It’s no secret that vet visits can be expensive and it’s a pet parents’ responsibility to seek professional help for their dog’s medical care. But when slapped with an exorbitant bill at the end of the exam, you may be wondering where exactly all that money is going.
The fact is, vets make high profits off of the medications, vaccines, and tests that they give to their furry clients. And while this makes some people frustrated, it’s important to remember that making money is a necessary part of running a fully-stocked and staffed clinic. However, with a little prior knowledge, you may be able to save some money when it comes to your dog’s next vet visits .
If you ever feel like you’re getting overcharged or pushed into procedures that you think are unnecessary, it never hurts to get cost estimates from other clinics or a second opinion.
1. Vets charge clients 2-3x what they pay for medication
When your vet prescribes a medication for your furry friend, know that they’re likely charging double or triple what they paid for it. Specialty medications are probably best bought directly through your veterinarian to be on the safe side — after all, it’s your pup’s health you’re dealing with — but more standard drugs like heartworm and tick medication can be cheaper if purchased online. In addition to being able to shop around, legitimate sites contact your vet before fulfilling your order as a safeguard to make sure the drug and dosage are approved. If the trustworthiness of a website makes you wary, you can run a search on the brand through the Better Business Bureau online.
2. Vaccines are a moneymaker at 5-10x their cost
Vaccines are a necessary part of a pooch’s preventive care, and they’re also one of the biggest ways that vets make a profit. While your dog should be inoculated to stay healthy, it’s possible that she doesn’t need a whole panel of shots every single year. Some vaccinations are only needed every 3 years, and others are only necessary for dogs living certain lifestyles (for instance, a dog who never goes to daycare or dog parks may not need a Bordetella shot for kennel cough). Talk to your vet about what vaccines you may be able to avoid, and when in doubt, it never hurts to get a second opinion.
3. Labs will cost you double what they cost the vet
Labs and bloodwork are other types of tests that vets make a profit on, but sometimes, it’s necessary to spend that money in order to diagnose your dog and keep him as healthy as possible. Again, if you feel like your vet is overcharging or recommending unnecessary or redundant tests, seek another opinion. As mentioned above, you can always call different clinics to get price estimates before agreeing to a procedure — and you should if you feel like they’re taking advantage of clients.
When all is said and done, the health and wellbeing of our pets is priceless. But you can still save money without sacrificing quality care. Perhaps the most valuable thing you can do is take the time to find a vet that you like and trust!