Guideline on vet fees will help rescuers

WHY is there a huge disparity in fees among veterinarians for the same treatment?

Shouldn’t there be a guideline or some form of a control in prices − a standardised charging mechanism − implemented?

This will especially ease the burden on those helping stray animals.

Though some veterinarians might have some childhood experience that made them determined to take this career path, operational costs, the price of medications and other expenses make it hard for a practitioner to completely disregard revenue for the clinic they run.

Here in parts of Kota Kinabalu city and its surrounding areas, an amputation surgery with three- to five-day boarding might cost around RM3,000 at some veterinary clinics, while others might charge half that amount.

Vaccinations for the animals have different prices too, which is fair if they are not too far off comparatively.

According to numerous animal rescuers in the city, especially individuals or those involved on a smaller scale, they have found disparities in prices among different veterinarians despite the medication and treatment given being similar or even when they are the same medicine in some cases.

Some have said that in the earlier days of their animal rescue activities, the fees including medication, consultations and other services were bearable.

They had considered the prices fair.

But prices have gradually increased and they have more animals rescued.

Although they do shop around for clinics they can afford, the animal rescuers wonder if there is any law to control or at least standardise the price of medicine for animals.

They understand that consultation and the vet’s service fees may differ, but they find that sometimes there is a wide difference in the total amount.

Rescuers shared that they learn to remember which vets charged fairly.

There are a few that the rescue community has blacklisted.

The community also informs newcomers about which vets are good despite the slightly higher fees.

There are people who want to help stray animals or adopt from an animal shelter, but they are often deterred by veterinary bills they cannot afford.

The government veterinary department has its limitations in what it can do.

For many types of goods and services, there is a ceiling price and laws to protect consumer rights.

The government should work with the Malaysian Veterinary Council (MVC) to help regulate veterinary services, fees and medications.