I Deserve a Discount!
All the time I hear comments whining about the cost of these spay/neuter surgeries. "But we can't afford it!" "I'm a good pet owner. I deserve a discount!" "But if the vets didn't charge so much more people could get it done." "If vets would do spays and neuters for free, we wouldn't have so many homeless pets!"
Lots of issues here.
First, no matter where you have your pet's surgery done, the vet is losing money. The true cost of the time, materials, instruments, staffing, anesthesia, monitors, etc. is staggering. Most vets use the surgery as a loss leader, and donate the difference as 'community service.'
A discount? According to Veterinary Economics, a well-managed practice will net 25% after expenses. Note the words well-managed. Since most vets are trained as DOCTORS and not BUSINESSMEN, your average veterinary hospital is not so well-managed, and therefore nets even less. In most single doctor practices, the vet's salary comes out of what is left over. Around here a lot of these rescue groups want at LEAST a 25%, if not 50% discount. So not only is the vet now working for free, he's actually paying out of his own pocket to cover these discounts. So, good pet owner, no discount for you. You took on the responsibility of pet ownership, you pay the price. As for rescue groups, many vets do give discounts. But keep in mind that they do it for community service, not because their regular prices are expensive.
Lastly, the pet overpopulation problem is a community issue, not the veterinarian's fault. Heck, even human beings have problems getting their medical needs met if they have no insurance. So if people fall through the cracks, so do animals. Yes, there are a lot of services for indigent people for medical and dental care DONATED by these professionals. And many veterinarians donate their time and expertise to rescue groups and humane organizations.
But it seems more and more lately that people want all vets to work on the cheap, on owned pets as well as strays. Pet ownership is a priviledge, not a right. Your vet deserves to make a living. Stop demanding freebies.
Lots of issues here.
First, no matter where you have your pet's surgery done, the vet is losing money. The true cost of the time, materials, instruments, staffing, anesthesia, monitors, etc. is staggering. Most vets use the surgery as a loss leader, and donate the difference as 'community service.'
A discount? According to Veterinary Economics, a well-managed practice will net 25% after expenses. Note the words well-managed. Since most vets are trained as DOCTORS and not BUSINESSMEN, your average veterinary hospital is not so well-managed, and therefore nets even less. In most single doctor practices, the vet's salary comes out of what is left over. Around here a lot of these rescue groups want at LEAST a 25%, if not 50% discount. So not only is the vet now working for free, he's actually paying out of his own pocket to cover these discounts. So, good pet owner, no discount for you. You took on the responsibility of pet ownership, you pay the price. As for rescue groups, many vets do give discounts. But keep in mind that they do it for community service, not because their regular prices are expensive.
Lastly, the pet overpopulation problem is a community issue, not the veterinarian's fault. Heck, even human beings have problems getting their medical needs met if they have no insurance. So if people fall through the cracks, so do animals. Yes, there are a lot of services for indigent people for medical and dental care DONATED by these professionals. And many veterinarians donate their time and expertise to rescue groups and humane organizations.
But it seems more and more lately that people want all vets to work on the cheap, on owned pets as well as strays. Pet ownership is a priviledge, not a right. Your vet deserves to make a living. Stop demanding freebies.
posted by Dr. Snark @ 1:12 PM
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