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In a nation of animal lovers, Penny Jenkins might just be the most dedicated. The Aucklander has spent at least $10,000 helping beloved budgie Chico cheat death.
"He was supposed to be a $40, low-maintenance feathered friend," she said. "But he's turned into a billion-dollar budgie with attitude."
The 8-year-old flies free in his own granny flat and needs regular appointments with bird expert Dr Berend Westera because of his weak immune system. And the cost of x-rays, blood tests, anaesthetics and regular stays at the Lynfield Vet Clinic have added up.
But Jenkins isn't concerned. "It's just like having a sick child. You prioritise, and he's a priority."
Debbie Roe is another animal lover unafraid of big bills. She spent $3000 on pet duck Daisy, who became "egg bound" and needed an operation with a 10 per cent chance of survival.
The vet called during surgery to say Daisy was far worse than expected, and asked whether Roe wanted her put down.
Roe took her chances, and even forked out for a second op to remove Daisy's uterus to prevent a relapse.
But a freak accident a year later claimed Daisy's life. "She was swimming happily around the pond when she decided to drink some water that had fallen off the electric fence. She got zapped."
Roe, who spends $100 a week on food for the 135 pets at her property north of Auckland, said she never regretted the $3000 bill.
"I would spend that again and more on any of my animals if I knew it was the right thing to do for them."
Vanessa, of Vet Care Grey Lynn, said some pet owners would pay only the minimum, but "about 55 per cent are prepared to spend everything they've got". She spent $20,000 on surgery to heal her dog's broken leg.
Sharon van Aalst, of Auckland's Veterinary Specialist Group said people were spending more as treatment options increased.
"In days gone by a sick dog would have got a bullet to the head right there in the shed. Animals have a much higher place in life than they did then."
