What’s the #1 myth about veterinary care?

We know that sometimes your vet bill can feel like a lot – especially when you’re juggling other living costs. We get it. But here’s the important thing: it’s not because vets are charging too much, or trying to make money out of you.

Here’s the reality:

Vet care is not subsidised like human healthcare.

When we take our pet to the vet, it’s often the first time we’re faced with the real cost of healthcare.
**Re-read that again**

For us in New Zealand and Australia, our healthcare is heavily subsidised or free.

So, when we go to the vet, we have nothing to compare it to. We have to pay for the bandage, the vial, the syringe, the blood tests – and the vet’s time and medical expertise.

And without a subsidy, all that costs money. Your bill has to cover that cost. It’s simply that we aren’t used to paying for the actual cost of healthcare.

Your vet clinic is a mini-hospital.

When you visit your vet clinic, you see the reception area and maybe a consult room where you talk with the vet. What you don’t see is the fully-equipped, state-of-the-art hospital that lies behind those doors.

In many ways, your vet clinic is similar to a human hospital – with surgical suites, diagnostic blood labs, radiology equipment, and more. But unlike a human hospital, it’s the owner of the clinic who pays for all of this.

Vet clinics also employ a whole team of people (veterinarians, nurses, practice managers, admin and others), plus all the usual costs of running a business such as building rent and outgoings.

As you can see, that’s a lot of investment! And it’s all there to provide the best care for your pet.

Your vet is not trying to ‘upsell’ you.

Every vet wants to provide gold standard medicine to every animal in their care. Doing everything they can to help animals is the reason they became a vet.

Yet the reality is that clients will sometimes make decisions based on cost, and the vet has to adjust their treatment plan accordingly. That’s a difficult balancing act that vets face, every day. (And another reason why having pet insurance can be so worthwhile).

But one thing’s for sure – your vet will not recommend a treatment simply to make money.

Watch our video: “What it takes to run a vet clinic.”

THE TAKEAWAY

Yes, vet bills can feel expensive sometimes. But the veterinary industry is not filled with people who want to make money – instead, it’s filled with people who want to help your pet.

So next time you hear someone complain about a vet bill, politely explain the points above. Help spread the word and become a voice for our vets!