Author: Melanie Sadek
President & CEO, Valley Humane Society
If you’ve ever walked into a veterinary office with a sick pet and walked out overwhelmed, anxious, or blindsided by a bill you weren’t prepared for—you’re not alone.
Veterinary care has changed. And for many pet owners, what used to be a trusted and reassuring experience now feels uncertain, intimidating, or unaffordable. That’s not because veterinarians don’t care. In fact, most entered the profession for the same reason you’re at their front desk: they love animals and want to help. But the industry itself has shifted in ways that are making it harder for both clients and care providers.
This blog pulls back the curtain to help you understand how the system works, so you can become a more confident advocate for your animal while building trust with your vet.
The Value of a Regular Veterinary Relationship
Before diving in, it’s worth emphasizing that having a trusted, ongoing relationship with a regular veterinarian is still incredibly important. One emergency veterinarian noted that many of the cases he sees could have been prevented—or caught earlier—during routine wellness exams. Preventive care not only improves outcomes but often helps avoid more costly and invasive emergency treatments down the road.
What’s Changing in Veterinary Medicine?
Veterinarians Are No Longer Mostly Practice Owners
Only about 1 in 4 veterinarians own a practice—and for younger vets, that number is even lower. Most now work as employees, often for corporate veterinary groups or private equity–backed companies.
Corporate Ownership Is Driving Standardization—and Sometimes Prices
Large veterinary chains like VCA, Banfield, Thrive, and NVA now control thousands of clinics across the U.S. Many are owned by private equity firms or multinational corporations, whose primary focus is growth and return on investment.
Why Is Veterinary Care Getting More Expensive?
The ownership structure isn’t the only factor. There’s a national shortage of veterinarians and Registered Vet Techs, driving up labor costs. Additionally, the cost of goods has risen sharply: lab work is up by as much as 30%, and items like PPE, syringes, medications, oxygen, and surgical tools have faced significant price increases or shortages.
What You’re Looking For Is Spectrum of Care
Veterinarians are trained to consider all possible causes for a condition, often resulting in a comprehensive diagnostic list. The spectrum of care approach— also known as incremental care— focuses on starting with the most likely issue, using the least invasive and most cost-effective option first, then escalating if needed.
How to Advocate for Your Pet
You can trust your vet and still protect your budget. If something feels excessive, ask why it’s important and what it will change. With some veterinary chains offering production-based incentives, it’s fair to ask how recommendations are determined.
Questions to Ask:
- “What’s the most likely cause of my pet’s symptoms?”
- “If this were your pet and you had a $300 budget, what would you do first?”
- “Will this test change our treatment plan?”
- “Can we try step one first and follow up if needed?”
Why Does My Vet Require an Annual Exam to Refill Medications?
In many states, including California, your vet must have an active Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) to diagnose, treat, or prescribe. In California, this can be established in person or via telemedicine and must be renewed every 12 months.
Telehealth: A New Option for Vet Care in California
California is one of only six states that allows a VCPR to be established via audio-visual communication, like Zoom. This is helpful for home-bound seniors, anxious pets, or convenience:
- Same veterinary standards as in-person care
- Some cases may still require in-person exams
- Antibiotics via telehealth are limited to two weeks before requiring an in-person follow-up
- New prescriptions must be re-established every six months via telehealth (vs. once a year in person)
If neither in-clinic care nor telehealth works for you, mobile veterinarians can provide treatment in your home.
When to Seek Specialist Care
If your pet’s condition isn’t improving and your vet continues running tests without a diagnosis, consider a specialist. Fields include cardiology, dermatology, neurology, radiology, oncology, and surgery. While consults can cost around $250, they can lead to faster diagnoses and targeted treatment—saving time, money, and stress.
A Final Thought
By asking questions, building trust, and knowing your options—including telehealth, mobile vets, and specialists—you can be an empowered partner in your pet’s care. And if it’s in your budget, pet insurance can provide a financial safety net that can make the cost of vet care more manageable.
Stay tuned: next month we’ll dive into pet insurance—what it is and how to decide it makes sense for your family.