The Escalating Costs of Veterinary Care: What You Can Do for Your Pet

Hi, I’m Dr. Andrew Jones, and if you’ve visited the vet recently, I’m sure you’ve noticed something—the cost of pet care has skyrocketed. Today, I’m going to explain why this is happening and, more importantly, what you can do about it.

Why Are Veterinary Costs So High?

In recent years, the costs of veterinary care have increased dramatically, making it difficult for many pet parents to afford even basic care for their animals. So, what’s behind this trend? In a nutshell, corporate takeover.

Before 2010, most veterinary clinics in Canada and the United States were independently owned by individual veterinarians. If you went to see me at my clinic, the Nelson Animal Hospital, I owned the practice. Your dog or cat would be seen by me, the vet, and the clinic was owned and operated by me.

However, today, corporations are behind the majority of veterinary practices. Nearly 40% of general practices in the United States and 25% in Canada are now owned by corporations. In the U.S., the Mars company owns over 2,000 veterinary practices, and in Canada, VetStrategy and VCA Canada control hundreds of clinics. These corporate giants, often backed by international investors, are quietly buying out local, independent veterinary clinics. In many cases, pet owners are unaware that these clinics have been bought by corporations.

The Impact of Corporate Ownership on Veterinary Costs

The rise in veterinary costs can largely be attributed to the corporatization of veterinary clinics. These corporate-owned practices are primarily focused on one thing: profit. This focus on profits has led to the use of strategies that increase costs for pet owners.

For example, a recent investigation in Canada examined the prices charged by corporate-owned veterinary clinics for a simple, uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) in a healthy dog. While the exam fees were similar—ranging from $125 to $150—the costs for diagnostic tests varied wildly from clinic to clinic. One clinic charged $47 for a urine analysis, while another charged $170. How can that be?

Creative Pricing: How Corporations Increase Costs

This pricing disparity is due to a tactic known as creative pricing. Veterinary clinics know that many pet owners are price-sensitive when it comes to exams, so they keep exam fees relatively standard. However, once you’re inside the clinic, the diagnostic costs can be dramatically inflated. For instance, after a simple exam, a clinic may recommend a range of expensive tests, such as ultrasound-guided needle aspirates or unnecessary X-rays. What should be a simple $150 procedure can quickly escalate to over $1,000.

The Consequences of High Costs

Unfortunately, these high costs are leading to a heartbreaking reality: Many pet owners cannot afford the diagnostic tests and treatments their pets need. In some cases, they are left with the devastating choice of euthanizing their beloved pets because they simply cannot pay for the care required. This is deeply unfair, especially when so many people are forced to choose between their pet’s life and putting food on the table for their family.

What Can You Do About It?

As a pet parent, here are some key steps you can take to help manage the rising costs of veterinary care:

1. Find Out Who Owns Your Veterinary Clinic

Ask your veterinarian or do an internet search to find out whether your local veterinary clinic is independently owned or part of a corporate chain. If it’s corporate-owned, consider the potential cost implications before proceeding with treatment.

2. Get a Detailed Estimate Before Approving Any Treatment

Before agreeing to any treatments, ask for a detailed estimate of the costs, including the cost of diagnostic tests. This ensures you understand the full scope of the potential costs and can make an informed decision. Also, be sure to question whether all recommended tests and procedures are truly necessary.

3. Price Shop

Get in the habit of calling around to different clinics to compare not only the exam fees but also the cost of diagnostic tests. You may be shocked at how much the prices can vary. For example, one clinic may charge $47 for a urine analysis, while another charges $175 for the same test.

4. Consider Pet Insurance

I recommend considering pet insurance, especially for unexpected or emergency situations. While pet insurance won’t cover everything, it can help offset the costs of veterinary care. For example, I recently signed up my cat, Cassian, for pet insurance, and it’s been a helpful safety net for unexpected vet bills.

5. Seek a Second Opinion

If you’re unsure about a diagnosis or treatment plan, don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion. A second opinion from a non-corporate-owned clinic can provide a more realistic and affordable treatment plan. Sometimes, a simpler approach is just as effective.

6. Use Local Independent Veterinarians

When possible, try to support local, independent veterinary clinics. My former practice, the Nelson Animal Hospital, is still independently owned, and I believe you’ll receive fairer pricing and more personalized care at such clinics.

7. Take Matters Into Your Own Hands

Lastly, be proactive and empowered as a pet parent. Learn about alternative veterinary care, basic procedures, and pet first aid. Many issues, like recurring ear infections, can be managed at home with the right knowledge and inexpensive remedies. On my YouTube channel, I share many tips and remedies that can help you treat your pet’s health issues at home, saving you from frequent and costly vet visits.

The Bottom Line: Prioritize Your Pet’s Health, Not Corporate Profits

Ultimately, veterinary care should prioritize your pet’s health, not corporate profits. As corporations continue to take over the veterinary industry, it’s essential that pet owners stay informed and empowered to make the best decisions for their pets. We all deserve better care for our animals, without the financial strain that corporate practices often impose.

Thanks for watching this edition of Veterinary Secrets. I hope these tips help you navigate the rising costs of veterinary care and provide you with the tools to make more informed decisions for your pet’s health.

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