adjust salaries to combat the “ great resignation ,” or perhaps a “ great realization ” for better work-life balance , engulfing our country since the start of the pandemic .
The question remains : what can an owner do when faced with financial challenges regarding pet care ? The answer is complex , and varies with relative income level , prior experience , location , and concurrent support . The research is equivocal on how best to provide this care . Current models often rely on what others think is “ best ,” while not actually understanding what those in need really want and need . Similar challenges have been encountered when financial relief has been given to countries in need . There are socioeconomic , cultural , and individual reasons affecting how best to help . Some people may not trust a veterinarian based on their own personal experiences with the human healthcare system , on top of an inability to pay for it . Others may not see a benefit for preventative care because they cannot afford care for their own chronic conditions , and instead rely on the ER to provide for this care . And there are those who may be too embarrassed to seek help , even if it is for their pets . We can never fully understand what other people are going through .
Veterinary care for those of very limited means is usually limited to community-supported care with aligned resources , such as through low-cost veterinary clinics or municipality-supported services . Some may read this as veterinarians should charge less and do it out of the goodness of their hearts ; however , salaries and other fixed costs need to be covered , and external funding to cover these costs is inconsistent at best . There are no universal funding agencies to pay for veterinary care , like those for human health care . Understanding that veterinary staff should not be required to work for income below what is standard , nor required to provide supplies for free , the funding for these resources , and distribution of such , should be addressed .
So , what can be done ? First , research and identify what is most beneficial to owners with financial concerns , and financially support organizations that help owners bridge the financial gap . But then the veterinary profession should evaluate how we best approach all clients . Our profession has seen great advances in diagnostic and treatment options available to improve the health and wellbeing of animals . This comes with increased costs in providing the “ gold standard ” of care . We are legally obligated to offer the best options to our clients , and those who do not offer it can be held liable for providing substandard care . However , it is incumbent upon us to discuss a “ spectrum of care ,” along with the pros and cons of each , and put aside our judgement during these discussions .
Less expensive care does not necessarily mean substandard care , but it may involve other aspects of care for which the owner may not be comfortable . An example is a dog with a broken leg . Treatment options can include referral to an orthopedic surgeon , or treatment at the veterinary clinic depending on the expertise of the veterinarian . Options for treatment from most to least expensive range from plating the leg , to pinning it , to casting it , or even amputation .
While casting may be less expensive , it requires an owner to be more diligent with aftercare , and potentially requiring more follow-up appointments . Another example is a cat that is urinating outside of the box . If an owner is unable to pay for diagnostics , treatment with antibiotics for a presumed infection may not be effective and won ’ t help a cat who has a crystals and stones in its bladder . No good deed goes unpunished , as we are at risk for cyberbullying when the owner claims that their cat didn ’ t respond to the antibiotics or when their dog ’ s skin got infected under the cast because it gets wet .
Less expensive care does not necessarily mean substandard care , but it may involve other aspects of care for which the owner may not be comfortable .
This subject is much larger than what can be summarized here , and I wish I had answers for the many unknowns . It all boils down to listening to those who need help so that we can understand how best to help , understanding the many factors involved in these decisions , partnering with organizations that provide funding for appropriate care , communicating clearly about available options , and supporting those who offer care for those who are struggling .
Additional Reading Spectrum of care : more than treatment options Brown CR , et al . JAVMA , 259 ( 7 ): 712-717 . https :// doi . org / 10.2460 / javma . 259.7.712
Access to Veterinary Care Coalition https :// pphe . utk . edu / access-to-veterinary-care-coalition-avcc /
Dr . Melissa Bain is a veterinarian and Professor of Clinical Animal Behavior , and is board-certified by both the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists and the American College of Animal Welfare . She received a Master ’ s degree in Advanced Clinical Research from the UC Davis School of Medicine in 2007 . She is a past president of both the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists and the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior . In 2016 she was selected as the Bustad Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year , awarded by the American Veterinary Medical Association , and in 2019 she was selected to receive the Companion Animal Welfare Award from the World Small Animal Veterinary Association . Additionally , she is the Director of Professional Student Clinical Education for the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital . Her responsibilities include student and resident education , clinical case management , and research .
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