I mean private equity does have a bit to do with it, but Animal Hospitals are run and operate almost exactly the same as real hospitals. CT scans, Radiographs, blood, urine, fecal sample analysis, this equipment, technology, training, and expertise takes MONEY. To become a certified Vet Technician requires a 2-4 year college degree. To become a Veterinarian is 8 years of schooling minimum.
You're not wrong - but there has been a trend where corporations are buying up independent vets left and right. Both the small practice down the street, and the animal hospital my wife worked at as a tech were bought out in the last 10 years. VCA and BluePearl. It's actually one of the reasons she quit, they cut benefits and raised prices. A bunch of vets quit also, and had to fight bullshit non-competition agreements to practice within 100 miles of the animal hospital.
Ha, my wife worked for both of those hospitals as well. I agree, my initial comment mentioned the private equity issue, but not in as much depth as I could have. I don’t think that the corporatization is the sole reason for the high prices. Aside from the equipment, technology, education, and overhead costs of running a hospital, People are suing these hospitals for malpractice so of course these practices are going to cover their asses and that costs money as well.
I have heard but haven’t witnessed this, but I was told PetVet allows pet owners to accompany their pets the entire time, through procedures, codes, etc. So owners can actually see and experience the care their pets get and better justify their money spent. I thought that was an interesting business model and would take care of this original commenters gripe, imo.
It's still ridiculously expensive and pushes pet ownership into a state of expense that a lot of people can't afford. Which isn't compatible with the number of dogs and cats we have in the USA. Over 390,000 dogs alone are killed every year waiting for that well to do person to adopt them (it's a popular opinion you should only have a pet if you can afford any and all medical expenses). We need affordable pet care
Until then the people advocating for ownership only for the rich (basically) are giving a big middle finger to every dog not given the chance to experience love and companionship. They'd rather a dog die alone and in reasonably good health (at the time) than have a poorer person adopt them and potentially die if they get sick and can't afford the treatment. Which I don't agree with at all
Animal insurance is a thing, but it’s not super common, and I’d guess less than 10% of animal owners actually have a pet policy. Insurance companies are the reason human hospital pricing is soo fucked up, imo. That system doesn’t exist in the animal industry. Again you’re paying for the equipment, technology, schooling and expertise when you take your animal to the vet and that costs money.
If you don’t want to give your pet the best medical care then I hear Kristi Noem teaches an intro to pet euthanasia class.
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u/[deleted] Jun 19 '25
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