Client is unable to afford vet bills-what do you do?

[xenaxavier]

Hi everyone,

I've read several different ethical, "what would you do?" scenarios about clients coming in for veterinary care but being unable to afford the cost of it. I was wondering what everyone's opinions are on that? I was trying to think of what I may say in the MMI if a similar question came up since I know this is a common issue in veterinary medicine and we all want to help, but we can't do that if we are not paid for the care. 

Thanks

[oncovet]

You do what you can for the patient, thus treating the most immediate health concern first. If your workplace policy allows payment plans for clients; you should consider that as well. Of course, if the animal was neglected, it doesn't matter if they couldn't pay. A veterinarian must report obvious signs of neglect and abuse in Ontario by law. Having an animal is a privledge, not a right.

Some other things I would suggest:
Some clinics/hospitals have a special fund set up from which they can draw some funds to help support these situations. You could also recommend the Farley foundation (they help support the cost of vet care for low income individuals). You could also recommend a humane society that offers low cost spay and neuter procedures if that is what they require. I would not offer free care under any circumstances since it is not fair to other clients who pay for services and it's bad for business. Most veterinary hospitals aren't charities. It should be made clear to the client prior to the appointment that payment is required upon delivery of services. This is something every veterinarian faces at some point in their career and is an important issue.

[prepping]

Good points, oncovet. But I have a pressing question: What if it isn't an issue of routine care such as spay/neutering, vaccines, etc., but a very urgent matter.

For example, what if someone rushes in a dog that has been hit by a car, and is suffering trauma and clearly in serious pain. The owner makes it clear that they do not have the funds for any surgery/treatment the dog may require. Ethically, I would feel compelled to free the dog from his/her pain, but this can directly conflict with my obligation to my clinic both financially and policy-wise.

So what is the appropriate route of action here?

[xenaxavier]

Those are good points, thanks!