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.

[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.

[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!!!!!