We have two dogs, and because of the differences in their ages we schedule their exams and vaccines separately. Last week it was the younger dog’s turn, so we made an appointment for her at the veterinary hospital with our usual vet.
It was obvious right away that the downturn in the economy has hit the animal hospital hard. Always before when we have been there for an appointment, the waiting area has been full of people and we have had to stand in line and wait for our turn to speak with one of the four receptionists. This time there was no line, only one receptionist, and no one else waiting for an appointment. Our dog was weighed and we were ushered into the examination room to find our vet already there, waiting with our dog’s records in her hand. Usually we have to wait for her to appear… sometimes even as long as an hour past our appointment time because she has so many other patients.
Another difference was the telephone calls… or lack of them. Our appointment lasted for over forty-five minutes and I think the telephone rang only three times. Usually the telephone is ringing constantly.
But probably the biggest difference of all was when the receptionist handed me the bill. The price of EVERYTHING on the bill had increased since our visit there with our other dog less than three months previously.
This visit could have been a bit rough because this particular dog has developed a strong dislike for the vet. When she was a tiny puppy she had some serious health issues and some of the things the vet had to do to her were extremely painful. The vet said that our dog associates her with pain and unpleasantness and that it was normal that she would “warn her off.” 
She said that she would respect the validity of our dog’s feelings and keep her distance… so although the exam was as thorough as ever, the vet did not actually touch our dog after her initial attempt was met with a curled lip and ferocious snarl. Our dog kept up a low growl throughout the exam… I held her in the various positions the vet needed her to be in, held her mouth open so her teeth and throat could be checked, and held her steady for the vaccines. It wasn’t difficult because this dog is a gentle soul. She trusts me completely and has never even tried to bite anyone before, and I knew she would not bite me.
She also weighs just slightly over four pounds!
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Lisa
The ailing economy is effecting every area of life. People aren’t the only ones suffering. Lately I’ve noticed more strays in my neighborhood. It breaks my heart to think that these animals are being dumped because owners can’t afford to keep them. In this rural area, there are no shelters or animal control. Former pets aren’t equipped to fend for themselves. I do what I can by continuing to take care of my 3 dogs and 3 cats. Plus I feed a group of feral cats every day and have been doing this for several years. By reaching out to help others…especially the members of our world who have no voices…I feel a sense of hope that things will improve in the future because I’m doing my part now.
Diane
As a single mom, I really can’t afford a pet… but thankfully my oldest daughter has a dog that she freely shares with the kids, lol. Like yours, she is a little dog and so very sweet and spoiled, I’m afraid.
Marigene
We have more than our share of indoor only neutered/spayed cats, three that were strays and we feed 5-6 strays each day. We live very near an elementary school so I am sure that people drop unwanted kittens/cats in the area hoping a kid would take them home. It is a sad situation for these cats as they are not neutered or spayed, do not have proper health care and have to depend on someone to feed them.
Penny
That’s an adorable little dog. I would have more animals than the one dog and one cat we have if the vet expenses were more affordable. It seems a shame that animals aren’t getting homes because caring for them has become so expensive.
Harold J.
I’m a dog trainer so I have a lot of contact with my local vet and I’ve been noticing the same thing you write about. It started slow and then kind of built up but business at the vet (and my business too) are way down thanks to the bad economy. Too bad the animals are the ones that suffer the most.
Beverly
We just went through the same thing with our two cats. We took them in for their annual shots and it was over 100.00, one of the shots had doubled in price from the previous year. We have 4 dogs and have had to make a hard decision that they will only be getting rabies and maybe parvo shots this year. We just can’t afford to pay for these expensive vaccinations.
Your dog is so cute and I read your blog frequently! Thank you for writing.
PC
I do have to have rabies administered by a licensed vet and get a state certificate and tag to prove the animal has had their rabies shot.
We are dealing with a fourteen year old terrier mix who is in congestive heart failure and chronic renal failure. Her meds from the vet are pricey and humans are prescribed the same drug for this condition. If she were human, I could get the same drugs at Walmart under their $4 for 30 day supply program, split the pills and have a four month supply. I haven’t asked but maybe I should. Seems to me if I present a prescription to a pharmacist, he should fill it even if it for a dog written by a vet. Of course, the vet dispenses these meds with a good mark up and I don’t think he’d agree to do it. Is it better that the vet profit or that ill animals get meds they need to survive?
Emily
I don’t know if “PC” will see this or not, but I work at a vet and it is definitely worth it for you to ask yours if he/she can write a script for your dog’s meds at the WalMart pharmacy. The clinic where I work does this whenever possible. We even call them in for people at their own respective pharmacies if they need us to.