Yes I would. Money is replaceable, but your pet isn't... Even if I couldn't eat for a few days and could save my pet, I'd do it.

Absolutely. 100% yes with every last breath in my body I'd fight to help them. They can't help themselves, and it's not their fault you made some bad money choices. They shouldn't die or suffer for it.

I honestly would sell all of my possessions or even declare bankruptcy if it meant helping one of my babies who was hurting.You made a promise to always care for them, and just because times get rough doesn't mean their lives are worth any less.

I would try my hardest too. In the end however putting food in my sons mouth will always outweigh our beloved pets, this is not because I don't love them but because as a parent is my responsibility to place my family above all else. Is my pet part of the family? Yes, but he still doesn't rank above my kids. So if pawning something or using what money I could didn't cover it, I would have to let the animal go.The same way if disaster struck (think Apocalypse fall out style) and there was just no food and my family was starving .. We would eat our malamute and our main coon when it came down to it. Of course the koi would go first...

Circumstances would change were I single.

As hard as it is to admit, the well being of your family comes first. I've seen families who put pets ahead of their own children and it's just not ethical. Also, all operations are pricey, but the question stated that there would be an "expensive operation", which to me means an above average cost. That means several thousand dollars. I'd be willing to bet that a lot of people in financial trouble simply can't get the bill paid, regardless of whether they can actually "afford" it or not. In that case, the decision is made for them. Also, what if the pet doesn't pull through? How would you feel about risking the well being of your family at that point?

Absolutely; a little financial distress is nothing compared to another life - even that of your pet.
Money comes and goes.
But a pet ?
Not really.
Sure, they can be replaced - but the memories and the company they've provided you with, is irreplaceable.

Nothing would stop me from getting the care my dogs' need. I would go into financial ruin to save their lives.

How sad that Gno assumes the pet owner's financial problems are fully his/her own fault for making some "bad money choices".

And Eros stated, "Money comes and goes. But a Pet? Not really". Hmm, you must both be very young. I'm guessing Mom & Dad still pay the vet bills where you live.

Its so easy to sit at your keyboard and declare, "YES! I'd spend whatever I had to to save me beloved pet's life!" This question refers to "financial distress" so let's be realistic.

You take that cute bundle home and you want it to live forever. Unfortunately it won't - nothing does.

Life expectancy is based on averages. The average lifespan of any dog whether purebred or of indetermine descent is between 10 to 12 years of age. (However individual breeds may have shorter or longer average lifespans depending upon their breed.)

So part of my answer would have to be determined based on how close my pet was to his life expectancy. The rest would be based on whether I thought I oould realistically pay the vet hosptial. I'm not one to walk out on my bills and my pet's operation is not the financial responsibility of hospital.

I love my dogs so don't be mad at my answer. It's just realistic.

Go to carecredit.com and apply for financing for your dog's surgery. They have monthly payment plans. The only catch is that you have to have the surgery done with someone who accepts this payment and hopefully there is someone who takes it in your area. I had to use it for my Pembroke Welsh corgi who was 1 year old and had to have liver bypass surgery for $3000.00. We couldn't afford this and I could not put my puppy down so we applied for financing. If you pay it off within like 18 months you pay no interest. The minimum payments are low. We had to pay $40.00 a month minimum. I hope this helps.

My cat sneaked out of the patio door and was hit by a car right in her face. We took her to the Animal ER and they said they would make her comfortable while we decided if we wanted her to be operated on.
By morning she was awake and making friends very sore barely able to walk unable to see out of 1 eye due to swelling from the abrasion and still needing to have her palate closed in her mouth.
But no doubt able to survive this.
Suddenly the same Doctor that was encouraging us to put her down the night before was not so sure. We charged 6000.00 for her surgeries and feeding tubes and medicines to get her well. It is $6000.00 I do not regret.
This was 1 year ago and she is more beautiful and loving than ever. She knows we chose well for her.