SPOKANE, Wash – A North Idaho resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, revealed the financial strain of escalating veterinary expenses, sharing that she spent approximately $4000 on medical bills for her beloved Corgis, Hank and Daisy, in the past year. The devoted dog owner expressed her concern, noting that the increasing costs have outpaced her own medical expenses since her retirement.
In a statement to NonStop Local, she lamented the challenges faced when her elderly dog, Daisy, required surgery with a daunting $3000 price tag. Faced with the difficult decision, she explained, “We chose not to because we just didn’t think that the chances of survival were that good. But it’s heartbreaking to have to make that choice and have money be an issue when it comes to that.”
Robert Bellamy, the Hospital Director of Medical Lake Veterinary Hospital, acknowledged the financial strain on pet owners, citing a general surge in costs across the veterinary care industry. With nearly two decades of experience in animal care, Bellamy highlighted the impact of rising expenses for equipment and space. However, he also pointed out a positive trend within the industry – an increased focus on enhancing staff wages, training, and qualifications.
“We’ve been, and a lot of other places have been doing a lot to really increase the wages of staff so that they can get training and so that they can become better and better … where you’ve got highly qualified staff that are able to make a living in the industry,” Bellamy explained.
Recognizing the financial challenges faced by pet owners, the veterinary industry is taking steps to provide more affordable options. Bellamy mentioned financing alternatives, insurance plans, and low-to-no-interest loan options as examples of the industry’s commitment to easing the burden on pet owners.
Despite her satisfaction with her current veterinarian, the North Idaho dog lover admitted that the rising costs have prompted her to reconsider the prospect of getting another pet. She expressed her concerns, stating, “It’s scary because we’re kind of leery about getting another pet, because we’re not sure that we can afford it.”
