SAN FRANCISCO – Dave Lambert knew something was wrong with 12-year-old Ender last Thursday when one of his family's two cats suddenly stopped eating. Ender is a sensitive pet who recognizes the sounds of the Lamberts' car, and regularly recognizes sounds. Greet them at the door.
Dave and his wife Lena canceled a weekend trip to Denver to celebrate their mother's 80th birthday.th On his birthday, Ender undergoes a series of tests, which reveal that he has cancer. By Sunday, when it became clear Ender could not be saved, the vet bill had already reached $6,500. Euthanizing him at home will cost an additional $500.
Lambert, the San Francisco financial expert, said he sees an 80 to 90 percent chance that the rapidly mounting charges won't lead to keeping the cat alive, but that it's reasonably possible for such a beloved member. He said he felt he had to do everything. family.
“What surprised both Lena and I was that we had no idea how attached we were to him and how much it was taking a toll on us,” he said.
Americans of all income levels are facing higher veterinary costs as they care for their beloved animals, which can significantly impact household finances and, in some cases, complicate already difficult decisions. .
Veterinarians have reported a significant increase in the cost of operating their clinics in recent years, especially since the pandemic, and those costs will inevitably be passed on to customers.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, prices for veterinary services in urban areas rose 7.9% from February 2023 to February 2024, more than 2.5 times higher than the average for all consumer items. Compared to two years ago, veterinary care in urban areas has increased by 11%, and in the past 10 years it has skyrocketed by nearly 60%.
A survey conducted earlier this year by USA TODAY Blueprint found that 91% of pet owners endure some degree of financial stress due to the cost of caring for their pets. A Forbes Advisor poll last summer found that 63% of dog and cat owners said inflation had made it harder to pay for unexpected veterinary bills, and 42% said they would pay less if their bill was $999 or less. I answered that I would take out a loan.
Surgery costs soar after pit bull attack
Mika and Angie Cacopardo spent $17,000 on surgeries and other treatments for their 3-year-old greyhound, Lenny, after he was attacked by a pit bull at a dog park in Raleigh, North Carolina, two years ago. . Large cuts and badly torn skin.
The sudden expense has put a huge strain on the family budget of a young couple who had been saving up for their first child.
“At first, I was like, 'Start swiping this visa, I'll think about it later,'” said Mika, 33, a construction estimator at a home damage restoration company. “I literally had no plans, and that's the difficult part. If I had known six months ago, it would have been a lot easier.”
The Cacopardos have gotten some help by starting a GoFundMe page that has raised more than $4,000 in donations, but they're still left with a lot of debt and the veterinary industry needs to “ensure that customers have the knowledge to do better.” He said he felt that there was. He said.
“It’s an out-of-pocket expense for most people.”
High prices for services and medicines can cause sticker shock for the estimated 95% to 97% of pet owners who, unlike the general population, do not have health insurance coverage, and health insurance requires employment. There is no subsidy from the Lord.
“This is more like other service industries than human medicine,” said Dr. David Lee, associate dean and professor at Cornell University's School of Veterinary Medicine. “For most people, it's an out-of-pocket expense.”
Lee cited several reasons why veterinary care costs are rising. They cite a shortage of veterinarians (some forced into retirement during the stressful years of the pandemic, others drawn to specialty care and emergency clinics) and a chronic shortage of technicians. Ta.
Increased demand from a pandemic-era surge in pet adoptions and the ensuing tightening of the labor market are driving up labor costs, which can account for 60% of a clinic's expenses, Lee said. Ta. Other factors include more expensive drugs and technologically advanced diagnostic tests, as well as increased corporate consolidation and the growing presence of private equity firms in the industry.
About 25% of the nation's 30,000 veterinary hospitals are owned by major chains, and that percentage triples for more expensive emergency and specialty clinics, the Associated Press reported. Independent veterans worry that a profit-driven approach could lead to higher prices and worse care.
“As investors seek more and more returns, the easiest way is to increase fees, which will then be passed on to customers,” Lee said. “We are extremely concerned that within the next few years, 35% of pet owners may no longer have access to affordable veterinary care.”
Some pet owners postpone care
Dr. Link Welborn, owner of an independent network of eight pet hospitals in and around Tampa, Fla., said consolidation has increased competition for veterinarians and veterinarians, adding, “That's going to lead to wage inflation and “This is contributing to increased costs for consumers.”
He cited other spending increases over the past four years, such as medical equipment and supplies, all of which are second only to increases in payroll costs. This requires difficult decisions for clients.
“Unfortunately, higher costs reduce affordability, leading some owners to delay pet care, especially wellness care, or to require a payment plan if their pet becomes ill,” Welborn said. It will happen,” he said.
In many cases, putting off preventive treatments, including vaccinations, is exactly the opposite of what industry experts recommend for pet owners looking to reduce veterinary costs. That's because a veterinarian examination can reveal problems that can lead to more expensive treatment later on.
Pet insurance is an option for some people
There are several other ways you can reduce costs. For example, take advantage of adoption options at pet hospitals that offer adoption options, or consult a triage service such as FirstVet, VetTriage, or the Humane Society's free pet helpline before taking your pet to an expensive hospital. and so on. Emergency clinic.
Rising costs of care are making pet insurance a more attractive option for some people. Plans cost on average $660 per year for dogs and about $560 per year for cats, depending on features.
Dr. Lena Carlson, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, said the trade group is encouraging pet owners to consider insurance and prepare for unexpected expenses.
“Preventive care is the key to catching problems early and addressing them early, before they become very costly emergencies,” she said.
