Are rising dog vet bills stressing you out? The cost of hiring vets, new treatments and procedures, new technology, and high overheads all contribute to vet bills becoming more expensive. But they also want to make a lot of profit, and many vets are in it for the money.
You might be used to the concept of Big Pharma and the exceptionally high cost of medical treatment for humans. But the truth is that Big Vet is just as prevalent. It’s a huge problem for dog owners everywhere. You might think you’re alone in wondering why your vet bills are so high, but I can promise you aren’t.
Vet bills are high, and they have been getting higher since the global economy was hit. Life isn’t easy for dog owners at the moment. That’s probably why insurance has never been a better option before now. But why are dog vet bills so expensive, and how should you handle them? I’m here to share all the information you need.
Key Takeaways:
- Vet bills getting higher hasn’t been helped by the global economy
- High overheads and the cost of hiring vets contribute
- New tech, treatments, and surgeries make things more expensive
- Insurance is the way forward for avoiding expensive bills
- Some vets will offer payment plans if you talk to them first
Why Are Dog Vet Bills So Expensive?
There are a few reasons dog vet bills are more expensive than they used to be. The first is that they have costly overheads to pay for, which can make running a practice very expensive. This then filters down to the vet bills, causing the price to increase. Without the extra money, it can quickly become too expensive to run a practice.
Getting veterinary training and specializing in a field also costs a lot of money. Getting qualified leaves many vets in debt. Therefore, they have quite high salaries which means those need to be paid for through the cost of vet bills.
Additionally, the cost of new technology, specialist vets in cutting-edge surgeries, and new drugs can all increase the running costs of a vet practice. New drugs are always going to make vet bills a lot more expensive. I’ve seen some at $300 per month. And new surgeries often come with risks that make them pricier to undertake.
Outside of that, some vets are just in it for the profits and will price themselves much higher than other practices. It’s unfortunate, but it’s true. That’s why it’s vital to research the practices you have around you before you commit to one.
How To Handle And Avoid The Cost Of Dog Vet Bills
Vet bills are awful when you get handed them. A lot of the time, they end up being more expensive than you were quoted for. But this doesn’t have to be a crisis, and there are things you can do to not be faced with expensive bills and different ways to handle the cost. Trust me on this one.
Research Your Chosen Breed
The good thing about Corgis is that while they do have some health issues, they don’t have nearly as many as other breeds. Dogs such as Pugs and French Bulldogs, for example, cost a lot more in vet bills because of the number of conditions they are predisposed to. This means you can expect expensive bills with this breed compared to, say, Corgis.
This is why researching your breed is so important before you get them. Corgis are prone to IVDD and arthritis, the latter of which is very treatable. This means that while your Corgi isn’t guaranteed to develop these conditions, you are prepared for them.
Get To Know Your Local Vet Practices
Always shop around for a vet. There is usually more than one practice in a town, and cities have even more, so don’t be afraid to visit them all. Check out their pricing, the quality of their care, and speak to other dog owners to see what they think of the practice and staff. That way, you can find one that has lower vet bills and doesn’t care about massive profits.
Finding a vet you and your dog like is important, and it might take a little time to shop around. It’s a good way to avoid the most expensive bills and gives you a better chance at getting payment plans as an option.
Ask About Payment Options
Some vets will offer payment plans, but this isn’t something they will openly advertise. Once you’ve gotten to know them and built up a relationship with your chosen vet, ask them about it. A lot of the time, they will allow you to pay for some of your dog’s treatment through a payment plan to help lighten the financial burden.
Get Insurance
Insurance is a good thing for your dog to have. It helps protect you financially when your dog gets sick, and it also means that your dog will receive the treatment they need to get better. It might be a little extra to spend every month, but it’s worth it to know that your dog is going to be taken care of if they ever get sick.
Look Into Prevention
Prevention is often better than the cure – those are simple facts. Work with your vet to see what you can do to try and prevent your dog from developing common conditions that tend to cost a lot to treat. It might be supplements, a better diet, or more exercise, but it all helps. After all, prevention costs a lot less, and it’s less stressful for your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should You Do If A Vet Is Overcharging?
If your vet is overcharging, it is important to contact the American Veterinary Medical Association and raise a complaint. They will be able to investigate what’s happening with your vet, and they will also support you through the process of getting any money back that you might have overspent with them.
What Happens If You Can’t Afford Your Vet Bills?
If you cannot afford your vet bills, it is important that you speak to your vet. They will be able to offer you advice on organizations you can speak to for advice or any payment plans they offer. No good vet wants to see your dog suffer, and they will do their best to work something out with you so that your dog can get back to being healthy.
Will A Vet Treat My Dog If I Have No Money?
In an emergency, you can take your dog to an emergency vet, who will usually ensure your dog is treated before charging. This is because it’s usually a life-or-death situation that needs immediate surgery or treatment, and you will be able to organize a payment plan after your dog has been seen to by the emergency vet.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of your dog isn’t always easy, and the increasing cost of vet bills certainly adds stress to your plate. I know how hard it can be, but there are solutions out there, such as payment plans and affordable dog insurance. I’ve seen some miracles with crowdfunding, but it’s not something you can rely on in these situations.
No matter what, you’re always going to do the best you can for your dog. That’s all that matters. Take my advice, shop around for a vet who isn’t in it for the massive profit margins (they exist), and find a payment solution that works for you. There are still loads of good vets out there who care more about helping animals than what’s in your wallet.
