Latest news with #Fido
USA Today
3 days ago
- Health
- USA Today
Pet health care prices are so high that most owners are skipping treatments
Pet health care prices are so high that most owners are skipping treatments The results were similar across all income levels. Pet advocates say that shows a need for vets to adjust to address clients' financial concerns. Show Caption Hide Caption Nationwide dropping pet insurance in some states Nationwide says inflation and pet veterinary care are among the reasons for dropping pet insurance. Fox - 35 Orlando Whether their bestie is Fido or Fifi, owners are getting more finicky about the costs of their pets' healthcare. More than half of owners – including those in high earning households – have skipped necessary veterinary care in the previous year or declined recommended treatment at some point in the past, mostly because of the associated costs, a national study has found. Seven in 10 people who skipped or declined care cited cost as the main reason, saying they couldn't afford it or didn't think it worth the expenditure, according to the study conducted by PetSmart Charities and Gallup. The results were surprisingly similar across all income levels, PetSmart Charities president Aimee Gilbreath said, demonstrating the need for vets to better accommodate their clients' financial concerns. 'There's a narrative that says this only affects folks in the bottom part of the income spectrum,' Gilbreath said. 'But it's all across the spectrum. That surprised me – and it worries me. If folks in the top half are struggling to afford primary vet care, who can afford vet care now?' According to 'The State of Pet Care' report, vet care costs in the U.S. have soared more than 60% since 2014, forcing many owners to forgo recommended treatment for their pets, sometimes with life-threatening consequences. 'At least 60% of households have a pet, and people love them as family members,' Gilbreath said. 'We don't think they should be a luxury item. They're good for people's mental, physical and emotional health, and if it becomes unaffordable that's a really sad situation.' Pet owners were expected to spend an estimated $39 billion in 2024, according to the American Pet Products Association, and a survey of dog owners conducted that year by found more than 44% of respondents felt their costs of care had risen significantly; 84% blamed veterinary care. Even higher income owners feel the pinch The survey of 2,498 U.S adults owning at least one dog or cat, conducted between November 2024 and January 2025, found that 52% of pet owners had skipped or declined care. Diagnostic procedures (22%), vaccinations (18%) and elective surgeries (16%) were the most commonly declined pet health care services, but 11% said they had turned down recommended medications and 7% said they had refused lifesaving surgeries. Of those who skipped or declined care, 71% of respondents said cost was the key factor. While that response was highest (80%) among those with a household income of between $36,000 and $60,000, nearly two-thirds (66%) of those earning $90,000 or more said the same. For those with higher incomes, it wasn't necessarily a matter of affordability: Only a third of those earning $90,000 or more said they couldn't afford the expense, compared to 72% of those with incomes between $36,000 and $60,000. However, 44% of those in the higher bracket said the cost wasn't worth it, compared to just 21% of those in the lower one. Gilbreath said pre-pandemic surveys had hinted at the growing issue as veterinary costs ballooned. 'If you look at vet pricing over the last five years, it has shot up faster than other indexes,' she said; inflation has compounded rising medical costs prompted in part by more expensive diagnostic testing and higher vet staff wages. 'For a lot of pet families, that dramatic cost increasing over a short period of time is making things very painful,' Gilbreath said. 'We're in a time when families are really stretched, and unexpected expenses like a big vet bill are hard to manage.' Payment plans could be a lifesaver for pets Animal shelters around the country said they're seeing the effects. 'We have seen an increase in owners surrendering their pets due to their inability to afford care or to find pet-friendly housing,' said Guinnevere Shuster of the Humane Society of Utah in Murray. Last year, the number of owners who turned in pets because they could not afford to care for them increased by more than 22%, she said. In Tennessee, the Nashville Humane Association partners with the Banfield Foundation to fund monthly low-cost clinics to help owners access more affordable veterinary care for their pets. 'With the cost of living increasing year after year across the United States and many private veterinary practices opening up, the cost of care has skyrocketed and appointments are filling up months out,' Whittemore said. 'We hope these clinics will alleviate some of the financial strain pet owners in our community are currently experiencing.' Additionally, Gilbreath said as owners have increasingly treated pets as part of the family, they've begun exploring medical options for animals not considered 20 years ago. 'There's options now that they didn't used to have, and that may be pulling costs up,' she said. 'There are treatments for dogs with cancer. You can get a CT scan and an MRI for your pet, or advanced orthopedic procedures. There's certain injuries where if a dog had them 20 years ago you would go with crate rest and pain management, and now you can have a surgery that costs $7,000.' PetSmart Charities estimates about 15% of pet households can afford gold-standard care. 'They want the best and most technologically advanced care,' Gilbreath said. 'But there's a lot of other households where that's not an option, and those folks should be able to get more affordable care.' Despite the financial constraints preventing access to vet care, 73% of owners who declined treatment weren't presented with more affordable alternatives, the study found, and fewer than one in four (23%) said they'd ever been offered a payment plan option. Providing payment-plan options would make a huge difference, the survey found. Nearly two-thirds (65%) of respondents said $1,000 or less would be the most they could afford if their pet had a life-threatening condition; however, if given a one-year, no-interest option, most said that would double what they could pay. 'We would love to see options like 18-month, interest-free financing,' Gilbreath said. 'More vets are starting to offer options, but it's relatively new.' While some cases – for example, a blocked intestine requiring surgery – mandate a single course of action, 'we would have thought far more people would be offered a payment plan or more affordable treatment option,' Gilbreath said. PetSmart Charities plans to survey veterinarians later this year in hopes of learning more about why, she added. 'Pets are family' Forgoing necessary or recommended pet care is linked with poor outcomes, the study found. Among those declining care, one in seven (14%) reported that their pets either worsened or died. Three in 10 pet owners (30%) said they had a friend or family member whose pet died in the past five years because of unaffordable treatment, and one in 10 (11%) knew someone who'd had to relinquish a pet because of care costs. Gilbreath recommends pet owners discuss possible treatment alternatives or payment options with their vets to find a solution that meets their needs. In addition, veterinary care or other resources can sometimes be found through community non-profit organizations or animal shelters with public-facing medical clinics. She noted the experience of a 'relatively well-off' woman who adopted a cat as she settled into her just-purchased home. The cat developed a dental condition that would have required expensive treatment. 'This woman was heartbroken,' she said. 'She didn't want the cat to suffer, so she gave it up to a shelter in hopes it would get the care it needed.' Wracked with guilt, the woman returned to the shelter the following day to retrieve the cat and learned that a community organization could provide the necessary care at a more affordable cost. 'She was able to get the cat back and get care she could afford,' Gilbreath said. Providing payment-plan options would make a huge difference, the survey found. Nearly two-thirds (65%) of respondents said $1,000 or less would be the most they could afford if their pet had a life-threatening condition; however, if given a one-year, no-interest option, most said that would double what they could pay. 'We would love to see options like 18-month, interest-free financing,' Gilbreath said. 'More vets are starting to offer options, but it's relatively new.' Additionally, Gilbreath said, veterinary schools could help by making students aware of low-tech treatment alternatives to high-tech ones so that they're comfortable offering a range of options. 'The data shows that many pet parents are not being presented with alternative care options that could make veterinary services more accessible, despite interest in such options," said Zach Hrynowski, a senior researcher at Gallup, in a press release accompanying the report. "Our analysis of the data points to a clear opportunity for the veterinary industry to expand affordable, flexible solutions that meet pet parents' needs.' Gilbreath said she hoped the report helps pet owners not feel alone or ashamed of their decisions, given how common such situations are. 'Pets are family,' Gilbreath said. 'For a lot of folks, they're the only family. That's why we do this work. We want pets and their people to be able to stay together.'
Forbes
4 days ago
- General
- Forbes
Scribner's Catskill Lodge Makes For A Blissful Dog Retreat
The warm and cozy library is Scribner's Catskills Lodge's popular social center. Times are good for the growing number of pet loving travelers out there who are enjoying ever greater and smoother accommodations for their furry companions. Less than three hours from NYC, and a short drive from Woodstock, Scribner's Catskill Lodge takes the pup good times next level. Scribner's has your furry pal set up from the get go with their Pupstater program of stuffed toys, snacks, a furry bed, and a branded bandanna: Green signifies that your Fido is 'ready to mingle,' red indicates that Rover prefers to 'chill on their own.' With a robust canine guest population at times, be prepared in the cozy library just off the lobby for plenty of pas de deux sniffing encounters. Behind its stylish dark-wood exterior, Scribner's Catskills Lodge makes creative use out of its bones as a motor lodge. In contrast to Scribner's modish black exterior, the library is cast in blond wood with leather and wood seating and plenty of plush spots to curl up with complimentary coffee around a central fireplace. It's packed with novels and art, history and travel books. Those not playing board games at the long wooden table might be shooting pool—humans typically, not dogs. A step down from the library, the adjoining lobby and reception with its red brick flooring was once the drive-up to the property from its days as a motor lodge. Those roots are reflected in your room's old fashioned metal key on a plastic motel-type keychain. The do not disturb sign sports the phrase Don't Poke the Bear in a nod to your natural surroundings. A member of Marriott Design Hotels, the 38-room lodge features fireplaces, dark wood floors and plenty of banquettes cum day-bed nooks. The bathroom, which does away with single use toiletries, is covered in terracotta tiles. Located up the hill, 11 yurt-like dodecahedron-shaped lodgings called The Rounds were recently added, with sunken living rooms and circular sofas, each under an oculus for sky viewing. When not used for events, the communal Apex space is open for quiet reading. You can drive up there, but your dog will enjoy the ten-minute switchback trail; just be sure to heed the bear caution signs. Uphill from the main Scribner's house, the new yurt-shaped Rounds have sunken living rooms. The alpinesque Prospect restaurant takes its name from yet another earlier property that stood here in the area's original late-19th-century resort days when railroads delivered folks and cottage communities like the nearby Twilight Park sprang up. A Prospect spring salad starter of kale, arugula, baby red oak lettuce, prosciutto, blackberry, plums, red wine pears, gorgonzola, candied pepitas and peach yuzu dressing is as hearty as that broad list of ingredients sounds. Then main selections like market fish will call you, which might be striped bass in beurre blanc, asparagus, toasted almonds, trout roe and black tobiko caviar. A short stroll from the property entrance and into the aroma-rich Scribner's Garden makes for another great dog walk through its gravel grounds. A handy field guide explains what herbs, vegetables, fruits and flowers are growing in raised beds to be used in the restaurant. Scribner's Catskills Lodge rooms, like this Bungalow King, are all bright and homey. Out front, a wildflower meadow draws butterflies and birdlife. Your dog will need to stay behind, however, when you hit the pool or the barrel sauna; likewise, in winter at the property's Bluestone Patio that gets turned into a skating rink using a polymer surface. Each time you come and go through the lobby, something might grab you from the cabinet of a shop that holds books, puzzles, souvenirs and food and drink goodies. Local makers also share their creative wares at lobby popups, recently including Baby le Bébé botanical skincare products, Earth Oracle herbal tinctures based on Balkan remedies and That Dang Shop of vintage clothing and accessories. At some 2,000 feet, the Greene County property lies in the legendary haunts of Rip Van Winkle and has a direct view of Hunter Mountain ski slopes in front of it. A few minute's drive into Hunter hamlet, the Fellow Mountain Café in an old house is a popular breakfast spot run by Scribner's ownership. There's a local pub too, while a brewery lies in the opposite direction toward Tannersville. The nearby Mountain Top Arboretum is 200 acres of native plants and trees where dogs are permitted on some meadows and along some trails. The hike-able Kaaterskill Falls are a slice of Americana as depicted by Hudson River School painters such as Asher B. Durand whose work Kindred Spirits hangs in Arkansas's Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. All of which means there's not just plenty to do and see onsite with your hound, but off as well. With its Pupstater program, Scribner's Lodge is as dog friendly as it gets. Of late, Scribner's has organized Pupstater Weekends with local partners, such as the Greene County Animal Alliance, and with proceeds going to the Social Tees Animal Rescue. There are dog training and grooming sessions, as well as dog product pop ups. An agility course and a Yappy Hour are among the fun events, with a doggy selfie photo booth to remember it all. When you check out of Scribner's Catskills Lodge and make the steep, windy descent along Route 23A down to Palenville and on to the big cities beyond, your pup will enjoy that last roller coaster of a ride. And you'll likely be making plans for a return experience in another season. The Pupstater Program is $100 per dog, per stay, with a maximum of two dogs.
International Business Times
5 days ago
- Business
- International Business Times
Daiko Reinvents Dog Leashes, with a Crypto Twist (Yes, Really)
Daiko, a plucky pet-tech startup based in Ireland, is giving the humble dog leash a serious glow-up with a little help from the blockchain. At first glance, it might sound like a tech startup trying to wedge cryptocurrency into places it doesn't belong (looking at you, crypto fridges), but Daiko has its sights set on a surprisingly practical goal: solving everyday dog-owner dilemmas. We're talking poop bags, motivation for daily walks, and now, earning tokens for just doing your duty, literally. "I never set out to be in the dog leash industry, or in crypto for that matter," admits David Byrne, CEO and Founder of Daiko, "but I am hooked on solving real problems." Spoiler: he might have cracked it. At the center of Daiko's mission is its sleek patent-pending smart leash, which includes an integrated electronic transponder that connects to the Daiko mobile app. As you stroll through the park with your four-legged buddy, the app quietly logs stats like distance, duration, and frequency. Walk your dog, earn crypto. It's like Fitbit for Fido except with tokens instead of guilt. Of course, this isn't just about high-tech walk tracking. Let's talk poop. (Yes, we must.) Dog poop bags, while helpful, are environmental offenders in disguise. Most are made of non-biodegradable plastic and can stick around in landfills longer than most of us will. Even the ones labeled "biodegradable" often need fancy composting conditions that just don't happen in your local dog park. Enter the DooPod: a stylish, detachable container designed to carry your poop bags with class. "I didn't invent the leash or the poop pod," says David, "but I made them better. That's always been the key." It's basically the Swiss Army knife of dog walking accessories, minus the corkscrew. Attached to a next-generation retractable leash, the DooPod is more than just a fashionable poop pouch. It's part of an ecosystem. Using the mobile app, each walk is logged and rewarded. Pet parents earn points that can be converted into DAIKO tokens, a cryptocurrency created for the Daiko ecosystem. These tokens can then be redeemed for exclusive pet products, digital upgrades, and real-world rewards. It's a closed-loop system, kind of like your dog chasing its tail, but more productive. "Our smart leash connects to the Daiko app via RFID," David explains. "The more you walk, the more tokens you earn, and the more features you unlock." It's a win-win: dogs get their daily walkies, and owners get a little extra motivation and earn discounts on some stylish Daiko-branded accessories. While many hardware startups go through traditional retail, and wait years to scale, Daiko took a different path. "In crypto," says David, "the audience is instant and global. You can go from zero to community in a matter of weeks." And for a company looking to disrupt the very concept of the dog leash, that kind of agility is key. As for the DAIKO token itself, this isn't some pump-and-dump meme coin. Longevity is built in, as 20% of all Daiko net profits are earmarked to repurchase DAIKO Tokens, which are then redistributed into the user rewards pool. The result? A self-sustaining mini economy that actually gives back to the most active users, your dog would definitely approve. With the smart leash, DooPod, bag roll holder, anti-runaway innovation (yes, really), and a mobile app that rewards you for walking your dog, Daiko is set to launch by the end of the year. Crypto might not walk your dog for you, but Daiko will soon reward you for doing so.
Sunday World
24-05-2025
- Sunday World
Puppy farmer jailed for failure to surrender dogs two years after business shut down
Offaly dog breeder PJ Rigney will be kept in Cloverhill Prison until Wednesday of next week A puppy farmer has been remanded in prison for failing to surrender dogs found on properties linked to him more than two years after his dog breeding establishment was served with a closure order. Offaly dog breeder PJ Rigney will be kept in Cloverhill Prison until Wednesday of next week after Judge Andrew Cody heard he registered three dogs to his elderly mother – instead of handing them over to a registered animal charity or Offaly County Council for rehoming. Addressing the court by video-link from prison, Rigney who was initially remanded in custody on Monday last told Judge Cody the dogs were no longer on his property and had been reregistered to another party through the Fido dog register. Judge Cody responded Rigney was not going to be allowed 'to play ducks and drakes in his courtroom.' He told Rigney he could 'duck and dive' all he liked before saying he had been ordered to surrender the animals to the council or a registered animal charity for rehoming. 'I don't care whether they are on his property or on the planet Mars,' he continued. 'Those dogs are to be rehomed as set out in the court order a week ago!' He further cautioned Rigney that he is not going to finalise sentencing in the case until the court order has been complied with before adjourning the matter to Wednesday next. The background to the case relates to a closure order handed down to Rigney. In October of 2021, Rigney was served with a closure notice alleged he had been illegally running a dog-breeding establishment, housing dogs in substandard accommodation, in a yard off Circular Road, in Daingean, Offaly. PJ Rigney outside Tullamore Court News in 90 Seconds - May 24th 2025 According to a closure order published by the Council on October 1st that year Mr Rigney was not registered to run such a facility. Outlining the grounds on which he considered Mr Rigney's operation "poses a serious and immediate threat to animal welfare", Offaly County Council Veterinary Inspector Aidan Grant wrote: "The premises in which the dogs are kept and management of same are far below required of a registered dog-breeding establishment.' Mr. Rigney was subsequently convicted and fined in the District Court. He subsequently appealed that order but the order was upheld. On February 22nd 2024, a follow up inspection of Rigney's property at Circular Road, Daingean and lands at Little Island revealed the presence of 19 dogs. As a result, Rigney was issued with an Animal Welfare notice. Rigney was issued with a summons to appear in court for failure to comply with this notice on November 11th of last year. Addressing the court on behalf of Offaly County Council, barrister James Nurney BL acknowledged that a number of the dogs had been rehomed. He said it appears in essence that three dogs remain on the premises that have been transferred to the ownership of Brigid Rigney. The dogs include a Belgian Malinois, a Collie and a Shih Tzu. Ms. Brigid Rigney is the mother of PJ Rigney. The case will resume on Wednesday next.
New York Post
23-05-2025
- Business
- New York Post
Ring Battery Doorbell is the lowest price ever for Memorial Day at 45% off
New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change. We're headed into the weekend, ready to brain rot, BBQ and search for Memorial Day sales. Lucky for you, we've done the research to set you up for savings from the best deals on headphones to an air fryer under $100. So if you've been thinking about stepping up your security to sleep better at night or worried about Fido during the day, we found a Ring Battery Doorbell at 45% off today. Get notified instantly when someone steps onto your property. Unlike older models, this upgrade captures visitors from head to toe, meaning you can see faces, packages, and suspicious movement in full frame. Advertisement The improved sensors reduce false alarms because, while it's always better to be safe than sorry, constant alerts can make it harder to be taken seriously if a real issue ever arises. And if you're an Alexa household, this device is compatible, so it can be hands-free and monitored with voice. No hardwiring needed, just click it into place on your front door. The rechargeable battery makes setup easy it can keep your entryway monitored for weeks on a single charge, great for peace of mind on vacations. Amazon Upgrade your home security with the latest Ring Battery Doorbell, now featuring Head-to-Toe Video for 66% more vertical coverage, giving you a complete view of visitors and packages. The built-in battery charges easily via a USB-C port; just detach the doorbell and plug in with the included cable. With Live View and Two-Way Talk, you can see and speak to whoever's at your door in real-time. Motion Detection sends instant alerts to your phone, and with a Ring Protect subscription, unfortunately, that is sold separately but it is well worth the minimal extra cost. It sends alerts from people to packages, plus access to 24/7 recording and past footage. For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America's go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance. We're not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products, and consult experts on any topics we aren't already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. Here at The Post, we're known for being brutally honest – we clearly label partnership content, and whether we receive anything from affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We routinely update content to reflect current research and expert advice, provide context (and wit) and ensure our links work. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change. Looking for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping Post Wanted.
