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Relatively speaking, veterinary
care is a great deal! Actually, the cost of veterinary care
has risen very little over the last 20 to 30 years, especially
when compared to the cost of human health care or almost
any other services.
Your veterinarian is not only
your pet’s general physician, but also their surgeon, radiologist,
dermatologist, neurologist, psychiatrist, ENT and their
pharmacist. Your veterinary bill is a reflection of the
costs of maintaining suitable facilities, equipment and
support personnel to provide the level of care that is expected
in animal medicine today. That means your veterinary bill
includes the hospital and nursing expenses, also. Remember,
too, the original cost of the animal has no bearing on the
cost of services delivered. The question is: "Can all people
afford a pet?" If they can’t, who should subsidize them?
The veterinarians?
One reason you sometimes
feel you are paying more for your pet’s health care than
for your own, is that you probably have adequate health
insurance for your own health care needs; thus, you’re never
hit with a true bottom-line figure. If you sat down and
added up your insurance costs, deductibles, and pharmaceutical
costs (as veterinary drugs are usually included in your
veterinary bill), you will find that the figures are actually
nowhere close.
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The extent of care given to
any animal is determined ultimately by its owner. If you
place a low value on the worth of a pet yourself, then you
should probably not accept the responsibility for owning
a pet.
Every pet owner has different
ideas as to what is acceptable care. Veterinarians can only
make their clients aware of products and services that are
available to owners. Then, we guide them in their choices
regarding the most important health options for their pet.
It is up to them to make the choice. Veterinarians are willing
and do go the extra mile for pet owners, but expenses need
to be covered. This includes salaries for assistants and
technicians, costly equipment such as X-ray machines and,
of course, the expense of years of professional training.
Should
I be wary of "bargain basement" veterinary care? If so,
why?
Yes. Generally, you get what
you pay for. If the price is too low, your expectations
may not be met. You are entitled to a full explanation of
any service that you are paying for. The Foundation endorses
the best possible care for each and every animal to the
extent that the owners can afford. Veterinary care is a
family medical service, not a commodity to be shopped! Further,
it is a relationship – to be maintained.
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