Discussions

What is happening with vet prices in town? Year-to-year there seems to be an overwhelming increase in all services including the price of medications (+33%???). It also seems that most recommended visits are needless, especially when they are aware of issues from past RECENT visits. Of course we'll do anything for our pets and end up paying but it feels like we are getting taken advantage of. Does anyone else see this, or am I simply screaming into the void? Are there other alternatives?

I kept all my vet visit receipts and since 2020 the prices have gone up astronomically. My senior cat is on symptomatic treatment. We've already done the necessary tests to determine what's wrong with him. However, the vet keeps pushing for more diagnostic testing because they "can't really be sure until we do more tests." He was already diagnosed, just give me his symptomatic treatment like we discussed and stop trying to get me to pay more.  
I love my cat, but he's at the end of his life and I just want him to be comfortable. His medications are expensive like $34 for 4 tablets of anti-nausea pills. I feel like I'm getting ripped off, but I don't know any better, I don't know the prices, or anything else, so what can I do other than pay for the medications until it's his time.  
It's very frustrating. It feels like the vets are there only to make money.

Everything has gone up astronomically since at least the end of Covid. Vets, like any other profession, are trying to keep their heads above water (ie: their staff paid, overhead paid, their families fed/clothed, etc). The cost of their supplies has likely also gone up. Blame supply and demand. We have boomed in our pet ownership and that requires many more pets needing vet care, which requires vets to add more to their supplies, which makes the suppliers want to increase their costs so they make a bigger profit. I don't think it is a simple - the vets want to get rich - that is driving up fees.

Most pet medications can be purchased at pharmacies like Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart, Superstore, etc. for a fraction of the cost charged at the vet's office. Some may have to be ordered in, but that generally takes only 1-2 days to arrive.

? does that i:nclude injectables ?

I have never had to purchase injectable meds for a pet, but i don't see why it couldn't be purchased at a people pharmacy. Give your pharmacy a call with the medication information and they will be able to tell you if they carry it or can get it in. They can also give you a price quote. Pet prescriptions are taxable (people Rx's are not). But even with the tax, the meds we needed were 1/3 of the price we were charged at the vet.

What I am peeves about is having to take my dog to the vet to get a tick pill that I give them myself. My dog is not sick, does not need extra care, just a pill so they don’t contract something from a tick or drop them in my house.  
If you can even get to see a vet. We get told ‘Your not in my catchment area.’  
Well how am I supposed to be a responsible pet owner if you don’t help with a pet that need attention.

You simply buy your pets from one of the many websites that sell pet pharmaceuticals. I've been doing it for almost fifteen years now and have never had an issue.

I am a multiple pet owner and echo the frustrations of others about the huge increase in veterinary medical prices. I have used the same vet practice for decades and recently learned that it had been sold to a veterinary corporation which controls the prices. In addition to the much higher prices, I think that the quality of care has been compromised by a financial bottom line. For example a few months ago I had to put my dear elderly dog down and while waiting for the veterinarian to do the deed, a technician came in and asked for my payment information. I complied but was - and still am - pretty unhappy about that experience. In another example, we had have to take our dogs back twice for infections and poor suturing. Both times we were charged for additional drugs and seeing the vet. When we complained, we were told that purchasing pet insurance is the best option to offset costs. (FYI pet insurance is expensive and has a huge deductible.)  
 
As a constructive comment, veterinarians could help out and give clients options for other drug providers. I will be asking for options in the future.

I feel you on this we had an emergency with our bunny and were told by multiple people they had room today but because we were out of their catchment area they wouldn’t see us so we’re stuck hoping our bunny makes it to tomorrow morning when his bunny vet is back in town but we’re pretty sure his back paw is broken…. Called 30-40 vets today and not one could see him even though it’s an emergency because fully booked or out of catchment area…

The reason the tech comes in to get payment before the vet came in is so that you don't have to do it after. This is probably one of the worst parts about working in a vet clinic, asking people to pay to have their pet put down. Unfortunately, the drugs cost money, it takes staff time, and it is using up a room, disposal is also expensive.  
 
I guarantee, the last thing you want to do after sitting with your pet while they pass is to stop at the counter with all the people in the waiting room and pay. You want to get out of the building as quick as possible and cry.  
 
They are doing this for your comfort. Yes prices have gone up, but their costs have also gone up.  
 
Veterinarian is one of the top professions who commit suicide. They have to deal with horrible things on the daily. They also get crapped on by customers on the daily (and literally crapped on by their patients on the daily).  
 
The MVMA put restrictions on them about needing to see pets before handing out pres:cription medications. Things like tick meds, heartworm, deworming are all pres:cription drugs. Yes, you can get some at pet stores, but they aren't the same and don't have the same type or strength of medication in them as the vet clinic ones. That is why they are available over the counter. They are bound by the vet association. If they don't follow the rules, they risk the possibility of losing their license. If they lose their license, they can no longer practice. Less vets = longer wait times.  
 
You think its all about the money, its not. Veterinarians are there because they care about the welfare of animals and have dedicated their lives to it.  
 
They are way over worked because there are not enough vets for all the pets.  
 
If you can't afford veterinary care, don't have a pet.

I also had to put a pet down years ago. They asked me to pay upon entering and I am so grateful that they did that. I was a sobbing mess and could not wait to get through the waiting room after I was ready to leave my pet. The one thing that they did do, that I wish all clinics would do, is explain this when asking for payment.  
 
Join Not One More Vet on Facebook and you will see how veterinarians and their staff are highly susceptible to suicide. It's sad. It hurts my heart for people in this profession who are s$*! on each and every day.  
 
I recently saw a post on FB from an association that was providing information about animal population and asked people to considering calling vets to find one prior to getting a pet. I drive to Carberry because when I moved to Brandon, I could not find a clinic accepting new patients. I'm glad about that. Private owned clinic with a great vet and lovely techs/staff.

i agree vets are expensive! out cat was on expensive medications and food but she barely ate the food ! the medications did not work so she was taken off them by the vet. she would only eat chicken in her last year of life.  
i studied herbs and natural medicine which worked better for her and was less costly. the high prices is the reason i didnt get another pet