Should you delay veterinary care because of cost?

Sponsored MoneyWatch: Managing Your Money Should you delay veterinary care because of cost? We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms. .chip { background-image: url('/fly/bundles/cbsnewscore/images/chip-bgd/chip-bgd-moneywatch.jpg'); } By Angelica Leicht Angelica Leicht Senior Editor, Managing Your Money Angelica Leicht is the senior editor for the Managing Your Money section for CBSNews.com, where she writes and edits articles on a range of personal finance topics. Angelica previously held editing roles at The Simple Dollar, Interest, HousingWire and other financial publications. Read Full Bio Angelica Leicht June 11, 2026 / 2:04 PM EDT / CBS News Add CBS News on Google While delaying care may seem like a practical way to manage vet costs, it could be a risky route to take. Annette Birkenfeld/Getty Images Veterinary care has become a significant line item in many household budgets. Between inflation, rising labor costs and advances in veterinary medicine that allow pets to receive more sophisticated treatments, the cost of keeping a pet healthy has climbed noticeably in recent years. And, with pet owners stuck juggling higher housing, food and insurance expenses, adding in an unexpected trip to the veterinarian can be financially overwhelming.At the same time, pets are generally receiving more comprehensive veterinary care than in previous generations. As a result, what might once have been considered a minor issue may now involve diagnostic imaging, specialist consultations or prescription medications that quickly add up. As a result, some pet owners find themselves asking the difficult question of whether the visit can wait when a health concern arises.While delaying care may seem like a practical way to manage vet costs in the short term, putting off treatment can sometimes create larger financial and medical challenges in the future. So, understanding when a delay may be risky...