Today's Veterinarian is dedicated to protecting the health and welfare of both animals and people. Veterinarians are highly educated and skilled in preventing, diagnosing and treating animal health problems. Their knowledge and training extends to a number of closely related areas. Veterinarians are often involved in more than animal medicine. Today more than 6000 veterinarians are professionally active in Canada. The provide a wide variety of services in private practice, teaching and research, regulatory veterinary medicine, public health, private industry and other specialized services.

In order to earn a veterinary medical degree, you must generally complete at least 6 years of university education. This includes a minimum of 2 years pre-veterinary university education and 4 years in a program of veterinary medicine. There are 4 accredited universities with veterinary medical programs in Canada. A typical veterinary medical student spends about 4000 hours in classroom, laboratory and clinical study. In many ways, a veterinarian's education only begins with a degree. New scientific knowledge and techniques are constantly being developed and a veterinarian must keep his knowledge current by reading scientific journals and attending professional meetings, short courses and seminars.

Not only is it unethical and illegal to prescribe for an animal that has not been physically examined by a veterinarian, it is also impossible to come up with an accurate diagnosis and rational plan of treatment. A veterinarian can't make a diagnosis based on symptoms only as observed by an owner. The outward signs may be an indication of any number of internal causes with a wide variety of clinical treatments. A complete physical examination and other diagnostic tests are required to determine the cause of the symptoms and best course of treatment.

There are long-term health benefits to your pet when it is neutered. Ask your veterinarian to explain these. Obviously, the primary benefit is controlling the pet population and reducing the numbers of unplanned, unwanted pets. Neuter procedures are major surgery for your pet. The average neuter surgery costs less that an automobile tune-up. The procedure requires the time on a veterinarian and a registered veterinary technician, newly sterilized surgical instruments, general anesthesia, drapes, suture material, pain medication, hospitalization and patient care. When measured against the cost of feeding and nurturing unwanted kittens or puppies, neutering is much more cost-effective.

The province of Ontario has minimum standards for veterinary care, which are overseen by the College of Veterinarians of Ontario. Generally, the level of fees relates to the quality of care provided. When you notice significant differences in fees, it is logical to ask detailed questions about the course of treatment proposed. If fees seem too low compared to other estimates you have received, your expectations for care may not be met.

Fees are set by each individual veterinary practice and each has different expenses that are covered by the fees charges (i.e., salaries, rent, utilities). Often, the different fees do not reflect the same set of services, although there may be certain basic procedures in common. Each veterinarian sets the fees for services based on varying criteria, such as different drugs, anesthetics, medical techniques and product, which have bearing on the cost of the services.

As a guide, the OVMA produces a listing of suggested fees based on average costs. Many veterinarians refer to these fees when providing estimates to you. Fairview Drive Pet Hospital follows the OVMA fee guide for pricing.

Presently in Ontario, 3rd party health insurance is available for pets. As with human health insurance, different companies offer various levels of coverage, which have a range of deductible and premiums. There are certain restrictions on which conditions, injuries and procedures are covered. We strongly recommend that you consider pet insurance for your pet.

* My sick pet needs to be seen by a veterinarian for prompt attention, but: I just lost my job
* I don't get a pay-cheque for another 2 weeks

Most pet owners have a regular veterinarian who will provide 3rd party financing to their regular clients. The problem arises with people who have pets that do not get regular veterinary care, but demand and seek services in an emergency situation without guaranteeing payment. If you choose not to purchase pet insurance and will not qualify for financing, you should give consideration to how you will manage the financial aspect of an emergency situation involving your pet.

Puppies and kittens need basic health examinations, checks for parasites and vaccinations. Veterinary hospitals will provide general estimates by telephone. If you check with a few hospitals, you will see that fees for services vary. Be sure to ask what extra services are being provided for the additional costs.

Relatively speaking, veterinary care is a great value! The cost of veterinary care has risen very little over the last 20 to 30 years, especially when compared to the cost of human health care or almost any other services. Veterinary fees are a reflection of the cost of providing suitable facilities, equipment and support personnel to a level of care that is expected in animal medicine today. Remember, too, the original cost of the animal has no bearing on the cost of services delivered. Annual veterinary care is a cost that should be factored into the decision to own a pet.

One reason you sometimes feel you are paying more for your pet's health care than for your own is because you pay for your own health care through federal and provincial taxes. If you consider that more than 35 cents of every tax dollar you pay goes towards health care, it may help to show that value you are receiving for veterinary care.