(Commonwealth Union)_Owning an animal may be an expensive endeavour, from pet food to grooming costs. When veterinarian expenditures are added on top, many Canadians believe the fees are far too high.
According to a new Angus Reid Institute survey, around four out of five respondents indicated they received “good” or “outstanding” service from their veterinarian when coming for a routine exam or urgent care. However, at least three out of every five Canadians consider veterinarian fees for such services are excessive, especially given the rising cost of living. “They know we’ll spend the money because they’re our family,” Meg W., a dog mom from Toronto, said.
Meg, 36, has experienced expensive vet expenses firsthand after having to pay for two procedures in seven weeks for one of her two dogs, Beau. Beau, Meg’s seven-year-old lab mix, had to have his toe removed in September due to a growth, and he had another operation earlier this month to remove a tumour near his anus. Meg’s total cost for both procedures was more than $12,000.
“It’s staggering, and it adds up. And when I have two procedures in a row like that, I just put it all on my credit card,” she explained.
Meg presently works full-time in marketing and is studying to become a psychotherapist part-time. Meg realises it will take some time to pay off the bills after earning approximately $35,000 in the previous year. Meg, on the other hand, claims she would have spent all she could to assist Beau.
“I don’t have any children.” So these dogs are my children, right? If that’s how much it costs, I would have spent $20,000 because he’s that important to me…you could be paying off that hole for years,” she said.
