VETERINARIAN ' S PERSPECTIVE
Diagnostic Dilemma
Vet care decisions often tied to pet owners ’ financial limitations
By Melissa Bain , DVM , DACVB , M . S ., DACAW Professor , Clinical Animal Behavior University of California School of Veterinary Medicine
ets are an integral part of the lives of many people , including
P those who have a hard time providing for themselves , let alone a pet . Providing adequate care is a struggle for many owners . It is estimated 29 million pets live in households that participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ( SNAP , formerly known as food stamps ), with higher numbers of pets per household compared to households not participating in this program .
It may be easy to say that “ pets are a privilege ” or “ don ’ t have a pet if you can ’ t afford one ;” however , a large percentage of owners from all walks of life stated their pet was a member of their family and believe proper veterinary care should be provided . This abuts financial limitations for a lot of owners , not only those who receive financial assistance , but for many who are living paycheck to paycheck .
Notwithstanding the recent uptick in prices for goods and impending inflation , the cost of veterinary care has increased above the Consumer Price Index . Now more frequently do we hear clients calling us uncaring , heartless money grubbers , and blaming us for “ killing ” their pets because they can ’ t afford veterinary care . But who IS to blame ? Or , better yet , should we focus on moving forward instead of reacting to the struggle by placing blame , which doesn ’ t affect change .
As reference , veterinarians consistently have the highest debt-toincome ratio , comparing how much one owes on loans to their income , of all healthcare professionals . However , for the first time in many years , the debt-to-income ratio for 2021 U . S . veterinarians in full-time employment dropped , from 2.09:1 to 1.67:1 . In comparison , the debt-to-income ratio for physicians is 0.90:1 . One hypothesis for this change is that our profession has had to
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