This is a common comment made to veterinarians everyday.
Actually veterinary care is a great deal. The cost of basic veterinary care has risen little over the past 30 years.
That has changed is the LEVEL of care that is available. Any procedure, lab test or medication that is available to
people is also available for your pet. Consider that a veterinarian is your pet's general physician, surgeon, radiologist,
obstetrifian, dermatologist, psychiatrist, dentist, not to mention pharmacist and barber.
One reason veterinary care appears expensive is because most times
the funds used to pay them comes from discretionary income (i.e. not budgeted). If you feel you're paying more for pet
care than your own it's *-probably because you have adequate health insurance and you never really see your bottom line cost.
The questions arise....Is pet ownership a right? Can all
people afford a pet? If they can't, who should subsidize them? Veterinarians? A pet owner should not expect
a veterinary practice to finance a pet's health care. You should expect to pay for elective services at the tiime they
are rendered. Urgent or emergency care may be allowed to be paid off over time especially if you you have a previous
relationship with the practice. Also your veterinarian can refer you to reputable pet insurance companies which are
becoming more and more prevalent.
Just as in any relationship the key to understanding is communication.
Veterinarians do not view their jobs as just a business transaction. Emotions play a big role on both sides. Please
allow your veterinarian to do what he/she is trained to do.....make honest attempts to heal, then pay him/her with a smile,
go home and hug your pet.
Presented as a public service by Ocean Breeze Animal Hospital.
