Discussions

I can see why people can't afford to spay or neauter there cats. I phoned all the vets in the area costs ranged any were from 99 to 205 depending on what they offered with the service. Only one vet offered a discount when I explained I had 3 stray kittens I wanted to take in but wanted them neutered and spayed first. I couldn't believe it I guess I won't be taking in three kittens. And those the rescue places only offer to help with one kitten or cat.

How much were you expecting? I know to declaw both front and back, shots, and fixing my cat was just over 300 I think. The way I see it I paid 325 for the cat. I will pay up to double the replacement cost on a pet. I don't have my pets as my children and so forth. My thoughts are what happens when the animal gets sick and you need to take them to the vet. Just to set foot in the check up room is 60 bucks. One does have to understand it is a surgical procedure and 100-200 bucks does seem reasonable. I am planning on getting a dog once my cat passes (I'm a dog person-wife the cat lol) and I am budgeting 150-200 to get fixed.

It's part of the cost of ownership. While it's laudable that you want to take in these strays, if you can't afford the cost of spay/neuter for all of them then maybe it's not a good idea to have 3 cats.

Why will the vet to give you a discount for it. It is your decision to have 3 kittens so if you can't afford don't get kittens or only 1.  
Look at your budget what you can't afford you don't buy it same as if you can't take responsibility to take care of a pet don't take a pet. Simple as that.  
Plus I do not get why some people think they deserve more discount than others. I paid my vet bill without asking a lower price.

I didn''t take them in some irrisable person dropped them off on my property and I didn''t want to see them die or be left to produce more unwanted kittens thank you, and I don't expect a discount  
 
Edited by lowplaces, 2016-07-21 12:34:04

offer a discount for multiple pets, if they are a good clinic they will let you know right off the bat. But sometimes you have to ask to get the discount.

I am not surprised at how judgmental people are on here !!! Notice how the feed quickly turned from how expensive vets are to you being irresponsible...I agree vets are getting expensive, but either you take them in or they go to the pound and MAYBE put down...Good for you for trying to be a RESPONSIBLE pet owner, unlike the one who left you with 3 lives to look after

My aunt was a vet and I remember her telling me that even in her day some people thought that veterinary care was expensive. When you compare it to human medicine it is just the opposite. I have seen statistics on average cost of human procedures in Canada that are charged to the provincial government (us as taxpayers) by the health authorities. Average childbirth in hospital with no complications-$10,000. Average C-section with no other complications-$20,000. A hysterectomy (equivalent of an animal spay) was in the $20,000 range. At $200 for a cat spay a vet would need to do 100 to equal the cost of surgery for just 1 woman.  
 
I think people need to start realizing how expensive and unsustainable our health system is. Because we don't receive a bill directly people are more likely to go for unnecessary appointments when they have a cold/flu, demand general anesthesia for a procedure when injectable or no anesthetic is needed or seek treatment for minor injuries because we feel we need to be coddled. At one time the province sent all citizens a letter annually showing what their share of the health care cost for the year was depending on their use of the system for that year. I believe this should be implemented again.  
 
We wonder why we are so taxed in this country. Over 1/2 of all money coming into the province of Manitoba is spent solely on health care. This is from PST, income tax, fuel tax, hydro revenues, lottery proceeds, royalties, liquor and tobacco sales etc.  
 
The system is reaching a breaking point and cost of treatment is going up just as the baby boomers are going to need more and more care. Sorry I got off track but I feel more people need to consider the implications.

Female cats are always more money to fix due to the surgery itself. Are they female cats by chance?

Is this not the pet care section

We rescued a kitten as well, and got him fix at wheat city vet clinic (they were amazing) Call and ask when there next neuter day is : ) I ended up paying 50 to get my boy fixed, can't go wrong with that!! Wheat City Veterinary Clinic

Try inquiring with the SNIP program. I *believe* perhaps they have a Facebook page or maybe if you got a hold of funds for furry friends may have more info. Also, vetting is usually a bit cheaper in smaller towns. Call around and ask. Or if no luck with those options - try finding new homes for them.  
 
Good luck - try and ignore the rude comments. You're trying to help these poor babies out and want what's best for them.

Good on you for wanting to spay and neuter and save these stray kittens dumped off on you... Sadly there are too many irresponsible pet owners these days and it's too bad you were/are left to foot the bill... I'm glad you're not adding to the problem however since taking them in/on! Hopefully things work out for you, maybe there will be a spay/neuter program/clinic you can get them into.

Maybe call around to surrounding areas, I know a few vets that have donation funds for instances like these. I applaud you for thinking of getting them fixed and for taking them in even though they weren't your responsibility!

Human health care is an essential service that every canadian is entitled too, which is why we pay taxes. Veterinary medicine is solely based on a "for profit" model, meaning they can charge what they want. We had an experience with our dog when he had $3000 leg surgery, and they charged us for a full service call for EVERY single visit, including mandatory follow up visits to remove sutures, etc., which they have the option to charge for a follow up and chose not to (we argued and got the difference back, but you see where I am going with this). They nickle and dimed us for everything, even after we had shelled out nearly $4000 for our dog. As much as they claim that they have the best interest of the animals at heart, which I am sure that they do, they have the best interest of their bank accounts first and foremost.  
 
Edited by Mrs.L, 2016-07-22 10:14:39

All I am trying to show is despite what some people think, vet medicine is much cheaper than human medicine. You don't think that every checkup at a doctor's office or hospital is charged to the taxpayers? Most doctors won't even phone you with test results because they make more money by requiring you to come in for another appointment. Most vets in Canada make about $70-80,000 per year that's less than lots of nurses. Compare that to the $300-400,000 that the average GP makes and it puts things into perspective. All businesses are "for-profit" or else they don't last very long.