Veterinary Supply And Demand

Veterinary Supply And Demand

It is almost time for my two cattle dogs to get their yearly shots. At the end of that session, I will lay down a few hundred dollars for the peace of mind that my dogs are safe from rabies and ilk for another year. To a non-pet owner, that number may seem like a lot because it is.

The fact of the matter is that pet medicine is becoming every bit as complex and expensive as human health care. Some people even go so far as to get house pet medical insurance.

Have we stopped to ask the question, why are these costs so high? Here are 3 reasons:

Reason #1, supply is limited. Most people do not know that there are only 28 accredited veterinary schools in the United States. International vet schools with credibility only offer a few more options. Ultimately, there is finite number of veterinarians to provide care to a growing population of loved (and sometimes un-loved) animals. If you are unhappy with the nearest vets pricing system, good luck finding one that is significantly cheaper.

Reason #2, many veterinarians start their careers with huge debts that need to be paid off. Another unknown fact: vet schools are just as difficult and expensive as most medical schools. There is the old joke: What do you call a person who flunks out of veterinary school? A med school student. This is just about truth. For students who do not choose the cheaper (and sometimes unaccredited) international vet schools, student loans are huge and need to be repaid. Who better to repay them than their patrons?

Reason #3, demand for services. In my house, we love our animals. We do not treat them like members of the family, in our minds they are members of the family. So the veterinary medicine has us by the back of the neck, we are going to pay to keep them healthy and safe. There are few markets where price does not reflect the maximum value that people are willing to pay veterinary medicine is no exception.

Perhaps some solution to these growing costs will be found in the eventual (necessary) reform to health care. [Not to insinuate that any plan currently stated by either political party is a solution, but I digress] But until then, remember that adopting your new best friend involves a financial commitment as well. But, in this authors humble opinion, one well worth it!