It’s a familiar story, you go in for a vaccination and come out with an ear infection. Or you go in for a grooming and come out with ringworm. Additional afflictions often hit the wallet the hardest, and for every group of wonderful, conscientious, reputable veterinarians, there is always the exception. No one likes surprises at the vet, so it’s good to know, going in, that you have recourses if you suspect that your vet is taking advantage of you.
There are a few things any seasoned pet owner anticipates when bringing an animal in to the vet. First there is perhaps some resistance from the pet just on crossing the threshold, then there is the cacophony of yelps and hisses that greet you. Following is usually a bit of a wait, which you spend assuring your panting companion that it will be okay. Whether you are there for a routine checkup or a sick visit, after all is said and done and your animal has shed half their fur on the exam table out of stress, it is your turn to sweat at the register.
Not that all complaints are financial. To be sure, the more serious transgressions are misdiagnoses, where it is the animal who is victim to unprofessional treatment. Despite diplomas and experience on the vet’s side, ultimately, you probably know your pet best, so keep your thinking cap on and feel entitled to question a diagnosis that makes no sense to you.
If it is recommended that your pet switch to the prescription food sold exclusively by your vet, even though your pet is exhibiting zero dietary problems, you have reason to be skeptical! If a blood test is proposed, to check something other than what you are there for, ask questions including what the additional cost will be for it, what the implications of the result could be, and how that would be treated.
If they want to check your 15-year-old dog for something that would require more tests, and invasive procedures following that, you might want to take a day to think about what is really best for you and your pet. If you feel insecure second-guessing your veterinarian, let someone else do that. You can take your animal to another vet for a second opinion.
In the instance where you do conclude that your veterinarian is not upholding the standards and ethics set forth by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) in their Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics, you can take action. The American Association of Veterinary Boards (AAVSB) provides a Board and Agency Directory so that you can find the appropriate governing body in your state, and the contact information for where to send your complaint. The more information you include in your complaint, the better. Be precise about the who, where, when and why in your complaint. Also, call the veterinarian’s office to obtain the doctor’s license number.
As with all things, you have to be tenacious and stick with it, most likely following up with the office you sent your complaint to. If, over time, you feel your initial motivation start to wane (perhaps you found a new vet, or you moved), and the treatment that led you to complain in the first place seems less egregious now that time has soothed your anger, consider that if you do follow-through on your complaint, you may spare another patient/owner from the same aggravation or mistreatment, so there is still value to being heard.
On the other hand, if you have a wonderful vet and a routinely good experience, and you appreciate the care your pet receives, feel free to file a letter of appreciation, either to the appropriate governing body in your state, or directly to the doctor. I suspect those letters are few and far between, because a happy client is so often a silent one.
