What to do about vets and Healthy Pet Club when cat goes to live elsewhere?

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sashaP1234
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What to do about vets and Healthy Pet Club when cat goes to live elsewhere?

Post by sashaP1234 »

I am having to give my cat to a friend due to an unfortunate change in circumstances. I feel terrible about this and if I was being selfish I would take the cat with me, but I know he will be much happier and better off with my friend, who I've known for years, who I know has wanted a cat for a long time and I know will take amazing care of him. So, for his own good, I am giving him to her next month. I am at least happy that I'll get to visit him whenever I like.

Other than the sadness as parting with my lovely cat, my other issue is the vets. When I got the kitten, I signed up the Healthy Pet Club, paying £10.99 a month and getting free vaccinations, monthly de-worming/fleaing, 6 monthly check up, discount on neutering etc. I know they have in their T&C's that if you cancel before a year you will get a bill from the vets for what you would have paid without the HPC discounts/freebies. I've only been with them for 3 months or so, and would rather avoid this expense. However they've also told me you can't transfer owner details so I can't transfer it over to my friends name/bank details. What should I do?

And how do I tell my vets that I no longer own the cat? my friend will be using the same vets. If I kept the Healthy Pet Club thing in my name, and my friend paid me the £10.99 a month, can I leave the cat in my name at the vet and her be able to take him in if he needs anything?

It's all a bit confusing! Any advice would be welcome :D
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meriad
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Re: What to do about vets and Healthy Pet Club when cat goes to live elsewhere?

Post by meriad »

I'd have thought that the HPC is attached to the pet not the owner - that's a bit of a rip off by the vet I think, esp if the cat will be staying under their care
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Kay
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Re: What to do about vets and Healthy Pet Club when cat goes to live elsewhere?

Post by Kay »

if you could continue to take the cat to the vets I would be inclined to say nothing for the time being - I doubt you would be asked anything which would involve you having to lie outright
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Lilith
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Re: What to do about vets and Healthy Pet Club when cat goes to live elsewhere?

Post by Lilith »

Ouch! I agree with Meriad and Kay. You aren't breaking any laws by simply keeping shtum about the cat being with your friend. Any awkward questions or if your friend had to take the cat to the vet, you or they could always say that the cat is being 'fostered' ;) for the time being, then transfer ownership when this subscription needs renewal. In the circumstances I don't think this is being dishonest - I'm afraid I'd play the vet surgery at their own game as those T&Cs are definitely a rip off. You can do without the worry and financial loss at this sad time. But I think they're probably too busy to ask questions; loads of owners probably have to ask relatives or friends to take an animal to the vet's for them.

I'm so glad you've found your cat a loving home where you can keep in touch - all the best for the future :)
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Ruth B
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Re: What to do about vets and Healthy Pet Club when cat goes to live elsewhere?

Post by Ruth B »

I have to agree with the others it sounds like a bit of a rip off with those T&Cs.

My thought would be to have your friend 'foster' the cat for a few months, make it seem that you are hoping to have it back when things sort themselves out in your life, then when the year is up decide that your situation isn't going to change and the cat is going to stay with your friend permanently.

I don't really see where the problem is, the plan is still getting paid, the cat is still going to the same vets, its just the person who will be taking them is different.

The only issue I could see is, not knowing quite what the plan covers, you might be liable if more expensive treatment is needed and your friend can't afford to pay.
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