How much do you spend on your pets?

I agree - as much as you have to really. I believe cigarettes are £10 or more for 20 now and a friends ex gets through 40 a day - his choice. We all choose what to spend our money on. Obviously there’s an awful decision to make if prolonged treatment is not in the animal’s best interest. Having 10 dogs on occasions, we didn't bother with insurance and paid up as and when.
I believe The PDSA will treat animals for those on certain benefits.

Cabbie21 Would you have had the same reaction if your friend had spent the same amount of money on a new car or a holiday? I have spent thousands of pounds over the years on my animals and they have given me huge pleasure. One of my dogs ruptured a cruciate ligament, the overall bill was well in excess of £4K but he made a good recovery and lived a healthy happy life for another eleven years . It was worth every single penny. I don't insure any of my animals and I've had dogs, cats and horses (all at the same time) but I've never regretted paying the vet they are much more important to me than holidays, clothes, cars or anything else I could spend my money on.

As you say we all chose how we spend our available cash. I don’t eat out I don’t smoke I don’t drink but my dogs are my luxury in life. Some people spend £50 on a round of golf for example. I’m lucky to be able to afford their insurance though. I also donate to charities when I can.

I pay monthly insurance, so I don't get stuck with huge bills (hopefully), but I chose to have quite a big excess to try to keep the cost down.

It's up to them. I'm sure people spend similar amounts (or more) on things I'd find totally frivolous or useless, but if it's their money, who am I to judge? I know a woman who remortgaged her house to pay for chemotherapy treatment for her dog after it developed cancer. What may seem like just a pet to you may be that person's only companion. A pet is just as much a member of the family as any other to many people.