This is an endlessly debated topic. As with every other industry, the cost of veterinary care varies depending on many different factors. But do you receive a higher standard of care with a higher price? And is there actually a difference between price and value? Let’s discuss.

Table of contents

Firstly, veterinary practice is a business

It may seem strange, but like many other veterinary professionals, I hate admitting that veterinary care is a business. This is partly because many of us grew up dreaming of helping animals, with little regard for the business side of things until we were forced to consider it upon graduating. However, at the end of the day, veterinary is indeed a business.

This shouldn’t be seen negatively, even though it might feel that way, because what we do as vets and vet nurses ultimately relies on money. We can’t treat your pets without it. We need equipment, lighting, medicines, and training, and of course, we need to be paid for our time and expertise. Thus, the business needs to generate revenue for us to be able to treat your pets.

So why do veterinary prices differ? 

As mentioned above, veterinary care is an industry with businesses spread across the country. And like other industries such as retail or hospitality, prices vary. This is due to many different factors; and not all have to do with veterinary itself, such as geographic location. For example, the price of a glass of wine (or non-alcoholic option of your choice) varies tremendously depending on where you are in the country. This variation is due to factors such as the local business market, accessibility of the product, current interest/tax rates etc. etc. Veterinary products, such as equipment and medicines, operates in a very similar way. For instance, if a medicine is out of stock from a particular supplier, the cost from other suppliers may be much higher. Or, if a particular veterinary practice offers a unique service or specialism, it would be not unthinkable to charge a little higher.

Another veterinary related factor which can affect prices is whether a practice is privately or corporately owned, but this is almost an entirely separate debate.

Is there a difference between price and value?

Whilst price is a straightforward figure and topic, it does not always reflect the full picture of what a pet owner is paying for; nor does it necessarily correlate with the quality of care received. Value, on the other hand, encompasses a broader scope. It includes not only the price but also the quality, effectiveness, and overall benefit veterinary care provided. 

Additionally, value is subjective. It varies from one pet owner to another, based on their expectations, experiences, and the outcomes they desire for their pet. In assessing value, pet owners consider factors such as the success rate of treatments, the comfort and care provided by all staff, the clarity and transparency of communication, and the follow-up support offered. 

Directly comparing price and value of care becomes complicated

A somewhat common scenario to illustrate this is the treatment required for tail injuries. If a dog or cat were to get his or her tail trapped in, for example, a car door there is often two routes of treatment posed to an owner. Each varies in cost, and ultimate outcome.

  1. Tail amputation. More specifically, the removal of the tail below the injured section.
  2. Conservative. More specifically, the bandaging and redressing of the injury repeatedly until the injury resolves. 

Of course, this is very generalised, and other options may be available if you ever find yourself in this situation. Tail amputation is often a very scary concept to the owner. But, due to the anatomy of the tail this often leads to a quicker and less complicated outcome; though it is more expensive initially. Conservative management via bandaging and dressing may be a lower price initially but may be more expensive in the long run. And additionally commonly leads to complications such as infection or the tail refusing to heal. So, in summary, management choice will differ in initial and long term prices, and ultimate value; plus, the cost of a certain treatment method is commonly a poor indicator of ultimate value.

A higher price for better care?

As you can appreciate from the above, insinuating that a lower price always means worse care is highly problematic for a myriad of different reasons. At the end of the day, vets and vet nurses have trained for many years in caring for your pets. They would never treat any patient differently because they paid more or less. So, it doesn’t matter how much you pay for a particular veterinary service, the care we provide will be the same.