vet charges

Nomad25

Snowman2 - if ever I move to your neck of the woods, I'll be pm'ing you for details of how to sign-up to your practice.

Nomad25

Hi Fleago - I agree in principle with what you are saying, however 99% of the vets in our area have joined this Vetsnow franchise which covers all out of hours/weekend calls. They appear extremely pricey and some of the owners I have heard from are reeling from the bills [nevertheless grateful their pet is treated] and having seen itemised copies, I would have to say that even the most minor of ailments is subjected to extensive and "very thorough" range of tests and procedures.

TheShrew

Hi everyone!
I think most of the relevant points have probably been covered here but its a subject close to my heart and I couldn't resist posting!
I work for an emergency clinic where we cover for a fair number of vet practices locally, not vetsnow ;-).
I've struggled with the cost issue myself, it took me a few years to stop feeling embarrassed about charging for my/our services. But now I do realise that generally people get what they pay for.
Our charges at night are what I would consider reasonably expensive, but our clients get an excellent service. The animals have constant attention through the night, their treatment plans altered for every slight change. If surgery is necessary it is done then and there whatever time, how often does that happen in human medicine?
I dont know the exact details but I do know that we struggle to break even from the night work, so the higher prices are necessary to cover us being here and the hospital being open 24hrs.
I'm here all night and if an old lady whats to phone up and chat about her cat that she thinks might be ill, but basically she's on her own and worrying, I'm happy to do that; if someones sitting up watching their pet anxiously because its unwell but cant afford/doesnt want to come in I'm happy to talk to them with reassurance or advice. All of this is free, but of course its not really, its subsidised by all our other charges, and noone can really complain about that because oneday they'll need a little reassurance in the middle of the night too.

Really I think the best answer is pet insurance.
It stops owners having to worry about bills when their pet is ill in the middle of the night.
It stops me having to feel awkward about taking money from people who may not have much.
It allows us to do whatever investigation/treatment is in the best interest of the patient without having to cut corners because of cost.
It might be interesting for someone to start a thread with their experiences with different insurance companies? I know some are better than others for service and cost but its often hard to tell until you're trying to claim.

Anyway, now I've got that off my chest I feel a little better!
thanks for listening to my little rant! Sx

Fleago

Nomad25 wrote: »

Hi Fleago - I agree in principle with what you are saying, however 99% of the vets in our area have joined this Vetsnow franchise which covers all out of hours/weekend calls. They appear extremely pricey and some of the owners I have heard from are reeling from the bills [nevertheless grateful their pet is treated] and having seen itemised copies, I would have to say that even the most minor of ailments is subjected to extensive and "very thorough" range of tests and procedures.

Hi Nomad,

I reckon that's a good example of the other side of the coin. I wouldn't be a happy bunny if the veterinary provision in my area changed to provision such as you're describing!

Hi Shrew,

Good to hear your experiences too. But I'd like to say that my vet practice, reasonably charged as it is, doesn't cut corners because of cost and would also operate at any time of the day or night if it was needed. If I'm worried about one of my animals and whether it needs treatment, I can call them at any time.

I guess you do get what you pay for, so maybe I'm just lucky getting an A+ service at prices that seem more reasonable than many others are being charged.

tishywish

What do I think vets deserve to get paid?

The good ones, who turn out in all weathers without a complaint, for my horse, are sympathetic yet realistic, who know what they are doing most of the time and are always open minded, and who appreciate that sometimes yes, the owner does know more than them on a particular subject - that sort of vet is invaluable. I've known many like that over the years, small animal vets who go the extra mile for their client and large animal vets who will actually listen to me and I never have a problem paying anything I'm charged. I think newly qualified vets get under £20k a year don't they? I'd hope that a good practice would soon bump that up for decent vets and I'd say they should be in the £32k+ bracket at least.

Vets who won't listen, treat me like an imbecile, are scared of my animals, and who give treatment that's not needed - totally worthless!

I've been with my vets for nearly 30 years now so you could say I'm happy with them The range of tests available now are worth the extra cost of treatment in themselves - I don't mind paying more for a visit knowing that some of that is going towards keeping the practice up to date.

OTOH I don't want to pay more for drugs for ongoing treatment than I need to - at the end of the day, saving some on drugs may mean more money available for tests to be done so for longer term drug treatment I'd check out internet prices first, from reputable suppliers. For short term use and, obviously, for emergency drugs I'd stick with my vets but, as an example, a painkiller for my horse that she was on for months cost £50ish pcm from the vets, £30 online and saving that £20 per month meant I was able to use that money for other treatments for her.

DKLS

snowman2 wrote: »

In 2000 I was earning £16500 a year, £40K is currently top-end for a salaried position, maybe a little more down south but that is your limit without owning a practice.

I am actually shocked at this, I would expected vets to be paid more than this. I wouldnt do all the studying and on going studying that a vet has to do for 40K PA.

Personally when I take an animal to the Vet, I want my animal see a talented motivated vet, who keeps up with the latest best practice and developments in veterinary medicine.
Who invests in good staff, premises and modern equipment.

Not someone concerned how they are going to pay their mortgage, because they are not being sufficiently rewarded for their talents.