How lack of preventive care hurts pets (and your wallet)
by Wendi Piscia | September 11th, 2025 | 1:53 pm
Most of us know that a healthy lifestyle with good nutrition, regular checkups and preventive care is the key to a longer, better life. What is true for humans is just as true for our pets.
Yet in veterinary care, a quiet crisis is unfolding. As costs climb — and with pet insurance still relatively uncommon — many families who want the best for their animals struggle to afford even routine preventive care.
This is not just about delaying a vaccine or stretching the time between dental cleanings. It is about small issues turning into major health emergencies. It is about animals suffering unnecessarily from preventable diseases, infections or chronic pain. And it is about families suddenly facing overwhelming veterinary bills that could have been avoided with a little prevention.
The cost of skipping preventive care
Several months ago, a local family rushed their young puppy to an emergency veterinarian after he began vomiting and collapsing. He was diagnosed with parvovirus. The family had been planning to get him vaccinated, but did not realize how quickly the disease could strike. Despite hospitalization and intensive care, the puppy did not make it. The family was heartbroken, and on top of their loss, they faced an unexpected $4,000 emergency bill.
Parvovirus is just one example. Dental disease is another. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, by age 3, most dogs and cats already show signs of dental disease. What begins as tartar buildup can lead to painful infections, tooth loss and bacteria entering the bloodstream, which can damage the heart, liver and kidneys. While a routine dental cleaning may run a $1,000 or more, waiting too long increases both the price and the risks.
Emergency visits are not just financially draining; they are emotionally devastating, and in many cases, preventable. Preventive care is more humane, less stressful and far easier to manage financially.
Annual exams are essential
Many pet owners assume that if their dog or cat seems fine, there is no need to visit a veterinarian. But pets, like people, often hide discomfort or illness. An annual wellness exam gives veterinarians a chance to catch silent problems early, before they turn into full emergencies.
Regular checkups can reveal heart murmurs, weight changes, dental problems, lumps and infections. For senior pets, these exams help monitor chronic conditions like arthritis or kidney disease, which can often be managed with early intervention.
Think of it this way: if your dog gains five pounds, it may not sound like much. But on a small body, that is the equivalent of a human putting on 30 pounds. A yearly exam helps catch subtle shifts before they become serious health concerns.
Spay and neuter protects health, too
Preventive care also includes important procedures that protect long-term health. Spaying and neutering are often thought of primarily as ways to reduce pet overpopulation. But these procedures also protect your pet’s health. Spaying prevents uterine infections such as pyometra, which can be fatal, and reduces the risk of mammary cancer. Neutering prevents testicular cancer and helps curb behaviors such as roaming and fighting that often lead to injuries.
Just as importantly, preventing unwanted litters helps reduce the number of animals surrendered to shelters or left to fend for themselves. In Napa County, kittens from unspayed cats make up the single largest intake at shelters each year. Spaying or neutering your pet is one of the most impactful choices you can make for both your animal’s well-being and the community.
How Napa Humane helps
We know affordability and access are real concerns for many families. That is why Napa Humane focuses heavily on making preventive care available and affordable.
Our Spay and Neuter Clinic performs thousands of surgeries each year, preventing health issues and reducing unwanted litters. We also offer low-cost Vaccination Clinics with essential vaccines such as rabies, parvo and distemper for dogs, and upper respiratory protection for cats. These clinics are held year-round and are open to all Napa County residents.
This year, we also launched a weekly Preventive Care Clinic offering basic wellness exams, parasite control and treatment for minor concerns. While not a full-service veterinary clinic, it fills important gaps for families who might otherwise go without care for their pets.
Every preventive service we provide helps reduce the number of animals suffering, the number of heartbreaking emergencies, and the strain on local shelters and rescues. These services are made possible by the generosity of donors, grants and fundraising — ensuring that cost never stands in the way of a pet’s health.
What you can do
Whether you just adopted your first kitten or have had your dog for years, there are simple steps you can take to keep your pet healthy and avoid costly emergencies. Insurance can help families manage unexpected veterinary costs and make preventive care more affordable.
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- Schedule an annual exam with a veterinarian
- Keep core vaccines up to date, even for indoor pets
- Use regular flea, tick and heartworm prevention
- Brush your pet’s teeth and ask your veterinarian about cleanings
- Spay or neuter your pet
- Purchase pet health insurance
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Preventive care is one of the most loving choices we can make for our pets. At Napa Humane, we want every animal to have the chance to live a long, healthy life and every family to be spared the heartbreak of preventable loss. By investing in prevention, we can spare animals needless suffering, protect families from financial hardship, and strengthen the bond between pets and their people — building a healthier, more compassionate Napa Valley.
For more information about our services or upcoming clinics, visit napahumane.org.
The topics discussed in this feature are part of a larger conversation about animal welfare in Napa County. Want to learn more? Explore the entire series at https://bit.ly/NVRNapaHumane
