The Importance of Vet Funds

I shared this on my Facebook page a couple of weeks ago but figured it's pretty important so should be on my site too! It's a common misconception that rats are cheap pets, however most people learn quite quickly that this isn't true. Ignoring the cage setup and food, vet bills alone can sometimes cost hundreds which is why it's a good idea to have a 'vet fund'. Whilst with most other pets you can get insurance, insurance for rats is very limited and often not worthwhile. The best option is to put money aside each month so that you have finances available whenever you need it.

I have a separate savings account which I put money into every month, and it's also where the money goes that I get from homing kittens. This is something I recommend every single rat owner rat owner has. The amount you deposit each month can vary, but do try to put something in every month so that you are prepared to cover any expensive vet bills.

It's no secret that the past 7 months have been a bit of a roller coaster for me with rats getting ill and needing treatment so I thought I'd see how much I've spent so far...

Consultations - £86.51

Medication - £138.49

Lump Removal (x2) - £280.53

Post Op Check (x3) - £84.98

Ultrasound - £104.34

Daycare (with oxygen/nebuliser) - £85.46

Euthanasia/Cremation - £77.59

TOTAL - £857.91

Yep, thats right.. £857.91 spent at the vets since 1st January 2021. Now here's the thing - obviously I'm a breeder and yes I have 20 rats right now, but if you take away £42.91 of that total (meds for two kittens that had a reaction), the rest of that money was spent on just five adults aged 9-22 months.

The issues I've had are also things that are very common e.g. mammary lumps, heart issues, respiratory infections, so these are illnesses any owner may have to deal with at some point. Having spoken to pet owners (not breeders), I've actually discovered some who have spent even more than me!

Please please ensure you put aside money for veterinary treatment as it's so incredibly important. You never know when something may go wrong, and sadly rats do seem to like to get ill all in one go!