First, congratulations!
Second - in Virginia an owner can legally administer a rabies vaccine. However, it is not considered ‘official’ and if there is an exposure or bite the dog will be quarantined. But many people do give their dogs boosters if there is a possible exposure (especially hunting dogs), and then save the actual ‘official’ vaccine for the vet’s office so they can obtain the rabies certificate.
Third - I don’t believe anyone has indicated or stated that they do not appreciate the amount of education and training required of a veterinarian, nor do they begrudge the vet a living. However, veterinarians are people too, and there are great ones, good ones, and bad ones. Some are savvy businessmen, others aren’t but hire good people, and others - and I mean no insult here - are crooks.
Every other occupation or profession is similar. I’m not singling vets out for persecution.
You, as a student, face the same problem other students do -paying back loans. Most students have that problem and eventually they all pay it off - vets don’t deserve any more or less sympathy than any other student. It sucks. I’m sorry. I’m happy to see that some states are offering to pay for vet school for any student willing to go into large animal medicine. There is great need.
No one is complaining that they have to pay for veterinary care. We’re all horse owners - big vet bills are not exactly unheard of. We know vets are going to mark things up and make a profit. GOOD. They SHOULD.
And as a client (large or small animal) it’s our job to be informed, educated owners as well as savvy ones. And we also should not make demands upon our vets and then tie their hands behind their back and expect miracles.
What folks are complaining of is what they believe to be GOUGING. Excesses. Extremes. Boutique/exclusive/premium prices for ROUTINE care. Vets pressuring clients into expensive treatments, tests, drugs or injections, or using emotional manipulation.
Heck - there are posts on this thread, including yours, that are evidence of that type of manipulation (if the client doesn’t pay it means they don’t love their animal - just let it die? - wendy) You and a few others implying that the client just needs to cough up whatever the vet wants to charge?
Where I live small animal vet practices are ALL turning into upscale boutique type of practices that charge exorbitant prices for ROUTINE care, insist that they perform minor acts like clipping nails, insist that your dog or cat NEEDS a special diet that only THEY can sell you, insist insist insist.
I got a stern lecture from a vet about the need to keep a 16 year old dog on heartworm pills. Heartworm is dangerous it will kill them, if I wanted to be a good pet owner I should keep the dog on the pills- blah blah blah.
The vet was right. Absolutely. No argument. But the dog was 16. I’m pretty sure when he died it wasn’t going to be from heartworm. And as far as the criticism about me being a “good” pet owner - having a healthy 16 year old dog demonstrates a rather high degree of conscientiousness in that regard - as well as having a bunch more old healthy dogs and cats back home.
Again - NO ONE is saying vets can’t make a terrific living. What I believe people are trying to convey is their concern about what appears to be exorbitant prices for routine care, and that small animal vets appear to be morphing into something resembling a day spa or upscale boutique.
As a soon to be vet - you should be concerned about that trend. Because what no vet should want to see are people skimping on health care for their pet because they can no longer afford the prices being charged by vets.
And that goes for equine only large animal vets, too.
In spring 2008 I paid over $1100.00 for spring shots for 3 horses. Equine only vet.
In spring 2009 I paid $400.00 for spring shots for 3 horses. Conventional large animal vet.
Same shots. Same fee for farm call. Both vets are local. Both vets are excellent. Good service. Good care. Both vets have basic equipment in the truck but refer out if a specialist is needed.
I paid a premium for no reason. Not acceptable.
And I apologize if I have misunderstood any of the complaints here but I think that is what folks are complaining about.
It is true that ignorant owners make for unhealthy animals. But it is also true that exorbitant costs for routine care can also make for unhealthy animals - or an animal that the owner decides is too expensive to keep any longer - especially if times are tough. This poses a risk to animal health as well as human health.
I think it is possible to provide good veterinary care without gouging. I think it is also possible to be a good pet owner and not opt for prescription diets, special pills, potions, or question costs and shop for better prices.
Just like a veterinarian is also a businessman, the pet owner is also a consumer. Consumer’s shop. Compare prices and services, question charges, and complain if they do not feel they receive good service or value for their dollar.
That’s the way it is. Eventually in your practice you’ll have to deal with such a pet owner. I fervently hope you will not accuse them of not loving their pet enough or being a bad owner.
[QUOTE=Pancakes;4203377]
You are VERY ignorant in how veterinary care actually works, the laws and regulations governing it, and the reality of patient health. Vaccines CANNOT be legally administered by an owner if it is a Rabies vaccine, Ignorant owners make for unhealthy animals.
How incredibly insulting to insinuate that veterinarians LIE to clients and are only in it to pad their wallets.
For everyone that is complaining about the cost…how would YOU like it if people constantly belittled the cost of the services you provide, complain that you’re only in it for the money and don’t care about anything else,[/QUOTE]
