Unfortunately I know too many people that can afford outlandish vet bills. But I see where you are going.
It bothers me to no end, though, when we have clients that come in and deny certain care due to money, yet will turn around and get another puppy or kitten. If you cannot afford the first pet, than don't get a second, third or fourth. I guess that's the side of this debate that I'm talking about.
Things happen, people lose their jobs, get their paychecks cut or get sick themselves and have to pay their own medical costs. I think life's unexpected surprises should be in a different category than people who straight up don't have enough money to even feed themselves.
In my little city, we have 4 big vet hospitals. The main ones are the one I work at, a cheap, cheap vet hospital (Lots of complaints coming from that place) and an expensive, state of the art hospital. I realize that not everyone has the ability to pick and chose, but for those that do, know which place offers what. If I were in a pinch and needed a pet looked at right now, and my vet was not available or too expensive, I'd use that cheap vet. I doubt I'd ever step foot into the expensive place. Not only is the head doctor a jerk, but their medicine isn't nearly as good as the place I work at or the 3rd vet office who is very similar to the one I work for. I hope that made sense.
Life happens, I get that. And if you are in the position to put aside $2g in a rainy day account, more power to you. But we all know that when it rains, it pours. What would you do if your car broke down and cost up to $2g and the dog broke its leg? Than what? The pet is a living creature that is in pain, but in order to get the pet to the hospital, you'll need your car. Most of us will see a way around this dilemma, but 90% of the others will just simply sit down and claim they have no money period for either.
Exotic pets... whether it's a bird, hamster or an expensive Koi fish, you need to know what your veterinary budget is. Be realistic. Don't expect to spend $100 bucks on a sick Koi fish. Specialty vets are expensive.. and Koi fish are a specialty pet.
But once again, keeping our pets healthy without medical intervention should be a priority. Everyone on this site knows not to put an 8wk old puppy on the ground in a dog park. But other people think nothing of it and than cannot afford parvo treatment. it's the stupidity of owners that bothers me. I'm not saying that they should read up on every possible disease that dogs can catch, but be smart about some of the more common ones, like Parvo, and how to avoid it. Is it a 100% guarantee that the puppy won't get it because you dip your shoes in bleach before entering the home? No. But it lessens the chance by a lot.
Which is why I come back to PUBLIC EDUCATION. That is what this site is all about and I think we all do a pretty good job. But, we are only touching such a small percent of people that its not being as effective as it should or could be. I tell people at work all the time with puppies, don't put them on the ground. Most listen, even more don't. Its just a never ending battle.
