Working in a veterinary practice is one of the hardest jobs I’ve ever had. There were physical and mental stresses to be dealt with on a daily basis. Believe it or not, getting bit, scratched, peed, or pooped on was the least of my worries.
One of the hardest parts of working in a veterinary practice was the emotional toll it took on me every single day. Worrying about a sick patient, dealing with euthanasia, and emergencies are just a few examples. For me, the worst part was hearing pet owners say things like “if you really cared about animals you would treat my pet for free.”
This may surprise you, but veterinarians and technicians don’t go into this profession to make money. Most people are shocked when they find out just how little the average veterinarian makes in comparison to a physician in general practice.
Trust me, every veterinarian I’ve ever known would love to help their patients for free. In reality, this just isn’t an option. A veterinary hospital is a business. As with all businesses, there are expenses involved.
A few of these expenses include:
- Staff members
- Technicians, Assistants, Receptionists, Kennel Attendants, Management, Associate Veterinarians, Janitorial Staff
- Pharmaceuticals
- Medical supplies
- Equipment
- Rent, building expenses
Are all of the tests and treatments suggested by your veterinarian really necessary?
Running tests help your veterinarian make an accurate diagnosis and determine what medications and treatments are best for each case.
For example, if your pet has an ear infection they may want to run tests to determine:
- which type of medication will work best
- how long it should be treated
- are there ear mites present
- is the eardrum intact
- is there an underlying problem such as allergies
Why is the medication so expensive?
The cost of medication is high for your veterinarian as well. There is a markup on the cost, but many times this barely covers the expense of packaging and time spent dispensing meds.
You may notice that online pharmacies have the same medication at a much cheaper rate. Keep in mind these are large corporations that are capable of purchasing in bulk; therefore, giving them the ability to take advantage of a large discount.
What is the best way to avoid costly visits?
If you’re reading this blog, then you probably feel the same as I, that pet ownership is a blessing. But all owners and prospective pet owners need to be aware that there are expenses involved, not least of which are the costs of pet health care.
But as with humans, prevention is the key to lowering costs, as well as ensuring that your pet is as happy and healthy as it can be. The old adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure is absolutely applicable to our pets.
Here are a few ways you can prevent costly treatments.
- Keep vaccinations current
- Bring your pet in for a yearly exam
- Give flea/tick and heartworm prevention monthly
- Feed a healthy diet
- Get your pet’s teeth cleaned regularly
- Follow your veterinarian’s treatment plan and at-home care instructions
Prevention isn’t always cheap. Paying for a yearly exam, vaccines, and a supply of flea/tick and heartworm prevention adds up quick. For example, heartworm preventive alone can cost over $10 a pill.
In my location, it is recommended to treat my dog with heartworm prevention monthly throughout the entire year. This adds up to a lot of money, but it costs a lot less to prevent heartworms than it does to treat it.
Should I share my financial concerns with my veterinarian?
Absolutely! You must be your pet’s advocate. Ask questions about the proposed treatment plan, and let your veterinary team know ahead of time about any financial concerns you might have. You should feel comfortable expressing concerns, asking questions, and making decisions on how to proceed with a treatment plan that you are comfortable with.
It’s time to start seeing the value in veterinary visits. We spend money on cushy beds, fancy bowls, toys, collars and matching leashes without batting an eye. When it comes to keeping our pets healthy, we need to keep in mind the costs involved.
Remember, your veterinary team chose veterinary medicine because they LOVE animals, and dedicate their lives to helping them. It is important that you see the value in the services offered. Keep in mind, fees will vary with locale and clinic. Visit veterinary hospitals in your area and choose the clinic that provides the best care at a price you are comfortable with.
Click here to visit our veterinary resources page to find clinics near you.
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