Pet Lovers

[Imaoldhippie]

Yes I agree vet care is expensive.  However, I worked part time for a vet in the 80's doing reception and cleaning the clinic.

The animal drug companies charged a vet twice as much for medications and supplies than they do a human doctor at that time & some of the medication (Penicillin for example) was the same as used for humans.

I would expect it is even worse now.  All the pharmaceutical companies need to be regulated on their costs as they are out of control.

[chiclet]

Having a pet is very expensive,,,,, not only the vet but the medications and food.  I went into Petsmart wanting to find another wet can food to try them on since they are so picky and most was over $4.00 a can.  It is becoming cost prohibitive for many people.  I am a senior and we would be so lonely without our little dogs.  They give us love and company and make us laugh.  I am fortunate that I have been able to afford them but so many seniors on a tight budget cannot and they are the ones who would benefit most from have a pet.  

[We rescue cats]

Talking about meds . . . many times the vet has written the RX and I've had it filled at Walmart. I do not run it thru my coverage, though I probably could do so. I did this with Lasix that my oldest Maine Coon needed (they are prone to cardiac issues) and it saved me $20 a month! Not a fortune but I thought it was substantial enough to do so. 

[Venezia]

When my senior cat (now gone) needed a particular medicine, my vet checked on it, then sent the prescription to Walmart.  She said it was the same pill, whether for humans or cats - but at Walmart the cost was less than $7, as opposed to $30 for the "animal" version supplied to the vet's surgery.

Same quantity, exact same pill.  The vet was not to blame for what her office was being charged by Pharma.

[slmsia]

@Imaoldhippie 

I totally agree with you...both human and pets. 

[slmsia]

@chiclet 

Bless you!  I know what you mean.  I could not live without my little dog (and big cat).  It is a shame.  

[Tinkrbl44]

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@Imaoldhippie wrote:

Yes I agree vet care is expensive.  However, I worked part time for a vet in the 80's doing reception and cleaning the clinic.

The animal drug companies charged a vet twice as much for medications and supplies than they do a human doctor at that time & some of the medication (Penicillin for example) was the same as used for humans.

I would expect it is even worse now.  All the pharmaceutical companies need to be regulated on their costs as they are out of control.

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@Imaoldhippie 

Walmart fills pet prescriptions, and I'm pretty sure they're more reasonable than what a vet's office would charge.  

JMO, of course.  

[Kachina624]

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@We rescue cats wrote:

I think we have a good vet but I do think she is somewhat mercenary but no moreso than any other vet in our area. And I do agree that the high cost of vet care is contributing to the number of animals being abandoned most folks are not prepared for the high cost of veterinary care. 

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@We rescue cats.  It certainly should be a consideration before acquiring a pet.  Non-pet owners have no idea that charges just for shots and an annual exam are hundreds of dollars or a teeth cleaning for an older animal can run $600-$800.  Diagnostic tests are the same as my medical clinic charges.

For a new pet owner, these charges are an unpleasant surprise.  Man6 people on budgets are unable to afford them.

[Kachina624]

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@chiclet wrote:

Having a pet is very expensive,,,,, not only the vet but the medications and food.  I went into Petsmart wanting to find another wet can food to try them on since they are so picky and most was over $4.00 a can.  It is becoming cost prohibitive for many people.  I am a senior and we would be so lonely without our little dogs.  They give us love and company and make us laugh.  I am fortunate that I have been able to afford them but so many seniors on a tight budget cannot and they are the ones who would benefit most from have a pet.  

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@chiclet.  You're right and the price of dog food has sky-rocketed since the pandemic.  I spend about $100/mo for two medium size dogs,  and don't buy premium food.

[Sunshine Kate]

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@NYwoman wrote:

Because

of the excessive fees pets lose their homes because the family can't afford the medical (vet) fee.  And others are euthanized early or unnecessarily for the same reason.  Euthanizing a pet is now $500 or more.

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Don't know about all states, but some humane societies do euthanizing of a dog/cat for $60 (under 50 pounds) and $75 for over $50 pounds.