5 Tips To Avoid Getting Overcharged At The Vet 

I was a Vet Tech for many years in the state of California, it's sad to see how Veterinary medicine has changed from caring for animal to taking advantage of pet owners and not doing even what is necessary for the health of an animals, now they tell give the highest estimate to that person just because they see them driving a nice luxury car or have a nice watch and for the people that don't have money they still overpriced all the lab work and medication to the point that lots of people opt to euthanize their fur babies. As a vet tech it's so demoralizing to see all this injustice and no one does anything about it. I always did my best to help people by giving them numbers and addresses of clinics that are not so pricey

This guy is one of the good guys, a good Veterinarian; and utterly honest!

I've worked in cat rescue for 15 years now. Some time back, I had a cat who was lethargic and losing weight, couldn't get into regular vet right away, so went to new vet's office. Big, nice vet's office with 4 partner vets. In exam room and vet tech comes in, and without even looking into carrier to see my cat, starts asking about symptoms. Tell her and she immediately says cat needs blood work AND xrays to see if there's a blockage in intestines or whatever. I say okay, tech leaves with my cat in carrier and goes into back. I thnk for a second, follow her, and come into a room with a lot of vets, techs, and animals. I see my vet tech talking to a vet. My cat is STILL in the carrier and hasn't been looked at. I got angry, said no one had even EXAMINED my cat yet (that I could even have a dead cat in my carrier and they wouldn't know) and said I was taking my cat and leaving. One of vet partners came over, obviously unhappy with me, and said he would first examine my cat before any tests. I was there and cat not well, so I agreed. He sent me back to exam room. A couple of minutes later, he came in and said the cat was CONSTIPATED. That's all. NO TESTS were needed to tell that. If a vet had just EXAMINED the cat first, we would not even have had to discuss testing. Never went back there. Disgusted that what they obviously did is first send in a vet tech to SELL testing before cat is even examined. What a total rip-off of a place. Bottom line I guess: NEVER agree to any testing until the vet examines your cat IN YOUR PRESENCE. That is ALSO something I had a problem with. Your pet should never be taken into another room for an "exam". You should get to OBSERVE the exam and the vet should be discussing their findings as they're doing it. And, without observing the exam, how do you know the vet looked in the mouth, checked the ears, etc?

You are one of the few honest and trustworthy veterinarians out there. I know you have to make a living too, but the fact that you're willing to share these details says a lot about you. God bless you!

i was a poor student, and had adopted an outdoor homeless cat. One day my now indoor/outdoor cat was limping around my feet and acting really skiddish, but eating and drinking fine. i thought maybe someone in the apartment building had kicked her hard or something. After a day i decided to take her to the vet, where she jumped down from the exam table a couple of times as she tried to escape the inspection. Finally the vet handled her and she didn't meow or give any signs of pain but the vet said she needed to sedate the cat, shave the area, and xray her to "know" if her hind leg was broken! This was going to cost $450. i straight up said "no, she just jumped a meter to the floor a couple of times, and allowed you to handle her legs. She's eating/drinking/pooping just fine. How is it that you would even think it might be broken?" the vet was really annoyed with me and treated me like an irresponsible parent. i left with my $45 office visit charge, only to find out a few days later that she had been bitten and the leg got infected and the scab came off and puss oozed all down her leg! How did that vet not even find the puncture wound!! ?? I put her in the sink to wash her leg off and it was really hot, and i just put pressure on the leg and it all oozed out, i shaved it so i could keep my eye on it healing process and everything turned out ok.

Dr. Jones, you are the best. We need more veterinarians like you!

You are a wonderful person. This world needs more people like you.

Wow most vets don't seem to actually like animals but you seem to actually like your patients.

I am an aunt to my favorite dog who became violently ill & diabetic overnight apparently. The mom (who is on fixed disability income) has him on a plan that I feel is too expensive but she needs to budget the expense. So her dogs see the vet quite often (even before the illness) Vetsulin would have cost her another $125 a month & her budget was already maxed out. No one in the vet office even suggested any other option other than putting him down. I did lots of research & found that human insulin works. We had a lot of opposition at first to helping calibrate the non vetsulin dosage. An equal amount (strength not volume) of the nearly $50 bottle of vetsulin cost $10 at Walmart for Relion Novolin N ($25 bottle for 10ml 100iu/ml) He even seems to be doing better on the human insulin that the vetsulin & it's been year & a half since switch.

I love my vet. He's done extra tests (even xrays) at no cost to me. Drop the dog off, discuss sypmtoms and they mention what they think it is and what tests need to be done. I leave, come back when they call. Sometimes (not super often) they found no issues in what they thought, so they do extra tests and find the issue. My vet could really take advantage of me if they want to. I always tell them that what ever tests they need to do, I'll cover it as long as my dogs can feel better. If you live in lancaster or palmdale CA, I highly reccomend Boulevard Vet. Such a gem we found while shopping around and asking alot of the same questions in this video. There are caring vets out there!

Thank you, Dr Jones. I wish there were more vets such as yourself.

Such a breath of fresh air. I've been saying all this for years but it's great to see a pro vet go public on what many of us already new. Especially those of us with lots of animals.

I just started to follow you and I appreciate your views. It definitely has become very expensive to have a pet, almost to the point where people are either forced to not have one, not to adopt, or to euthanize. I feel the veterinary community are contributing to the many pets who are euthanized because people realize how much it is going to cost them to take care of a pet and don’t adopt. Could go deeper but wanting to keep it simple. Thanks.

I wish I watched your videos years before but I believe it is never to late to change and grow. Thank you for empowering pet owners!

We need more vets like you doc! Who actually shares knowledge of free !

Wow, this was so helpful. It can be so stressful when your best friend is sick and the expense you're worried about as it is; for them to take advantage of that or add on to that stress is really quite cruel.

Thank you for caring for the pet owner as much as the pet's Your my new BEST friend.

Doctor Jones, you are the best!

I raise Australian Shepherds. My old vet retired and sold the practice. I took one of my females and her 8 pups to get an 8-week wellness checkup before they went to their new homes. I de-worm and vaccinate all of my dogs and puppies myself and only go to the vet for a yearly a heart worm check, or if there is an illness or injury which is very rare. The new vet inspected the pups skin, ears, paws, teeth and gums, but when I told him they didn't need worming or vaccines and that I took care of that myself, he was so pissed he just announced "We're done here!", turned around and walked out of the exam room, and had the front desk charge me 9 separate office visits for all 9 dogs, $32 X 9 = $288, even though he saw them all at the same time and the whole thing took less than 5 minutes. I knew the woman at the front desk from the previous vet and asked if this was normal with this new vet. She quietly told me it wasn't and he was mad about not being able to collect for worming and vaccines. She also informed me that he instructed her to inform me that he would be dropping me as a client. I wrote out a check for $100, handed it to her, and asked her to inform him he wasn't getting another penny from me because he didn't earn it. I found another vet who is great and not upset that I vaccinate my own dogs.

Asking the vet for a RX rather than buying the meds at the office...such a great tip, and I'm going to see if I can get that done. Thank you!

My vet has become a big business office and so I shopped and found a better fit for what I'm able to pay. This new veterinarian has a sliding scale. I've stopped vaccinating my pets a long time ago - boy what a racket they are!! Thank you for talking about vaccinating👍 I am becoming EMPOWERED ... love your channel❣🐾 Thank you 🤗

Great video!!! Thank you for your honesty about these issues and advice❣️

thanks for all the info, doc. btw, that has to be the most relaxed dog i have ever seen!!

What a good person you are. Thank you so much for sharing your advice with us again! This is exactly what I'd expect a vet to be like. Reasonable and honest.

I'm so glad I found you Dr Jones.

I love this man !! Such a life saving Angel. Best, most caring, honest human I have ever known in my entire life.

I was recently charged 452.00. it was a complete surprise. I was shocked. He had fluid retention and she put him on Prednisone. Nothing to tell me why he had this and only he didn't have any issues she could see from All The Tests. Once she said he needed leg surgery on his back leg, but soon a huge boil popped on his behind and he never limped again. I don't think I can afford this and not many pple can. She said his teeth were great. He's never had his teeth cleaned either. I was so upset when I left that office but I was more worried about my dog. He is getting better.

thank you so much for being a man of immense integrity, and a true gentleman.

Thank you for the wonderful, informative videos. I always learn something new.

Thanks for this help - your advice is so appreciated.

I work at a clinic and I can say yes, it's super important to ask questions and be up front with your financial situation so we can work around it while providing the most quality care we can for your pet. You wont be judged

Dr. Jones, Thank you for shifting your career in order to both 1)maintain the highest level of integrity, and 2) to genuinely help everyday people who love animals like you do.

this is a good tip for me and my husband cause we are on SSI

I’m so thankful for honest vets like you!

Dr. Jones, Thank you so much for these and other very useful tips about our pet's care. You are a gift to us and I wish you all the best in your practice. Thank you for being so kind.

Yes, the overcharging goes right along with the money-hungry dentists too. Disgusting.

I had a vet charge me for a paper prescription. I never went back.

U have such a kind, calming voice & demeanor which I bet helps calm some anxious pets coming to see u.

Thank you so much. I really appreciate this input.

You are an honorable person to be willing to share the information you do. I am sure there are other vets who are not pleased with your pro-pet-owner approach. I have felt in the last 5 years that vet care and medications have become so expensive that I can no longer afford to have a pet. It feels as though soon only the very well-to-do who will have that privilege. I did want to make a comment about Emergency Pet Hospitals though. There are some very unethical ones that take advantage of distraught pet owners (elderly ones in particular I think) by recommending unnecessary tests and treatment. I took my dog in to be watched overnight since my vet does not provide overnight emergency care. She would be there from 5:30pm until 8:00am when I would take her back to my regular vet. The tech brought in the estimate along with a list of recommended tests that included a urinalysis and a cbc! I asked how a test for red blood cells would help my dog in the short time she would be there for observation. She said it was just nice to know what it was! It breaks my heart to think of the upset pet owners being financial milked this way when they are already paying around $400 just for the basic ER care. Is there some way to report unethical providers like this one?

Sometimes the Humane Society has a reduced price veterinarian clinic for those with low income. The Humane Society also has regular shots/deworming etc. clinics here on Fridays . In my area there is a veterinarian who travels around and he only charges for the medication. Often if you have a pet that has an issue you have dealt with before you can call the veterinarian and they will just sell you the medication. In my case I had a pekingese who scratched her eye every 2 months or so and the vet finally just sold me eye medication for 5.00 every time I called and told them who it was for.

I love that he keep it so real

Wow. So happy I found this channel. You’re amazing Dr Andrew and so happy you stuck to your beliefs and stood your ground. Signing up for all of your information and newsletters. You’re amazing.

Thank you Doctor! You’re really amazing to help us like you do!

Great tips, thanks, Dr. Andrew!

I left my last veterinarian because her vet tech tried to up sell me after every appointment. My current veterinarian is very reasonable with pricing and there is no upselling. I realize this is a business just like healthcare is a business. I've never been approached at the end of the visit with the pricing list/menu as I have been many times before at my other vet. My current vet/ owner of this practice is not money hungry and his practice is full. I think a lot of veterinarians should follow that business ethic.

Thank you so much for your honesty and transparency!

Thank you for your time in making these videos, and for sharing your knowledge with us

I am so sick of vets charging me $400-$800 and the end result is that I need $15 worth of medicine.

That is one calm dog

I learned a lot of good information, thank you.

Always talk to your neighbours and ask them about their experiences with their pets, where do they go, how satisfied were they, the costs, the attention given, the staff, everything; especially if you're new to that neighbourhood. Good luck!

You are a treasure to animals everywhere.

LOVE YOU LOVE YOUR VIDEOS!!! THANK YOU for all the help & Home remedies!!!!

Thank you for your advice that's why we all love and respect you! You are so honest!

Thank you for this information, I’m so glad I found you, I think you are informed and amazing 🌹🐾

The beautiful dog on the table doesn't move a muscle. Loves the vet.💝

I’m so thankful for finding you. The quality vets here in California are few and far between because corporations are taking them over. If anyone has any good vet recommendations in central California, please let me know.

So proud of you!! Love you!

Thanks, Dr. Jones! Great tips as always. :)

I'm so thankful for this. Very appreciated and helpful. I've followed your advice during emergencies and all I can say is, it worked. God bless.

Boy do I wish you were nearby! 😊

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

This is a fabulous video - by an amazing vet and genuine human being! ❤

Thank you so much for this! I just found your channel today and I'm so grateful for all the knowledge! If you haven't done a vide o yet on natural healing of congestive heart failure would you please? My vet has her on enalpril and lasix but I want to try whatever I can for her....my income is cut in half for the next 3 months at least and I'm really scared because she seems to be losing energy.....I can't lose her..

Thank you Dr. Jones. A few months ago I was telling my vet that I was really short on money but needed to get my dogs skin condition cleared up. She finally after all these years said she could give me a prescription for the medications. I took them to Walmart and the prices I paid with Walmart in combo with GoodRX I paid less than a quarter of what the vet was going to charge me.

Thank you so much for all the information you share❤ you are awesome❤

You have been an enormous help to us. The cyst video saved us. I got DMSO yesterday from farm store. I am thinking of seeing a holistic vet down the street from my regular vet. Thank you so much for helping us.

You are wonderful. Thank you.

Thank you so much for making this video it helps me a lot and keep up the good work God bless you

Dr. Jones you are the absolute Best!!!

Thank you, Doc Jones!

Thank you after his first treatment yesterday he didn't lick he feet the rest of the day! Huzzzah! Takes a huge worry off my mind. Thanks again

Thank you for your time🙂

Dr.jones I am so glad I found you..my vet for the last 35 yrs. Passed away tragically, & the young vet That took over his practice is all about the money..it is sad. Dr.Curt Barnette was like you..pet first..pet parent 2nd..$$last.

Great tips! So appreciate your honesty as a business manager and sharing with the public. These are great tips for humans too!! Mahalo nui

Love your channel...thanks

Thank you for your honesty it's so refreshing. I love my vet he's so devoted and honest like you. God bless you for sharing information and bless the angels from heaven our pets.😘😻💕

My son just responded to this forward, Dr. Jones. He is relieved that there is protection to avoid getting washed away with unnecessary expenses. I encouraged him about not getting those yearly shots but he needed to hear it from someone other than mom! : ) You know how that goes! Keep up the great work, Dr. Jones. Thanks.

You are awesome! Thank you for all the information.

Yup I've been ripped off too. Exact same thing, a cracked tooth removal, same tooth opposite sides, done in two Vets only months apart. One charged less than $400 and that included 2 visits & 2 X-rays. The other over $1000 2 visits no X-ray, the $1000 vet wanted me to come back for a third visit... I pointed out Sorry I cant afford you, you are a thief!

Can't thank you enough Dr Jones for providing so much information to help us learn to be responsible and informed pet lovers!!

this was so informative! thank you for sharing your knowledge!

Great video!

Not that my pets needed them, but I never knew you could take scripts for pets to pharmacies. Learn something new every day. I have 3 cats and it gets expensive for yearly shots. My neighbor told me she never gets yearly shots for hers. Mine are also indoor cats. Talk about expensive, one of my cats had a UTI that cost me $2,100! Then I was told to only feed Science Diet which was $28 for a 3lb bag. I did purchase the SD, but have since went to Wal Mart and got Pro Plan for urinary care. $25 for a 16lb bag. My boxer/pit has bad breath. I wrote to you about this and you had a video for me to watch. I do brush his teeth, and the last time I used a little baking soda, I use this on my teeth too. I noticed his breath wasn't as bad. Is it ok to use baking soda occasionally? Thank you in advance. I love your videos Doc!

AWESOME !!! Thanks Doc !

Thank you so much for sharing this information.❤

Thank you doctor, your videos really help a great deal.

I have a vet with very conservative pricing and even will allow me to make arrangements if an illness or accident happens that costs more then I can afford at one time. However, even given that just watching this channel and reading the information I get from you has saved me quite a bit of money doing things at home that I normally would have taken the pet to an ER vet in the middle of the night. Sometimes my pet still needed to be seen but I was able to stabilize them so the problem could wait for the vet in the morning (broken claw and a limp are two that come to mind immediately). Also changing my pets diet and following many of your recommendations, and using over the counter suppliments has made a big difference in their health. I really appreciate this channel

Sometimes they wont tell you the price. I take my cats to a low cost vet. They have a cat vet there and they also do surgery. They are really good and gentle with the pets.

Great advice. Thank you.

I have a 5 year old male, red nose Pitbull name Big Boss and I'll be getting another pit puppy very soon. Dr. Jones I'm very thankful that you took time out to make this channel for us, making us more knowledgeable on how to keep our pets well/healthy and how to treat them when they get sick. You doing this is saving us on budgets and fixed incomes a lot of money by not always having to take our pets to the vet for basic thing.

Thank you so much for caring more about the animals than the money. ❤ I treat my own pets and they are so healthy. 😁

Regarding vaccines it's not necessarily the vet but the industry in general. For example, doggie day care requires annual bordetella vaccination and others. It would be helpful to sort out the various common vaccinations and which ones may be needed and those which are not. Also if your vet puts an expiration date on the vaccination record, you're stuck, because if you're providing that record to a doggie day care, your landlord, your groomer, etc. then you are forced to get it annually because they require current vaccinations.

always informative

Wonderful video Dr Jones , thank you & God bless ❤😇

Thanks! I enjoyed watching "Pet Fooled" Documentary an investigative film into the inner workings of the industry. Its important not to get over-charged at the vet and to avoid the vet by using a natural biological diet.

Thank you Love you so much!! My vet only want sell food.

My 3 staffs have a better quality of life since I've been watching your channel. I cannot thank you enough. You are such an inspiration to us all. God bless you x

Very timely to have gotten this in my suggested videos. Just got a card from a vet I saw only once saying my cat is due for a senior checkup, dental check and something else I don't recall. This 9 year old cat is super healthy and there is no way I would take that bait. I have been refusing all vaccines but rabies for several years after reading articles about pets being over-vaccinated. Thank you for contributing to educating pet owners.