Veterinary Release - How much?

[LoveMauiGus]

HI everyone! Hope everyone is having a good Friday and beating the heat!

We are preparing to have a bird sitter watch our SC and YCM while we go on vacation. One of the things I need to take care of is signing off on a veterinary release agreement. This is what the place uses in case of medical emergencies with your pet. I have to write in a "total diagnosis & treatment limit"... this is where I have no clue what to put. We've never had a birdie emergency, so I'm not sure how high (realistically) vet bills could run. I want to put unlimited, but I don't think my husband will approve of that. Do you think $1,000 is reasonable? Any advice is so much appreciated!

 

[Pedro]

The possibility of anything going wrong is low. But if you have to put an amount, do what makes you comfortable.

I also care for birds while their owners are away. The worst that has happened is that a couple have escaped but i have been so lucky to get them back in a short time. They just stay'd in my back yard.

I am sure all will be fine. If the sitter is experienced there should not be a problem & you can enjoy your time away.

 

[ShreddedOakAviary]

On average you will have the visit cost.... $50 to $200 depending on time of day... surguries run between $100 and $400 (average)... lab tests that are sent out can be as high as $200. I would do $1000 and leave instructions that I should be contacted for anything over that (so I can judge prognosis and make my own decision.

I am getting ready to leave, and I left all my vets with instructions to treat immediately and call me when an animal is stable). I am most concerned with the horse vet.... (horses are a whole lot more likely to get injured or sick).

 

[upcgirl]

Well, I just lost an Amazon. The vet bill, just to go see the vet is about $60. Then, fecal tests usually runs $25 and up. My Amazon went to the vet, and then was hospitalized for 4 days, at $200/day. That was just hospitalization--no treatments. My bill was initially over $1000. However, because my bird didn't survive, the bill was reduced. X-rays cost $85/per x-ray. I had blood work done ($200), oxygen ($65/day). Manually force feeding him, having the doctor come in during the weekends, when the office was closed, cost more as well.

I do strongly suggest that if you do not have medical insurance for your bird, you get some. It is relatively cheap, with some plans being $20/month. Insurance coverage starts 2 weeks after you enroll.

 

[hayduke]

Well, I just lost an Amazon. The vet bill, just to go see the vet is about $60. Then, fecal tests usually runs $25 and up. My Amazon went to the vet, and then was hospitalized for 4 days, at $200/day. That was just hospitalization--no treatments. My bill was initially over $1000. However, because my bird didn't survive, the bill was reduced. X-rays cost $85/per x-ray. I had blood work done ($200), oxygen ($65/day). Manually force feeding him, having the doctor come in during the weekends, when the office was closed, cost more as well.

I do strongly suggest that if you do not have medical insurance for your bird, you get some. It is relatively cheap, with some plans being $20/month. Insurance coverage starts 2 weeks after you enroll.

I dont think $20 a month is so cheap. That is $250 a year. But what are the odds of a $1000 bill in a year,or even 10 years?or 30 years?