The ASAVA acknowledge with thanks the contribution from Comfund for the production of this brochure.
The Australian Small Animal Veterinary Association
PO Box 674 Surry Hills NSW 2010
Tel 02 9211 8899 Fax 02 9211 8851
The text of this page was taken from an ASAVA brochure.
A veterinarian often can't make a diagnosis based on clinical signs only as observed by an owner. The outward signs may be an indication of any number of internal causes with a wide variety of clinical treatments.
A complete physical examination is usually required to determine the cause of the clinical signs. It can be very difficult to come up with an accurate diagnosis and rational plan of treatment if the vet hasn't seen the animal.
It also can be unethical and illegal to prescribe prescription animal remedies (S4 drugs) for an animal that hasn't been physically examined by a veterinarian.
If there were no satisfactory financial arrangements made for payment, veterinary practices would end up operating at a loss, eventually to the point of having to close. Most veterinary practices have Eftpos facilities and accept major credit cards, but if you don't have one perhaps you could ask a relative or friend for a loan.
Most responsible pet owners have a regular veterinarian, who will work out a payment plan with their regular clients. The problem arises with people who have pets that do not get regular veterinary care, but seek and demand services in an emergency situation without guaranteeing payment.
Veterinarians have an ethical obligation to relieve an animal's pain and suffering by appropriate use of painkillers regardless of the financial status of their owners. However, this obligation doesn't extend to diagnostic tests, treatments, or extensive hospital stays.
Each veterinarian sets the fee for service based on the nature and technique of the treatment, the expertise available as well as the cost of supplying the service. This will include salaries, overheads and specialist equipment.
Veterinarians are doing their part to control the pet population by offering desexing surgery at approximately half its actual cost.
Desexing is a major surgical procedure for your pet. It requires the time of at least two highly trained staff, anaesthetics, sterilised instruments and hospitalisation of the animal.
A comparable procedure (Hysterectomy) for humans costs many times more, but your friendly vet provides the service for less than a tune up on the family car.
When measured against the cost of feeding and nurturing a litter of unwanted kittens or puppies, desexing is much more cost-effective.
A responsible pet owner can budget in advance to afford the desexing of their pet. If you saved $5-10 a week from the time you obtain a six to eight week old pet, by the time the pet is six to seven months old you will have more than enough to have the surgery performed at any veterinary practice.
Also desexing is not an emergency procedure. It can be performed at any time it is convenient.
Fees cover the procedures provided for the animal including an examination, appropriate tests, treatment and medication. Some problems can require long-term treatment or involve multiple or changing causes. Treatment may be ongoing. To effect a cure is not always possible. You are paying for an honest attempt to diagnose and treat a problem. There is no implied guarantee.
If treatment fails because the disease is incurable, there is a cost incurred if the animal has to be euthanased as it involves skilled administration of a lethal drug and often disposal of the body on behalf of the client.
Veterinary fees by comparison with other professional services are not excessive.
One reason you sometimes feel you are paying more for your pet's health care than for your own, is that the costs of human health care in this country are heavily supported by government funds and private health insurance thus you're never hit with a true bottom-line figure.
Bear in mind your veterinarian is not only your pet's general physician, but also their surgeon, radiologist, dermatologist, neurologist, psychiatrist, oncologist and their pharmacist as well.
The extent of care given to any animal is determined ultimately by its owner. A certain level of expenditure is associated with pet ownership, just as with all areas of life except those where responsibility is assumed by the government. If you place a low value on the worth of a pet, then you should probably not accept the responsibility for keeping one.
Every pet owner has different ideas as to what is acceptable pet care. Veterinarians can only make their clients aware of products and services available, then guide them in their choices regarding the most important health options for their pet. It is up to the owner to make the choice. Veterinarians are very aware that for most of us, the decision to spend a substantial sum on a pet has to be balanced against the needs of the family as a whole.
Generally you get what you pay for. If the price is too low, your expectations may not be met.
If you shop around you may not receive consistent care from one veterinary practice and your pet's history and treatment details may not be on record at the practice you have currently chosen to attend. Hence vital information about your pet's health will not be available to your current choice of veterinarian and your pet's care may be compromised if you change veterinarians frequently, particularly if your pet has a chronic medical condition.
By all means use discretion when choosing a veterinary practice. Always find out exactly what you are paying for and if dissatisfied with the service find another practice.
As with all services, cost is just one of many criteria by which a veterinarian's service should be judged.
The ASAVA acknowledge with thanks the contribution from Comfund for the production of this brochure.
The Australian Small Animal Veterinary Association
PO Box 674 Surry Hills NSW 2010
Tel 02 9211 8899 Fax 02 9211 8851