Comments on: Is My Vet Ripping Me Off?

By: Vet

Vet — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 00:05:54 +0000

I’d just like to put my 2 cents in if that’s ok. I get this problem all the time. The truth is, vets are not subsidised like the medical profession so everything seems more expensive (even though in many cases we are making far less of a profit than doctors). Secondly, many vets are only small businesses, we simply can’t compete price wise with the large internet stores and pet warehouses that can by them much cheaper because of the huge amount of stock ordered. If you choose to buy from a vet, at least you know you’re getting proffessional advice about which product is best for your pet.
In Australia, the starting wage for a vet is LESS than that of a primary school teacher (It’s true, check it out, there was a report on it a few years ago in The Age about starting wages). When was the last time you accused your kid’s teacher of earning too much? It really is an eye opener. Compare the average wage of a vet to that of a doctor.
Another issue that comes up is price differences for routine proceedures. There are so many factors that influence this. Ask if you are concerned. You’ll fine some vets will only do a spey if proceedures such as IV fluids, pain relief, initial exam, preanaesthetic blood screen etc are included in the price. Some clinics will charge separately for these. Obviously there still will be some variation, different clinics have different prices, but you’ll often find the rates are closer once you have established what is and is not covered in the “Spey” price.
It’s very hard because the veterinary industry is an emotional one. I hate having to tell people their animals need an expensive medication or proceedure to live. It often ends up being stressful for everyone but sometimes that’s how it has to be. You will find most vets are in this industry because they care about the welfare of you and your pet.
Most vets in my experience, do not try to rip people off, but I guess the short answer is try a different vet if you are not happy with the service.
Thank you for reading

By: daniel

daniel — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:16:01 +0000

our vet 2 weeks ago diagnosed our 4 month old puppy ‘badger’ with mange our house is really clean they have a nice pen ‘inside’ the house to live and play in , they have a happy dog life so far plenty of walks and there happy, i asked our vet 2 weeks ago DO I NEED TO SPLIT UP THE PUPPYS and she replyed NO not at all…. 2 skin scrapes cost nearly 400 p[ounds on badger and now daisy our white staff puppy who shhares the same bed as badger is losing her gorgeouse white coat and is developing scars on her head neck under her …arm?pits shes caught it to,, ive just read its highly contagiouse and our vet did not tell us that and replyed to me there safe to sleep together … im sure she has just booked herself ANOTHER SKIN SCRAPE and another dog with mange ..the fees are outrageouse for treating an animal 122 pounds it is for a skin scrape ,,i love my 2 dogs with all my heary and so does the family but has this vet been negligent in advising they are fine together..also 2 weeks and still no treatment for mange has arrived at vets we ring everyday,, the vetinary practise is in shotton,flintshire

By: Pet Business Link » Is My Vet Ripping Me Off?

Pet Business Link » Is My Vet Ripping Me Off? — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:02:51 +0000

[...] Is My Vet Ripping Me Off? [...]

By: Alice

Alice — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 23:21:14 +0000

When it comes to our pets and the vets it is no different from our relationship with our doctors. We should be in charge of OUR health and the doctors should be our consultants. As far as our pets are concerned, we should be the advocates for our pets since they depend on us for their subsistence.
We should take charge of our pet's health by watching what they eat and making sure they get enough fresh air and exercise.
And also we need to watch out for the excessive vaccination that is going on.

By: Holly

Holly — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 01:37:35 +0000

Ryan – I heard a wonderful interview by veterinarian Dr. Nancy Kay on NPR's Fresh Air with Terry Gross – http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?stor… – Dr. Kay wrote a book – Speaking for Spot: Be the Advocate Your Dog Needs to Live a Happy, Healthy, Longer Life. I really believe veterinary care is a partnership and if we are the most effective medical advocates for our pets, know the questions to ask and have the information we need, we are in a much better position to spend our veterinary health care dollars wisely. Fortunately I have a veterinarian who values my input and concerns but if I didn't, I would look elsewhere. And as Dr. Kay points out – there is never just one option for treatment – there frequently is a range of options with a wide level of associated cost.