Well, much to my amazement, many people use emergency vets. I had never used one until Graemer was stung by a bee (hornet) and his leg swelled. And then, Graemer again, for his last fight for his life. Although this last time, he was not only an emergency, he was at a surgical hospital, so the price was even higher. My little guy was worth every dime, as was Gabe and every pet I have had prior to Gabe and Graemer. Would I use one again? It would depend. I would try NOT to, because I just cannot afford to keep pouring money away, but at the same time, I love my pets so, that at the time of the emergency, I want to save them from pain and upset. So, there is the problem.

I think emergency services are very expensive and as I said, you do not pay based on the size of the patient, just as your doctor does not give you a discount if you bring in a small child vs. a teenager! A visit is a visit and it is based on the overhead, not the patient when it comes to the flat fee, plus other services as needed.

I am sorry for the folks who feel ripped off - and maybe they were charged a lot of money, too much money, I don't know. But I do know that emergency services are very, very special and on an as needed or on demand basis - a luxury for most pet owners.

Love to all of the pet owners here at Pet Talk,
SAS