The cost of owning a pet seems to be constantly increasing. Even paying for routine items and services such as pet food, parasite prevention, and grooming can put a strain on one’s pocketbook.
If you’ve been in to see us at Pets In Stitches, you know we offer an affordable alternative for routine services. However, even we have significant expenses that must be covered, and prices can be expected to eventually increase here, as well as at other clinics. Keep reading to learn more about the cost of veterinary care, why it can be so expensive, and why it’s worth it to you and your pet.
The True Cost of Veterinary Care
It’s easy to think that veterinary care is too expensive, but the advances in veterinary medicine over the past twenty years correlate with an increase in cost. Let’s take a look at what it takes to maintain a state-of-the-art facility.
- Goods and services – Almost all of the equipment used in modern veterinary hospitals is also used on human patients. The prices are no different either.
- Amazing staff – Veterinary staff are the backbone of any good practice, but hiring and maintaining a highly skilled, reliable staff isn’t cheap. Salaries must be competitive in order to attract and retain quality employees. Having the best team possible allows us to perform surgeries and manage patients in an even more timely, efficient, safe and experienced way.
- Overhead – Veterinary facilities face significant overhead costs, including rent, utilities, zoning and other ordinances, advertising, and so much more.
- Quality Pharmaceuticals – the wide variety of medications and surgical pharmaceuticals used in veterinary care, surgeries and more can be expensive for clinics since we use them in large quantities. Since veterinarians have no control over these prices, it can raise the overall overhead of the clinic or hospital.
While the vast majority of veterinarians and staff are deeply committed to animals and want nothing more than to provide the best possible care, running a veterinary practice is still a business. In order for any business to thrive, it must turn a profit, and veterinary practices are no different.
We’re happy to answer any questions or concerns you might have about the cost of veterinary care. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for help developing a plan that meets the needs of your budget and your pet!
