Hi Ataahua. You raise a good point about payment plans. The reason they are not offered is that the rate of non-payment and bad debt is too high. Most vets will offer them informally to clients they know well, but making them available to all is not practical. All we can offer is services like ZipPay.
Regarding our fees, the services you described do not add up to $800. I can’t access your file without your real name, but I calculate $413.70 at 2020 prices even allowing for 24 hours in hospital and a higher cost blood test, plus consultation fee of $69.90 (see also our price list).
Regarding the use of natural therapies, please read our guide to the treatment of seizures in dogs. You are very fortunate if they are working for you, as this is not the common experience.
Lastly, regarding your views on the veterinary profession, I only wish you got to know some of us personally. You would then see that nothing is further from the truth. There aren’t many people who would continue doing any job if it was how you described.

That’s exactly right it’s just greed

Hi Sharyn. I’m sure you can find a vet who will perform this necessary service, especially if it’s an emergency. It won’t cost the vets much if you can offer to take your cat home afterwards. Just like the article says: 1) try several vets, and 2) credit is more likely from vets with which you already have a good relationship.

Hi Craig. This is a common problem. As I said in the article, vets have a right to charge what they feel is appropriate for services but you also have a right to search for a better price if you prefer. You may feel that paying $30 every 6 months is worth it to avoid changing vets if you value their service generally. A new vet will need to see your pet before prescribing.

All vets will need to see an animal at least every 6 months to be able to keep prescribing. Read our prescribing guidelines here.

Vets have trouble explaining charging just for services but this is essentially what vets always do- charge for their knowledge and experience. Prescribing is not as easy as it looks and it’s easy to make a terrible mistake if a vet isn’t careful.

Hope this helps.

A lot of the possible solutions to your son’s dog’s problems with his vet can be found in the article. I especially stress that you have the right to ask for a reasonably accurate estimate of costs before a procedure is undertaken, and the right to seek a second opinion. There are also normal consumer rights protections which may have applied in your son’s case. Have you thought of asking for a meeting with the practice manager? Vets generally are trying to do their best and will probably try to help if you explain your grievances.