SAN ANTONIO -- A local pet owner wishes he would have known about pet insurance before his cat, Stitch, died from renal failure after eating recalled pet food, he said.

Instead, Frank Zavorski said he paid a hefty veterinarian bill to try to save his beloved cat to no avail.

"I never knew about pet insurance," Zavaroski said. "I found out about it from a brochure at the vet's office."

When Stitch was diagnosed with renal failure, the initial visit cost him $150, but the cat needed further treatment, Zavorski said.

"The vet told me they could try IVs and medicine for a few days," Zavorski said. "That could cost me $400 and $150 thereafter. That's my rent. I can't do that."

The Zavorkskis decided they couldn't foot the bill and decided to euthanize Stitch, Zavorski said.

Zavorski believes pet insurance could have covered the expensive treatment and medicine that may have given Stitch a better chance to survive.

Christine Preshong, an employee of Acres North Animal Hospital, said pet insurance has saved many owners a pretty good chunck on money.

She said depending on the coverage and the pet, it could cost owners anywhere from $13 to $30 a month.

"It's good for healthy kitten and puppies, old animals, and everyone," Preshong said.

Zavorski said if his family gets another pet, he plans on getting insurance for it.

If you're interested in pet insurance, check out the following links:

Veterinarian Pet Insurance PetCare Insurance Pets Best Insurance Pets Health Plan