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<div class="WordSection1">
<p class="MsoNormal">The cost of veterinary care is rising — and some pet owners are skipping visits because they simply can’t afford them.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A recent Investopedia article reported that veterinary visits declined by 2% to 3% in 2025. However, industry revenue still grew because clinics increased prices by 5% to 6% to make up for fewer visits.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For blind people who rely on guide dogs, or who have pets as companions, this trend matters.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Why Vet Costs Are Rising<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">According to analysts cited in the article:<o:p></o:p></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1">Veterinary practices have increasingly been bought by large corporate groups.<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1">Corporately owned clinics often use price increases to increase revenue.<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1">Household budgets are being squeezed by inflation and slower wage growth.<o:p></o:p></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal">As a result, some families are delaying or skipping both routine and necessary care.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For pet owners, this can lead to bigger problems later — and potentially more expensive treatment.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Why This Matters for Guide Dog Users<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For guide dog users, veterinary care is not optional. Your dog is your mobility partner.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If you are experiencing difficulty covering veterinary expenses, the first step is to contact your guide dog school.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Schools vary widely in what they provide:<o:p></o:p></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2">Some schools offer comprehensive veterinary support.<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2">Some assist only with major medical emergencies or expensive unexpected illnesses.<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2">Some provide little or no financial assistance.<o:p></o:p></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal">Even if your school does not provide direct funding, they may:<o:p></o:p></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l4 level1 lfo3">Recommend trusted veterinarians<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l4 level1 lfo3">Suggest pet insurance plans that have worked well for other graduates<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l4 level1 lfo3">Offer guidance on preventive care<o:p></o:p></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal">Always start by asking.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Is Pet Insurance Worth It?<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Pet insurance can help offset large or unexpected expenses.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">However, coverage varies significantly. Some plans cover:<o:p></o:p></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l6 level1 lfo4">Emergency surgery<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l6 level1 lfo4">Illness treatment<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l6 level1 lfo4">Diagnostic testing<o:p></o:p></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal">Others may exclude pre-existing conditions or routine care.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If you are considering pet insurance:<o:p></o:p></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l5 level1 lfo5">Compare policies carefully<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l5 level1 lfo5">Understand deductibles and reimbursement limits<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l5 level1 lfo5">Confirm what guide dog-related care is covered<o:p></o:p></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Planning Ahead: A Financial Strategy<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If school assistance and insurance are not enough, planning ahead becomes critical.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Look back at your veterinary expenses from the past few years. Calculate:<o:p></o:p></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l7 level1 lfo6">Annual routine care<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l7 level1 lfo6">Vaccinations<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l7 level1 lfo6">Preventive medications<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l7 level1 lfo6">Unexpected treatments<o:p></o:p></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal">Then create a plan to set aside money specifically for future veterinary costs.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Why an ABLE Account Can Help<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">An ABLE account can be an excellent place to hold funds for guide dog expenses.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Money saved in an ABLE account:<o:p></o:p></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo7">Grows tax-advantaged<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo7">Does not count against many public benefit limits<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo7">Can be used for disability-related expenses<o:p></o:p></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal">Guide dog costs often qualify as disability-related expenses because they directly support mobility and independence.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Setting aside even small monthly amounts can reduce financial stress when an emergency happens.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>The Bigger Financial Picture<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The decline in vet visits may signal that household budgets are tight across the country.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When inflation rises and wages lag behind, families are forced to make difficult decisions. For blind individuals who rely on guide dogs, skipping care is not an option.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Preparation is protection.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Penny Forward’s Bottom Line<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Veterinary care is becoming more expensive, and many pet owners are feeling the pressure.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If you use a guide dog:<o:p></o:p></p>
<ol style="margin-top:0in" start="1" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l3 level1 lfo8">Contact your school to understand available assistance.<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l3 level1 lfo8">Evaluate pet insurance options carefully.<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l3 level1 lfo8">Track your historical veterinary expenses.<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l3 level1 lfo8">Set aside funds — ideally in an ABLE account.<o:p></o:p></li></ol>
<p class="MsoNormal">Financial empowerment includes planning for the real costs of independence.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Your mobility partner deserves consistent care — and with preparation, you can reduce the financial strain.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>What’s Next?<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Did you find this information helpful? Subscribe to our newsletter and receive a free copy of our “Seven Steps to Financial Fitness” guide. It’s a great resource, filled with tips written by and for blind people on the path to financial
wellness. Plus, you’ll be the first to hear about upcoming free events and content that might interest you. Connect with us today and take your next step toward financial empowerment!<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">regards,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">Chris Peterson, AFC®</span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">Founder and CEO, Penny Forward</span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">Blind People Building Bright Futures One Penny At A Time<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<span style="color:black"><a href="https://calendly.com/chris-peterson-pfwd/" target="_blank">Schedule a Meeting</a></span></span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">Email:
<a href="mailto:chris@pennyforward.com">chris@pennyforward.com</a></span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">Phone:
<a href="tel:+18883325558">1 (888) 332-5558</a></span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<a href="http://www.pennyforward.com/">www.pennyforward.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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