We see this all the time on social media community pages. People are visiting a new area, or maybe they moved and are looking for a local veterinary office. The easiest move is to turn to the residents who occupy the local pages on platforms like Facebook. Often, the post will be something like “I’m looking for a good, cheap vet.”
Let us break down that question. Because the term “good” when it comes to veterinary medicine can be very subjective. The same goes for “cheap.” Cheap can mean anything from not genuine to cutting corners to less expensive. But then we must ask, less expensive compared to what marker?
Perhaps this is because pet owners don’t know what questions they should be asking when inquiring about a new veterinary hospital. It would be smart to think about what matters to you as a pet owner and do your research on local hospitals by simply visiting their websites as a first step in determining where to start looking.
Perhaps “good” to you might mean 30-minute appointment slots over 20 or 15. Maybe it is having access to all diagnostics for your pet under one roof. Therefore, it might matter to you if your new hospital has surgery, dental radiographs, and ultrasound available. Or maybe “good” is when a hospital is Fear Free and doesn’t use excessive manual restraint for your pet.
All of these things can be very important to a lot of pet owners.
So then what does “cheap” mean to people? Often times, it does indeed refer to the least expensive. But less expensive compared to what? We covered the cost of quality care in veterinary medicine in a previous article linked here. Most clinics follow a guide set forth by a provincial governing body. Each year, a fee guide is released to clinics as part of the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association. This guide has suggested pricing for almost every service and item that a veterinary hospital will sell.
This is in an effort to ensure that hospitals can set their prices in a way that is fair to both the hospital and its staff as well as pet owners. But it is not law. So yes, you will see some hospitals that have lower prices in certain respects than others.
To some pet owners, the lesser price may indeed be the determining factor in what clinic they choose to bring their pet to. And that is completely okay. However, it is important to note that with a lesser price, you might not get everything that you perceive as being “good” veterinary care.
This might mean that your appointment time is shorter than at another clinic. This might mean they will have to refer out should your pet need a dental procedure or ultrasound. Or maybe they will be the type of hospital that utilizes manual restraint on your pet because they don’t invest in Fear Free training and tools for their staff.
There is nothing wrong with either preference because it’s simply a preference. And there is a veterinary clinic out there that will suit some pet owners and not others. Determining the right questions to ask is a good first step in helping you find a new hospital that’s the best fit for you.
“…there is a veterinary clinic out there that will suit some pet owners and not others.”
The second thing to think about is where you are posting these questions and the kind of people you might get answers from. We’ve determined that they might have different definitions of common terms. But they might also have entirely different views of veterinary medicine, influencing the responses you get online.
For instance, they might be a helicopter dog parent (we all know someone like that!) Therefore, they would speak highly of a hospital that offers comprehensive care at a higher cost and maybe poorly of one that didn’t offer more because they didn’t have the tools.
It’s important to note as well that the staff of these hospitals are often on these same groups as well. It can be difficult seeing past clients online complain about their own and other local hospitals, citing that “they always upsell” and “don’t actually care” – when those staff members know that the client was the type to decline diagnostics yet still expect a clear diagnosis. Or worse yet, these veterinary staff know the client was fired from local clinics because it wasn’t a productive relationship for the sake of the pet.
This is said because it is worth thinking about who you are asking your questions of when you are looking for a clinic recommendation. It might be more worthwhile to ask your previous veterinarian if they know of a hospital in your new area that they would recommend. This is assuming that you were happy with your previous clinic. Or maybe you could ask some friends who approach pet care the same way you do if there was somewhere they recommend so you know you have a similar outlook on veterinary care.
Finding the right veterinary care involves more than just seeking recommendations online. It requires understanding your priorities as a pet owner and asking the right questions. While cost is always a factor, it shouldn’t be the sole determining factor. Consider what “good” veterinary care means to you, whether it’s comprehensive services, Fear Free practices, or other specific criteria. Additionally, be mindful of where you seek advice online, as opinions can vary widely. Consulting with your previous veterinarian or friends who share your approach to pet care can often lead to more tailored recommendations. By being proactive and informed, it’s important you find a veterinary clinic that aligns with your values and provides the best care for your furry friends.