Vet fees and the law

Couldsavemore

At the practise I use they have euthanasia and cremation cost up in each consultation room.

I felt no pressure when I said I had planned to bury him.

They also offer an ootion to pay a given amount up front and vaccinations are free for life!

They have fees printed at reception.

Definately not a mushroom

Jay_Mack

I recently had to have my 16 year old wee westie put to sleep, I wasn’t registered with a vet and the only one that could take me that day charged me £155 for the euthanasia. This didn’t include cremation or anything else, we took him home with us . I feel this cost was a bit excessive and wondered if this is the norm?

sheramber

Vet charges depend on where you are.

Was it a weekend or out fo hours?

Was there any examination etc before euthanasia?

You could ring round local vets and ask what they charge for euthanasia of a westie?

Katiehound

Jay_Mack wrote: »

I recently had to have my 16 year old wee westie put to sleep, I wasn’t registered with a vet and the only one that could take me that day charged me £155 for the euthanasia. This didn’t include cremation or anything else, we took him home with us . I feel this cost was a bit excessive and wondered if this is the norm?

Sorry to hear that news, but unless you were on holiday or away from home I don't understand why you weren't registered with a vet.
The costs sound a bit steep- but- you can't recoup the money, so rather than dwell on that remember your faithful companion........

MrsOn

I think that vets differ in their pricing strategies and openness. I have dealt with two vets in the last few weeks - one was amazing and the other one was, well, please see my thread!!

:eek:

MrsOn

I recently had to have my 16 year old wee westie put to sleep, I wasn’t registered with a vet and the only one that could take me that day charged me £155 for the euthanasia. This didn’t include cremation or anything else, we took him home with us . I feel this cost was a bit excessive and wondered if this is the norm?

So sorry for your loss. We had our staffy put to sleep recently following violent seizures which were repeated and very traumatic for him. The vet was great, he advised us of the options, but said that all the tests in the world wouldn't stop the seizures (he was old, and he ruled out epilepsy), and they might never find out the reason, and meanwhile he would be suffering from these seizures.

Our vet charged us £158,00, this included cremation of him alone and we now have the ashes in a scattertube. I thought this was good, especially with the excellent and compassionate way that he treated Alfie.

So I think that your price was quite expensive just for the euthenasia.

However, as said on other replies, just try to remember he good memories of your westie. So sad isn't it, I miss my Alfie so I know how you feel.

xxx

RuthnJasper

Undervalued wrote: »

What gives you the right to own an animal if you are "hard-up retirees and cash-strapped folk" and can't afford to pay for its welfare?

Agree. Pet ownership is a responsibility (a lovely one, mostly!), not a right.

Vet

I always provide a verbal or printed estimate of costs for any treatment or procedure. Anything over £100 in our practice will always receive a printed estimate prior to consenting to the procedure.

Also, feel free to ask us for alternative treatment or ways to reduce cost. We will always try if it is possible. The gold standard of care is always given as a first estimate - if you cannot afford this then we will always try to reduce costs e.g. not perform a certain blood, not give a certain medication etc.

gettingready

Frankly I do not understand this thread.

I have a large dog and 4 cats so my vet visits to various vets have been quite frequent.

How can they have "fees displayed"? There could be so many different issues with your pet and looking at some list you would make up a price in your mind and then be surprised at the bill as each situation is unique. And you would not be happy.

Anyone who has a pet - it is your responsibility to ask/find out and pay for any treatment.

All those lines about "cash strapped pensioners" etc etc. When you get a pet you need to plan on how are you going to look after it- that includes a healthcare.

There are charity vets that will help with basic care for people on low income. There is insurance, there are vet payment plans.

Vets have massive overheads to be able to run their practices to a decent standard. They do not work for free - they have mortgages/bills to pay and they need to eat too. They are expensive? Yes, they are. So think about it before you get a pet.

My dog is almost 13 now, she is ok-ish but I know exactly what will it cost me to PTS when the time comes. Because I asked.

Price lists can not be displayed as a lot of treatments depend on for example size of the animal, age, risks, response to certain treatments, current medications etc etc so are individual.

Just ask and stop !!!!!ing about vets as they are the people who keep your animals well and healthy.

sheramber

Pet owners deserve the right to see every veterinary practice clearly displaying their set fees for jabs, procedures and any of the services offered to the paying public

There are very few 'set fees' as treatment can vary depending on the severity of the condition, the cost of medication at the time, the weight of the animal, how the animal responds to the medication ( have you ever finished treatment given out by your GP and had to go back because the condition has not totally cleared) and how accurate the owner is in administrating ant medication and/or following recuperation instructions.

So many variables.

My ver does have a fee for neutering depending n the weight of the animal and on condition the operation and recovery are straightforward.

I have always been given an estimate of cost for treatment when I have asked but it is tempered with the caution that it is an estimate only ,not a guarantee of costs.