Do you know why?

[Medusa]

A friend of mine recently had to have her dog PTS. Since her dog became seriously ill on a weekend, she had to go to the emergency vet clinic where she was told that if she wanted to be w/her dog during the procedure that it would cost $50 extra. I wasn't surprised when I heard that because someone else said the same thing a couple of years ago but I dismissed it because I thought he was mistaken and perhaps was confused about what he was told during his difficult time. When my friend asked why, she was told "That's just our policy". Have you had this experience and/or do you know why this would be? It's outrageous to me that I should be charged more for wanting to be w/my beloved pet as it makes its trip to the Bridge. Perhaps someone who works or has worked in a vet's office can offer an explanation.

I posted this in Cat General but if it should be moved elsewhere, moderators need only say the word.

[pomtzu]

Hmmm - makes me wonder how they euthanize the animal. Sounds like they charge the extra to discourage people from witnessing the procedure. I'd hate to think they were using anything but a humane procedure to PTS.

Very strange, and I never heard of the likes of it.

[catlady1945]

I would run from that vet. I have never heard of such a thing. I held my cat while she passed.

[jenluckenbach]

At my regular vet (both vets I have used over the years) in order to stay with the pet you had to pay the office visit cost on top of the euthanasia cost. Whereas if you do not stay, the procedure can be done without taking up an appointment time. So, whatever the office visit costs, that is how much more you'd pay by staying with the pet.

[catnapper]

Hmmmm... when Nicki passed last year on the 4th of July, I was there with her and our bill came to $100 for everything. I didn't read the itemized list but I thought that as fair considering it was a holiday weekend.

[moosmom]

It's called "The Almighty Buck". Anything to line their pockets. That to me is preying on one's vulnerability. If I absolutely HAD to pay and extra $50, I'd do it. But then I'd high-tail it to the nearest Better Business Bureau and file a complaint. What a bunch of bull!

I've held so many animals (personal and rescue) in my arms as they made their way to the RB. No one should die alone. Animal or human.

Ellie is right. I would definitely question their methods of euthanization if they wouldn't allow you to be with your pet. Run...RUN!!!!!

[Medusa]

At my regular vet (both vets I have used over the years) in order to stay with the pet you had to pay the office visit cost on top of the euthanasia cost. Whereas if you do not stay, the procedure can be done without taking up an appointment time. So, whatever the office visit costs, that is how much more you'd pay by staying with the pet.

That does makes sense except that they already were paying for an office visit plus the euthanasia fee. This is an emergency clinic so I'm not sure what to think.

[jenluckenbach]

That does makes sense except that they already were paying for an office visit plus the euthanasia fee. This is an emergency clinic so I'm not sure what to think.

Well, if this emergency clinic is anything like ours........... $$$$$
It's ALL about the money, and nothing about the client.

[Medusa]

Well, if this emergency clinic is anything like ours........... $$$$$
It's ALL about the money, and nothing about the client.

I just don't know. At the end, they made a plaster print of her dog's paw for her as a keepsake but yet she had to pay extra to be there when he was PTS. My other friend went to a different clinic w/his cat but was told the same thing. I would pay the extra fee if necessary but I would protest vehemently!

[catmandu]

I have heard that there are Vets who dont like thier clients there where thier pet is euthanized, as they get very emotinal and sometimes go into hysterics.
A good Vet will understand though, and will realize that for your own peace of mind that you will want to be there for your pet, the way that your pet has been there for you all those yeras.
I have been told that the emergency vets charge more for things as thier business is a lot more sporadic that the regular vets, and it costs more to have staff there all night.

[happylabs]

I have had 2 dogs and 2 cats put down over the years and nothing was ever mentioned about charging extra to be in the room. My vet assumes I want to be with my pet. I think I would have run as well.

[Medusa]

I think I would have run as well.

I think because it was an emergency situation that she really didn't have the option to wait or to find another emergency clinic, especially when it seems to be the norm for emergency clinics around here.

[Anikaca77]

That's very interesting....I don't think I ever thought about it with Anika and there was my husband there and my mom as well.

All I know is I had to make the decision weather to cremate her or bury her and I had a really bad experience when I was 21 and I had to put my one cat down that we did take home and bury so I couldn't really bare to think about having that happen with Anika plus I live in an apartment now and well cremation seemed the way to go. It was very hard picking her box up but now we have her sitting on a bookshelf with a photo on the box and we haven't spread any of her ashes. It feels good sometimes in a weird way that I know she's still around us. I hope I didn't upset anyone by posting this.

Melissa

[Taz_Zoee]

When Bruce had DJ (Cocker Spaniel) PTS four years ago it was at a special medicine clinic (the same place Taz had his surgery last November) and Bruce was with him when he crossed. I would have been but was stuck in traffic.
I have no idea if there was an extra charge considering the bill was over $5000 anyway.
I'll have to ask my sister about that one. She works in a 24 hour vet clinic in Oregon. I know that I'd probably go ahead and pay the extra anyway, but yeah, it doesn't seem right. ER clinics charge way too much all the time, IMO.

[momcat]

A number of years ago a dog we took for a friend suffered a stroke. Our vet advised that the humane thing would be to put Shane to sleep since he no longer had the use of his hindquarters. When the time came, Soncat and I were asked if we wanted to be with him as he passed. We stayed with him, the vet gave us some time with Shane after he passed at no charge. The entire staff was sympathetic and comforting to us.