Some B.C. pet owners struggle with rising costs of veterinary care
Owners say veterinary costs are sky-high with checkups going for $100 to $150, compared to $50 in past years
As the rising cost of living continues to take a toll on British Columbians, some pet owners are speaking out on the high cost of veterinary care.
Alisa Nelson says her life has improved since adopting her German shepherd-malamute, Neetschy, two years ago.
"If it wasn't for my pets, I probably wouldn't be alive," Nelson said. "They give me a reason to live every day."
Nelson, who struggles with fibromyalgia and depression, isn't able to work and receives around $1,400 in disability income a month.
It isn't enough to cover her monthly expenses and the rising cost of Neetschy's veterinary care, she says.
"A checkup and getting their yearly shots [at the vet] … would have cost maybe $50 to $60 a couple of years ago [and] is now looking like $100 to $125," Nelson said.
She says without additional support, she would have had to give up Neetschy.
They've managed to stay together with help from Paws for Hope, an animal welfare charity that partially funds veterinary care for 150 families in B.C.
Founder Kathy Powelson says the organization has seen an increase in families needing help, with over 200 requests coming in every month.
Powelson and Nelson are raising the alarm on the surging costs for veterinary care and urge the B.C. government to fund organizations that keep pets with their families and out of shelters.
"We simply do not have the funds to help everyone … And that need seems to double year over year with more people needing help each year," Powelson said.
'Shelters are full'
Powelson says the organization is seeing an increase in families who aren't low-income, but are struggling financially to afford veterinary care.
"If we're not able to help a family, there is nowhere for them to turn and that is so incredibly heartbreaking," she said.
Many are forced to consider surrendering their pets to shelters, she says.
"But most of our rescue partners are full … Our shelters are full. They are literally bursting at the seams."
Emilia Wong Gordon opened her mobile veterinary clinic in 2022. She says the cost of running a veterinary practice has risen rapidly.
"It's not because vets are money gouging, it's simply because vets have to stay open as well," said Gordon, a partner vet with Paws for Hope.
"There's also a shortage of veterinarians, which contributes to that perfect storm."
Gordon says while B.C. has approximately 200 animal rescue organizations and 50 shelters, there are few animal welfare charities to provide a safety net to keep pets out of shelters.
Push for government support
Powelson says Paws for Hope's funding comes from donations and grants, but she hopes a provincial service fund could help expand programs.
"We're not currently able to enrol new clients … until we get more resources," she said, adding the charity also manages a foster program and emergency care fund.
Nelson suggests the province find a way to regulate and bring down veterinary pricing.
"Either lower vet bills or even having the government help fund programs like Paws for Hope would help immensely for all people in these kinds of situations," she said.
Gordon doesn't agree with regulations on veterinary bills, given the high costs associated with running those businesses.
"Capped fees would just result in vets essentially going out of business … [but] public funding toward targeted programs would help people who are marginalized," she said, adding that families should always consider other veterinary payment options.
"We encourage [owners to] look into things like pet insurance, third-party payment plans, things that can help bridge that gap, where the vets do have to keep their doors open, they can't just give away services for free."
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