The State of Veterinary Medicine in America: Challenges and Solutions

📈Wall Street investments in veterinary hospitals have led to rising prices and reduced competition.

💰Veterinary hospitals are good business investments, leading to increased prices for services.

💼Corporate ownership of veterinary clinics has reduced the autonomy of veterinarians and increased the focus on profits.

📚State boards are raising standards, limiting the services veterinarians can provide and driving up costs.

💔Many pet owners cannot afford the rising costs of veterinary care, resulting in economic euthanasia.

Why are veterinary prices rising?

—The rise in veterinary prices can be attributed to Wall Street investments in veterinary hospitals, reducing competition and increasing the focus on profits.

What is the role of state boards in the rising costs of veterinary care?

—State boards are raising the standards for veterinary care, limiting the services veterinarians can provide and increasing costs for both the veterinarian and the pet owner.

How are Humane Societies contributing to the problem?

—Humane Societies are slow to change and prioritize building new shelters over providing low-cost veterinary care. Their focus on warehousing animals and adoptions does not address the need for affordable veterinary services.

Why is the American Veterinary Medical Association at fault?

—The AVMA has not addressed the basic needs of animals in America, with 60% of animals not receiving proper veterinary care. They have failed to advocate for affordable, full-service veterinary hospitals and have not addressed the veterinary shortage in the country.

What can individuals do to make a difference?

—Individuals can donate to organizations that provide affordable, full-service veterinary care, advocate for change in the veterinary industry, and support initiatives that prioritize access to veterinary care for all animals.

00:01Dr. Jeff discusses the state of veterinary medicine in America and the rising prices of care.

01:12Wall Street investments in veterinary hospitals have led to increased prices and reduced competition.

02:54State boards are raising standards, limiting the services veterinarians can provide.

04:49Many pet owners cannot afford the rising costs of veterinary care, leading to economic euthanasia.

06:08The American Veterinary Medical Association and Humane Societies need to address these issues and provide affordable, full-service veterinary care.