Pet Healthcare

"Healthcare expenses for pets are rising alongside the cost of medical care for humans, as more technological advances are made, veterinarians say.

Many U.S. pet owners are baby boomers who are no longer raising children and are willing to use a share of their disposable income to increase the quality of life for their animal companions, The New York Times reported Sunday.

"As we become a more pet-friendly environment, people want to take care of their pets more," said veterinarian Jerrold Boone.

People considering whether to adopt a pet should consider the potential cost, veterinarians say.

"It's not unusual to have bills over $1,000, and that can have a major impact when people are not ready for that," said Anna Worth, a veterinarian in Vermont and president of the American Animal Hospital Association."