Victorian families spending more than $50K on their pets vet bills

A Mt Eliza grandmother who paid $35,000 on her pet pooches in the past year is one of many Victorian owners who will do anything to save their beloved animals.

Victorians are spending tens of thousands of dollars on vet bills to keep their beloved pets alive.

A Mt Eliza grandmother is among the owners who will do anything to save their animals, paying $35,000 on her pooches in the past year.

When Hazel Milenkovic received the news her pug, Jack, needed to undergo emergency lifesaving kidney surgery, she knew it would be expensive.

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But she said there was no question and that she would pay whatever it cost to save him.

Ms Milenkovic has already spent $15,000 on vet bills for Jack and that figure is likely to climb.

Last year she spent almost $20,000 on treatment for her other rescue pug, Gloria, before she died from illness.

Despite the financial burden, Ms Milenkovic said she would not have it any other way.

“It’s heartbreaking, but I’ve got him for life and I’ll do whatever I have to do,” she said.

“We’re well and truly out of money, but if it means sleeping on a park bench then I’ll do it.

“They’re a part of the family and bring so much love, you can’t put a price on that.”

Ms Milenkovic is among a growing numbers of Australians who are prepared to pay tens of thousands of dollars in vet bills to treat their furry friends.

Willow with the rescue pug her grandmother Hazel Milenkovic spent $20,000 on. Picture: Tim Carrafa

Specialist clinics now offer pet owners everything from underwater treadmills for animal hydrotherapy, to 3D printing of bespoke implants for spinal cases.

Specialist veterinary surgeon David Hall said animal medicine had advanced significantly during his two-decade career.

Twenty years ago, hip replacement surgeries were a rarity.

Today they’re being performed every week at the Advance VetCare hospital where Dr Hall practises.

“People are seeing treatments that are offered to humans and asking if it’s possible for their pet,” he said.

But the advancements in technology aren’t cheap.

“Some of the machines used for advanced cancer treatments come with multimillion-dollar price tags that are worn by the private clinic.

“I think a lot of people are unaware … it’s a massive expense.

“Often we know we can do something, but financially it can’t be done and this leads to a lot of despair.”

Dr Hall is among a growing chorus of vets urging owners to consider pet insurance.

“The problem for all of us, whether treating pets or humans, is that it all cost lots of money,” he said.

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