Veterinary care and the Pet Experience

Summit 2013 conversations about the Pet Experience often circled around to the quality, frequency and cost of veterinary care. Most members of the industry would agree that regular, preventative veterinary checkups are important to an animal's health, but pet owner support wavers when stories of economic euthanasia and unnecessary treatments emerge. 

A recent 20/20 segment revealed a handful of U.S. veterinary clinics advising clients to perform inessential dental and vaccination procedures has likely struck chords with many pet owners. But the industry is disappointed with the coverage and the message it is sending to pet families. The American Veterinary Medical Association released a statement discrediting the segment and advising pet owners to continue to rely on the advice of their own, trusted veterinarian in deciding what treatments are appropriate for their pets. 

"Trust is the big message, and we cannot keep a pet owner's trust without justifying the need for their pet (within their family resources and using some sensible decision making) to follow our recommendations," says Dr. Drew Van Niekerk, Calgary North Veterinary Hospital. "Decisions need to be made on a priority basis, and a vet should be sensitive to the resources available to a pet family." 

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) encourages Canadian pet owners to discuss healthcare options with their veterinarian and work together to make decisions that suit their budget and are in line with the level of care the owner expects. 

"Pet owners should keep in mind that prevention is always better for pets and more cost effective for pet owners," says Dr. Jim Berry, CVMA president. "Every pet is an individual, there are no one-size-fits-all solutions."