Many pet owners are feeling the pinch as corporate vet clinics hike prices, leaving them in a tough spot.
This isn’t just her story. Many pet owners are noticing their vet bills skyrocketing. It’s all happening as big corporations buy up local clinics, changing the game for pet care.
Before 2010, most vets were independent. Now, over half of emergency and specialty clinics are owned by just a few corporations. VetStrategy, VCA Canada, and NVA Canada are the big players, owning hundreds of clinics across the country.
To dig deeper, CBC’s Marketplace sent a healthy dog named Stella to various corporate clinics. The vets all agreed she likely had a urinary tract infection, but the treatment costs varied wildly. Exam fees were similar, but diagnostic tests ranged from $47 to $175.
Dr. Ivan Zak, a vet from Moncton, pointed out that corporate clinics often play with pricing. They know people will ask about exam fees but not about the costs of tests. This can lead to unexpected bills.
One vet even suggested extra tests that seemed unnecessary, raising the bill even higher. Zak worries that these practices are pushing pet owners into a corner, where they can’t afford the care their pets need.
VetStrategy claims their vets follow ethical guidelines and consider both the pet’s needs and the owner’s financial situation. But many feel the focus is more on profits than on care.
Former employees have shared that prices started climbing after their clinics were sold to these corporations. They noticed multiple price hikes in a single year, often without clear reasons.
The lack of transparency is concerning. Many clinics don’t even advertise their corporate ownership, leaving pet owners in the dark. Terzic, for instance, had no idea her vet was part of a larger corporation until after her experience.
Tim Arthur, president of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, believes corporate involvement isn’t the main issue behind rising costs. He thinks there are many factors at play, including the costs of medications and equipment.
Despite the challenges, Terzic is determined to find a vet that prioritizes care over profits. After her experience, she took Guppy elsewhere and found the treatment he needed without the hefty price tag.
