates and will listen to your personal concerns. Certain loan companies will even overlook a bad credit score if you can prove that you’re making a good enough income to cover your monthly needs and the loan installments.
Taking care of your best friend
You should never feel that you have to choose between the health of your pet and financial solvency. Vet care is often an urgent necessity, and you can’t choose when a problem is going to strike. Pet insurance is not right for everyone, especially if you’re trying to insure an older pet or a pet with a preexisting condition.
A personal vet loan will give you the resources you need without leaving you stuck in a debt cycle. Make sure you know your options so that in the case of an emergency you’re well prepared.