Vet emergency fund?

Sunnyastounded · Mar 24, 2011

What is a substantial amount of money, per chinchilla, to save for an emergency vet visit? Also, is there a recommended amount for if you were to have kits, even though you will be selling them after the 10 week period?

Stackie · Mar 24, 2011

I personally have $800 set aside in case of emergencies. I have quickly spent that amount of money in a week's time on a sick chinchilla. I don't breed but I have heard of c-sections causing upward to $1,000 before if I remember correctly...

ticklechin · Mar 24, 2011

The last two months I have blew through over 2000.00 on three chinchillas and we are not done yet. If you are breeding I would have at least that.

mishellyshel · Mar 24, 2011

$1000 is a good starting point for pets.

$2000 if breeding

An unlimited credit card is what I have. I spent over 1200 in one month on 1 chin.

greychins · Mar 25, 2011

I have around $3500 on the side in cash, and then Care Credit for $3700, and two high-limit credit cards. Between the rescues and the breeders, I'm sure I'll need it one day.

Haven't had to do a c-section yet *knocks on wood* but the costs, even for minor things, add up really quick. I racked up almost $700 in an emergency spay last year, and that was just one chin. Several rescues here had to go to the vet last year, and I couldn't even tell you what it all cost...

AZChins · Mar 25, 2011

I usually have about $500 set aside in case of emergencies, but then I have a credit card just for problems if I need to use it.

With breeding and needing emergency help you could easily spend $2000 on veterinary expenses...even with non breeders it can be expensive. I highly recommend that people do not get into breeding like it is some casual thing - it can be very expensive and may require a lot of financial sacrifice.