Recently, on All My Children Wear Fur Coats, Robert Parkins chronicled his experiences as an emergency veterinarian and discussed how the myBalto Foundation is striving to make emergency pet care more accessible.
Robert Parkins has worked as an emergency veterinarian for the last eight years. Throughout this time, he has witnessed many pet parents forced to make medical decisions for their pets based on their financial circumstances. He highlighted the compassion fatigue that all veterinarians endure, exasperated by the growing cost of pet care. To alleviate the emotional burden placed on veterinarians, and to assist pet parents who are unable to afford a procedure, Robert and his brother formed myBalto, a resource for pet hospitals to raise funds for pets in need.
Robert listed some factors that have impacted the accessibility of pet care, including a shortage of veterinarians and a rise in the cost of medications. Additionally, he noted that less than five percent (5%) of pets have health insurance in the United States. Robert explained that, although pet insurance is important, it is simply one piece of the puzzle. According to Robert, an effective approach to accessible pet care includes pet insurance, pay-as-you-go-plans, and charitable organizations that are available to veterinarians and clients.
Pet clinics often use angel funds to supplement payments when a pet owner cannot afford treatment. Unfortunately, they typically come with restrictions, paperwork, and long processing times. Robert recalled instances in which an animal’s prognosis made it difficult to obtain charitable funds, despite being confident that the animal had a chance for survival. myBalto Foundation aims to address these problems by enabling veterinarians to make instant claims, allowing funds to be distributed at the veterinarian’s discretion, and handling all the associated administrative duties. myBalto Foundation also helps generate funds by hosting sweepstakes and various fundraising events.
If you would like to learn more about myBalto, or to make a donation, visit www.mybaltofoundation.org
Please protect your pet with a Pet Trust! Visit ACT4Pets.org for more information.
