Pet Peeve #1: What Is Your Vet Worth?

I am becoming of the opinion that our veterinarians are becoming salespeople. It is obvious to me that the relationship between veterinarians and their clients is changing. Vets are losing traditional ways of making money. Personally, I think it is a crime that a veterinary office visit is only $50.00 to $60.00. No wonder they up sell everything from vaccines to foods to medications to lab work. ($30 for a $3 vaccine? Really?) I think that it is time that they charge for their education, experience, compassion, expertise, specialty, bedside manner, customer service, proactive care and time. When vets do not rely on product sales for their wages and profits, their consultations are free from commercially vested interests.

 

I am more than willing to pay for private appointments with my vet. Whether charging by the hour, quarter or half hour or even minute, that personal time and attention with my vet is invaluable to my fur-kids, myself and the relationship I want to share with my vet. Knowing what an individual consultation is going to cost up front, and having consecutive visits, maintenance protocols and yearly exams explained, is not only forthright, but can help me budget vet expenses. Services that meet my needs and offer convenience, time savings, and value mean so much more than inflated retail pricing. YES! The unforeseen happens. I know that I need to plan for those as well. But having a proactive and interactive vet-patient relationship is imperative.

 

A bit of perspective here. Most vets are hospitals! They have exceptionally high fixed costs as they have expensive equipment (x-ray machines, hematology systems, chemistry machines. anesthetizing machines, autoclaves, pulse oximeters, ECG and blood pressure monitoring equipment) and perform surgeries. This is before you add overhead; hospital costs not including the vets time and materials cost, but hospital stock, non-veterinary personnel (techs, therapists, office), rent and utilities. Overhead expenses nationally are between $2 and $3 per minute or $120-$180 per hour! (Ackerman DVM DACVD MBA MPA) Remember, there must be a vet or other staff member to drive services to the hospital, or the entire cost of the overhead comes out of the pocket of the practice owner(s).

 

I also have a responsibility to my vet. It is up to me to provide her with my fur-kids medical history and inform her of any changes my fur-kids may be experiencing. I also understand that it is expected of me to keep my appointments and be on time. I should be charged for the time that my vet sets aside for me, even if I am late or do not show up. At a minimum, I should be required to have a yearly head-to-tail exam to keep my position as an existing patient.

 

I want my vet to make attention, education and compassion a priority. I want her to talk to me as the professional an educated, experienced vet is. When service is provided, my fur-kids and myself benefit and my vet is rewarded for their professional contributions.