The Rising Cost of Veterinary Fees: A Closer Look at What Some Clinics Are Charging

Many pet parents are feeling the strain of rising veterinary fees, and it’s no surprise. The cost of pet care has been steadily increasing, and a recent news investigation in Canada highlighted just how high some clinics are charging for even the most basic pet health issues.

One such example involved a dog presenting to a clinic with a simple, uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI). What shocked many was the cost associated with treating a condition that should be relatively straightforward to manage.

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

In an effort to investigate the kind of care that would be recommended and how much it would cost at corporate-run veterinary clinics, CBC’s Marketplace scheduled appointments at six different clinics across Toronto. All these clinics were owned by VCA or VetStrategy, two well-known veterinary chains. The majority of complaints Marketplace received involved these two corporate chains.

To carry out the spot check, Marketplace consulted with veterinarians to design the investigation and then took Stella, a healthy four-year-old female Labrador retriever, to each clinic. The symptoms described to the veterinarians suggested a possible urinary tract infection (UTI).

The Findings: Variations in Diagnosis and Treatment

All of the veterinarians who saw Stella agreed that, based on the symptoms provided, the dog likely had a urinary tract infection. However, the treatment plans and the cost of the recommended care varied significantly across the clinics.

Exam Fees: Similar But Diagnostic Test Costs Differed

When it came to the exam fees, all the clinics had similar pricing, ranging from $127 to $142 before tax. However, the cost of the diagnostic test—known as a urinalysis—varied greatly. The lowest cost for a urinalysis was $47, while the highest price came in at a whopping $175.

How to Increase Your Bill: Non-Shoppable Items

Dr. Ivan Zak, a Moncton-based veterinarian, explains how corporate veterinary clinics often use “shoppable" and “non-shoppable" items to their advantage.

“Consumers tend to call around to inquire about exam fees," Dr. Zak explains. “However, they’re less likely to ask for price estimates on procedures or diagnostic tests."

This allows clinics to increase the prices on items like diagnostic tests. Within the same corporation (VCA), the price for a urinalysis varied greatly between two different clinics—one charging $100 and the other charging $175.

Additional Tests for a Simple UTI

At one VetStrategy clinic, the price for treating Stella escalated when the veterinarian recommended an additional diagnostic test on top of the urinalysis. The vet suggested collecting urine using a needle guided by an ultrasound machine. To make matters worse, the vet also recommended taking a couple of X-rays for an additional $380.

When the undercover team inquired whether the X-rays were necessary, the corporate vet replied, “It’s not wrong to go either way."

Dr. Zak raised concerns about the need for X-rays, stating that the ultrasound used to collect the urine sample would already provide a visual of the bladder. This left the undercover team questioning the need for additional tests.

“Economic Euthanasia" and Profit-Driven Practices

Dr. Zak believes that the focus on profits within veterinary consolidators, along with the rising prices for treatments, is negatively impacting the industry.

“The danger here is that clinics owned by corporations start comparing themselves to one another and pushing their prices higher," says Dr. Zak. “The worst part is what we call ‘economic euthanasia’—when pet owners can’t afford the treatment. You know you can save the pet, but you can’t treat it because the owner can’t afford it."

Healing Your Pet at Home: A Better Way

I believe the rising costs of veterinary care are concerning. A $150 exam fee? $175 for a 3-minute urinalysis? And then there’s the upselling of unnecessary procedures like ultrasounds and X-rays for a simple UTI. How is this allowed by veterinary governing bodies, yet sharing home remedies for dogs and cats on the internet is considered unethical?

It just doesn’t add up.

I strongly encourage you to avoid corporate practices like these and learn basic veterinary home care. There are simple home remedies you can use to treat your pets effectively and affordably. These remedies are shared in my newsletters, and I believe they can empower you to take better care of your pets without breaking the bank.

P.S. I find it hard to believe that vet fees have risen so much. How is this OK in the veterinary community, but sharing home remedies is considered unethical?

Let’s stay informed and continue to make smarter, healthier choices for our pets.

Introducing Dr. Jones’ Urinary Support Chews for Dogs

On that note, I’m excited to introduce our new supplement: Dr. Jones’ Urinary Support Chews for Dogs. This ultimate solution is crafted to promote a healthy urinary tract, support kidney health, and ensure overall bladder function.

It’s here!

Dr. Jones’ Urinary Support Chews for Dogs — The perfect addition to your pet’s health regimen.