Vets

[Phoenix]

I was talking to my mum and stepdad on the phone the other day and we were talking about vets. Stepdad thinks that vets don't care as long as they get paid, but is that the case?

What do you all think?

Any vets on here? (No offence meant with the question if there are any vets on Catsey)

[Moli]

I have a fantastic vet,I have been with the practice 12 years, she is more like a friend....She explains everything to me, if I do not understand, and will listen to my opinions too....So no, I do not think they are all in it just for the money...

[Elaine]

I personally think that there are some crap vets out there just as there are crap policemen, shop keepers etc etc.
That said, they do have a very difficult job and in order to run a practice with all mod cons does cost a fortune. I am sure there probably are a few greedy vets but i dont think its fair to say that they are all out to get the money and dont care about the animals.
The biggest issue I have had with vets, is not so much the monetary side of things and beleive me they are damned expensive up here in the oil capital of the UK, but the attitude of talking at you and not listening.

[pinklizzy]

I can honestly say that I have never worked (and never would) worked with a vet purely motivated by money! Obviously, any practice has to make money to cover overheads, wages,rates etc but there are far less stressful, less pressured jobs with more sociable (and far fewer) hours to be had if money is your sole objective!

[calismum]

My vets are in a large practice. There are 2 that I have been seeing for 20+ years and I could not fault them. They talk to me and listen to what I say. They remember what any issues are with the animal I've taken in. Also the approach is great. Cali has been through a lot in her life and any other dog would run a mile. When I go with her the vet gets on the floor and gives her a cuddle and scratch (and a treat) - she will go to him willingly.

I could go on in praise of them, but won't bore you all rigid - I'm sure you get the idea.

I travel 25 miles to the surgery passing at least another 6 practices on the way.

I do believe that it takes a while to find one that gels with you and you can trust. They also provide 24hr emergency service with their own staff.

The reception and nursing staff are also really nice. (tho' one did threaten to kidnap Kinsi!!)

CM

[yola]

My practice is just up the hill from me. They have served me and my (to date) 5 kitties faultlessly. Yes - they charge money, but despite what they do they are a business as well as people that care for animals, and I will pay for specialist advice that I believe has my pets' interest at heart. After all, I expect my clients to pay me a fair rate for the work I carry out . . . . it's only fair that I pay the going rate for vet care.

And I've never met a bad vet so far!

[dinahsmum]

The relationship is much like that of doctor and patient, isn't it? Normally all is well and there is mutual confidence and respect. If that is missing then you should change.

I've always been happy with my vets and am totally happy with my current practice. If they are on duty there are two who I will ask for, because I have had 'intimate' dealings with them (involving the end of much loved oldies) but I am confident to see any of the others.

They've got to charge. There's no pussy NHS, so their premises, vehicles, medical equipment, staff, drugs, continuous development, everything, has to be covered, as well as giving them a salary.

My niece who, is nearing the end of her vet training, reckons she'll be lucky to come out and start earning with less than £20,000 debt She stayed here for two weeks during the summer whilst she did work experience at a local practice (not mine). 8 am start every day, and the earliest she came home was 7.30 pm. Latest was 2am.
£20k is a lot to make up before you ever get into positively making money. No chance of her buying into a partnership and making squillions for a long time.

[charlilou]

Some vets are just in it for the monay and some do care, problem is sometimes it can be hard to figure out if the vet cares or just wants money. We have had experience of both.
When Tigger was ran over, we contacted our old vets who were in London (we were in Stoke). he managed to get us an appointment at the Willows to have Tigger seen as he belived she would be fine. Her pelvis and back end had been crushed by a digger truck.
The problem was the vets we were at, they refused to allow us to take her home for the night so we could leave at 6am to take her to the Willows, they wanted her to stay and be pts the next day. We took her home after threatening them and 7 years later Tigger is fine.
We are at a fab vets know, who without, i would not have Meeko around now as i can honestly say they saved his life.
They allowed us to pay in installments each month till our bill was paid and they are fab.

[Tina]

Originally Posted by rescuecatsrule

I was talking to my mum and stepdad on the phone the other day and we were talking about vets. Stepdad thinks that vets don't care as long as they get paid, but is that the case?

What do you all think?

Any vets on here? (No offence meant with the question if there are any vets on Catsey)

Hiya RCR

I think it really depends on the vet, I wouldn't think it's a job someone would get into unless they really love animals.....the pay isn't that great LOL!

My vet is absolutely brilliant! We spent a fortune on all of Mouse's tests and surgery and blood transfusions last spring......but that was mainly for the tests that had to go away. When Mouse had her transfusion, it was our vet's cat that gave the blood, and we only get charged for Mouse's bloodwork every 2 months.....she gets it done every month though. I wouldn't trade our vet for anything......he brought Mousie back from death's door and is always great with her!

Tina

[Fran]

It all comes down to what you want. At our vets which is a large practice with state of the art equipment, costs are high and probably a 1/3rd more than the 'one man band' vet down the road. The vet at my local branch is professional and extremely knowledgable and will always cover all angles. You would not descibe her as emotional or particularly 'caring' depending of course what you define as caring. To me the most important thing is she knows her job and cuts no corners where my pets are concerned. I am not particularly interested in tea and sympathy. I want treatment, answers and efficiency and if that means I pay through the nose for it then so be it. I recently have had expereince of using the local 'one man band vet' he was extremely tea and sympathy but would not listen to me when I felt my puppy had broken a toe in her foot. He was caring, prescribed painkillers and rest and despite several visits back that is all he did, no x-rays as we requested. (This vet was recommended to me because his bedside manner is good and he is cheaper than my regular vet) So, I sort a second opinion with my regular, less 'caring' but much more expensive vet and guess what, she was seen one evening, taken in next morning for x-rays and tests and she does infact have a broken toe! which if treated weeks ago the prognosis would have been so much better. She now awaits the opinion of a specialist to see what can be done to help. I have paid a whopping bill but I have answers and hope of treatment for her now. As I see it, as with most things in life, you get what you pay for!