Pet Care on a Budget

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Updated: 6:49 PM Mar 30, 2009 Pet Care on a Budget The economy is having an affect on how and when people are providing routine care to their pets. Posted: 5:45 PM Mar 30, 2009 Reporter: Jonalee Merkel Email Address: jmerkel@wsaw.com Pet Care on a Budget

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Some area veterinary clinics say it appears people are finally getting back into the swing of things when it comes to the care of their pets.

A vet in Merrill says toward the end of last year and early into this year, pet owners weren’t being very compliant with his recommendations – simply because of the economy.

Dr. Jeffrey Mills of Countryside Animal Hospital in Merrill says some families were postponing treatments, while others increased the amount of time in between regular treatments and exams.

One thing he says he’s thankful he has not seen is an increase in people deciding to put their pets down instead of paying for expensive surgeries.

"Euthanasia's an economic reality in veterinary medicine,” Dr. Mills said. “It's one of those things that you have to realize there are miracles in veterinary medicine, but not everyone can afford those miracles and that's the truth. And it's always been that way - doesn't matter if we're in the best of times or the worst of times."

One thing Mill’s animals hospital and others have been doing to help with vet expenses is offering different types of payment plans to take away part of the sticker shock.

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