Are Vet Fees Getting Out of Control?

As many pet parents have noticed, veterinary fees seem to be getting increasingly expensive. A recent news investigation in Canada has shed light on this issue, revealing some shocking prices at certain clinics for even the most straightforward pet health problems.

The Investigation: A Simple UTI Turns into a Shocking Bill

One particular investigation focused on a dog who presented to a clinic with a simple, uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI). The results were surprising, as the costs for diagnosing and treating such a common issue were far higher than most pet owners would expect.

Support Your Pet’s Urinary and Kidney Health at Home

If your dog is experiencing a UTI or if you’re simply looking for general urinary or kidney support, I have a solution for you. Our new supplement, Dr. Jones’ URINARY SUPPORT Chews for Dogs, may be the answer you’re looking for. This product is designed to provide natural support for your pet’s urinary and kidney health, helping to manage and prevent issues like UTIs in a safe, affordable way.

I understand that veterinary care can be costly, and as a pet owner, you want the best care for your dog without breaking the bank. Consider giving Dr. Jones’ URINARY SUPPORT Chews for Dogs a try and support your pet’s health from the comfort of home.

Hidden Camera Investigation on Veterinarians: What Would They Do for a Simple UTI in a Dog?

Pet owners often seek out the best care for their animals, but what happens when the cost of care becomes exorbitant and the recommendations seem unnecessary? A recent investigation by CBC’s Marketplace looked into corporate-run veterinary clinics to see what kind of care they would recommend for a simple urinary tract infection (UTI) in a dog.

The Investigation

To understand the kind of care recommended and the costs involved at corporate-run veterinary clinics, Marketplace scheduled appointments at six different clinics across Toronto. All of the clinics were either owned by VCA or VetStrategy.

The majority of complaints Marketplace received were about these two chains.

Stella, a healthy four-year-old female Labrador retriever, was taken to each clinic with symptoms suggesting a possible UTI. All of the veterinarians agreed that, based on the provided symptoms, it seemed like Stella had a UTI. However, the treatment plans and costs varied significantly.

The Cost of Care

Exam fees at these corporate clinics ranged from $127 to $142 before tax, which was fairly consistent across the board. However, the price for the diagnostic test, called a urinalysis, varied widely — from $47 to a staggering $175.

How Corporate Clinics Increase Your Bill

Dr. Ivan Zak, a Moncton-based veterinarian, points out that this pricing discrepancy is an example of how corporate veterinary clinics use “shoppable” and “non-shoppable” items to their advantage.

Veterinary clinics know that pet owners often call around for exam fees but are less likely to ask about the costs of procedures or diagnostic tests. As a result, clinics can significantly increase the price of tests and procedures that aren’t openly discussed upfront.

For example, within the same corporation (VCA), the price for a urinalysis varied dramatically between two clinics — one charging $100 and another charging $175.

Additional Tests for a Simple UTI

At one VetStrategy clinic, the treatment cost for Stella increased even more when the veterinarian recommended an additional diagnostic test. The vet suggested collecting the urine sample using a needle guided by ultrasound, then proposed taking X-rays for an additional $380.

When the undercover team asked if the X-rays were necessary alongside the urinalysis, the corporate vet responded that it was “not wrong to go either way."

Dr. Zak questioned the need for the X-rays, pointing out that the ultrasound used to collect the urine sample would already provide a visual of the bladder. In essence, the added cost seemed unnecessary.

The Dangers of Corporate Vet Practices

Dr. Zak believes that the focus on profits in corporate veterinary chains, along with the increase in prices for treatments, is damaging the veterinary industry as a whole.

He explains, “The danger there is that everybody starts comparing themselves to the clinic owned by the corporation and says, ‘OK, well, we can go that high.'"

He also warns about what’s known as “economic euthanasia" — when owners cannot afford the recommended treatments even though the pet could be saved. “You know that you can save the pet, but you can’t treat it because the owner can’t afford it," he said.

Heal Your Pet At Home!

As a veterinarian, I understand the importance of providing quality care without overcharging or pushing unnecessary treatments. While some veterinary practices focus on profits, I encourage pet owners to explore at-home remedies when appropriate and to learn basic veterinary home care.

By using simple, effective home remedies, you can help your pet stay healthy without relying on corporate practices that drive up costs.

P.S.

I find it hard to believe how much vet fees have increased. $150 for an exam? $175 for a 3-minute urinalysis? And then there’s the unethical upselling — suggesting ultrasound or X-rays for a simple UTI. How is that even acceptable by veterinary governing bodies, but sharing home remedies for dogs and cats online is considered unethical?

It’s time to avoid corporate practices. Learn basic veterinary home care, and get comfortable using some of the simple remedies shared in my newsletter.

P.P.S.

Speaking of remedies, I’m excited to announce the launch of our new supplement: Dr. Jones’ Urinary Support Chews for Dogs. This supplement is designed to promote a healthy urinary tract, support kidney health, and improve overall bladder function.

It’s available now:

Dr. Jones’ URINARY SUPPORT Chews for Dogs