Why do veterinarian services cost so much?

Many people ask this question especially in Canada where we have Medicare. We are unaware of the high cost of medicine as we are used to Medicare taking care of our medical bills. In general the price you pay for veterinary services reflects the cost of the service performed. Costs of services are based on the cost the business has to pay for many things. It is not just the cost for the veterinarian's time. Each procedure must help pay for it's share of the overhead of the business (rent or lease of the building, utilities, maintenance, office supplies, receptionist's time, veterinarian's time , technician's time, cost of materials, cost of equipment, continuing education for the entire veterinary team, and many other necessary costs to running a business) Elective surgeries (spays and neuters) are subsidized by the business. There are no subsidies received from government, charities or other businesses or individuals to offset the costs faced by the business. Private veterinary ...  more