Are Vets Expensive?

The bond between an owner and their pet is hugely important and it is understandable that people become concerned if they feel this relationship is being exploited. Recent TV and newspaper articles have played on this fear, claiming to be exposing a flawed and corrupt veterinary profession, when nothing could be further from the truth. This is frustrating for my colleagues and I; it erodes the vital bond of trust between an owner and their vet, can make it more difficult for us to persuade them of the correct treatment or investigations for their animal and is very depressing.

One of the issues we have in the UK is that because of the NHS, many people are not aware of the true cost of medical and surgical care, or of the medications themselves. For example, the price of a bitch spay, will vary between practices and sizes of dog, but the average is probably around £200. Compare this to the equivalent human operation, a hysterectomy, which comes in at several thousand pounds. Clearly it is not surprising the human surgery is more costly but when one considers that the comparative levels of expertise and care are similar; both require experienced surgeons, nurses and involve both pre and post operative care, you can see how vets are providing great value for money.

I think many people feel feel that the money they pay for their pet´s care goes straight into the vets back pocket but running a veterinary surgery is expensive, particularly in terms of staff. For each vet in the practice there is likely to be at least one veterinary nurse, not to mention receptionists, support staff and managers. Veterinary medicine is very manpower heavy; most patients will need at least two people to care for them; one to hold them and a second to administer medication, anaesthetics or operate. Also, most practices have extensive levels of equipment such as x-ray and ultrasound machines, surgical instruments and medications, all of which need to to stored and maintained. The veterinary profession is highly regulated to ensure safety and high practicing standards, something we are very proud of, but it also comes at a cost.

Vets are very hard working, regularly doing 10 hour days or longer and many also cover their own ´out-of-hours´ duties for emergencies. In fact, all vets have a legal obligation to provide 24 hour care for their patients, it is one of our guiding principles. However, our average salaries rarely reflect this commitment, especially compared to our human equivalent, the GP, who has ´opted out´ of round-the-clock care. A typical assistant vet´s wage will be about £35,000, which is well below that of other similarly qualified professionals. GP´s, for example take home around £100,000. Vets, and their nurses who earn even less, are not in this profession to make money and nor do we want to be. We chose our job because we enjoy working with animals and their owners and care passionately about animal welfare.

Often vets are placed in an extremely difficult position by people who are unable to pay for their animals. All vets are pet lovers and many will provide discounted care to those in need. However, they cannot do this for all as ultimately they have a responsibility to keep their business afloat and profitable. Also, vets are a highly trained professionals providing an expert service, so of course should charge for their time and expertise. Ultimately owning a pet is a privilege and not a right and it is the owner who is responsible for their animal´s health care needs. There are several charities who provide low cost or free treatment for those on low incomes but it doesn´t stop vets coming under an almost daily pressure over costs.

I am proud to be a vet and to be part of a hard working, animal loving and honest profession. I accept that there are always going to be elements who do not practice to the highest standards or have dubious charging methods but these are few and far between. I have no issue with such people being exposed but in my experience the shows or articles on this subject concentrate on this tiny minority and tar us all with the same brush, damaging the public´s perception of vets and making our job harder. However, I believe that the vast majority of pet owners are very happy with their vet, trusts them and understands that we practice only to serve and protect the best interests of their animals.