Waggle Helps Pet Parents Avoid Economic Euthanasia

Responsible pet parents always want what’s best for their pets. We shower them with everything that could keep them happy and healthy; the best food, treats, plush beds and an array of toys. (When Lexy’s scratcher lounger wears out, there’s always one to quickly replace it to keep her happy.) 

Lexy and her beloved scratcher

We also ensure they receive regular vet checkups and keep on top of their healthcare needs. But what happens when one of our pets develops a serious illness that requires costly medical intervention? 

Lola at the vet

Unfortunately, in those circumstance many pet parents find themselves having to choose between paying the rent, buying food, or paying for expensive treatment. And too often the heartbreaking decision of economic euthanasia has to be made. I'm very grateful that I've never been faced with this choice. Despite Lola's Chronic Sinusitis and her acupuncture treatments, I've always been able to handle our vet bills. 

What is Economic Euthanasia?

Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association says economic euthanasia is “defined as a condition in which euthanasia is elected based primarily, principally, or to a large degree on the cost of veterinary medical care.” Some of these pets often have a good prognosis if treatment is received, but sadly the treatment is cost prohibitive to their owners. If the owners do not choose euthanasia, many pets end up in a shelter, which taxes an already overburdened system.  

According to Veterinarian’s Money Digest, pet owners spent $17.07 billion on veterinary care in 2017, and that amount is estimated to increase by 6.9% by the end of 2018. Despite this increase, and the willingness to spend this necessary money on our pets, many can no longer afford emergency or surgical treatment. 

The grief people feel after euthanizing a beloved member of their family because there are no financial options must be unfathomable, and I hope it’s a situation I never have to face. Luckily for many there is now a light at the end of the tunnel during a dark time, and that light is Waggle. 

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What is Waggle? 

Waggle is a unique, pet-only, crowdfunding program that can help pet owners get much needed financial assistance to pay for their pets’ veterinary care. They partner directly with leading veterinary providers to reduce economic euthanasia, presenting new options for pet owners and giving their pets a second chance at life. 

How Does Waggle Work? 

It’s actually very simple. After a pet owner finds out the cost of treatment for their pet is not within their means, the owner (or the shelter/rescue organization) submits the pet’s profile to Waggle using their simple and easy tools and templates. (The information submitted must include the veterinarian’s information, pet’s diagnosis, and treatment estimate.) Following submission, Waggle's team of professional writers create the pet’s story in a compelling and effective way. Then the donors become involved. An impressive 100% of donations are used to fund the pet’s medical care. The donors are making such a significant impact on the lives of both the pets and their owners! 

Success Stories

Webster

Diagnosed with diabetes in 2017, the disease proved difficult to manage. Webster’s owner, Kathleen, was on the verge of losing him until she submitted his story to Waggle. Webster’s care was 100% funded, giving Kathleen and Webster more time together. 

Bear

Bear arrived at Project Precious Rescue in Stamford, CT all the way from Texas. Although the rescue was assured he was a healthy puppy, that was far from the truth. A few days after his arrival, PPR faced an unexpected minimum surgery cost of $6,000 plus post-operative ICU care. Bear’s care was also 100% funded by donors, giving Bear the chance to find the perfect forever family. 

How You Can Help

If you’d like to help fund a pet’s medical care, take a look at the current list of pets in crisis. Sugh, who suffers from the parvovirus, and Finn, who was fatally shot, are two of the many pets with current campaigns. As we said above, 100% of your donation goes towards the pet's medical care. Donors also get updates on the pet's progress. 

Finn

For more information about Waggle, visit Waggle.org or WaggleFoundation.org.  Follow them on social media to stay up to date on current campaigns and more success stories. 

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Do you know someone who could benefit from Waggle? 

Dawn