Many pet-owners in the province of Ontario are finding they can save a substantial amount of money on pet care by driving to the US.
Kate Hart of Ontario took her young cat to the US for typical kitten vaccinations and a rabies shot.
From her Ottawa home to the vet in Ogdensburg NY in the USA, it’s a little over an hour’s drive. The US vet charged her the equivalent of $58.50 Canadian for the shots. She says in Canada it would cost anywhere from $100 to $175 for the same vaccinations.
Many others say they are dismayed at the prices charged by veterinarians in Ontario and that they are saving quite substantial sums by going to veterinarians in the US.
The practice of seeking less expensive veterinary service outside the province, is becoming more common, especially in towns closer to the US border.
One Ontario veterinarian in Carleton Place near Ottawa claims the prices are lower because the quality of care is lower. Dr. Lisa Ashdown, who runs the Beckwith Animal Hospital in Carleton Place, Ont., said pet owners should be cautious. She says she has had clients come back who were dissatisfied with service they received at US clinics.
Other pet owners have said that they are quite satisfied with service and costs at US clinics.
When attempting to contact US clinics, CBC reporters found the general consensus was that individual vets dictate prices and it is a buyer’s market, hence lower prices.
Others note that US veterinarians can offer lower prices as they pay less themselves for medication, equipment and other supplies, and pay lower taxes.
The Ontario Veterinary Medical Association, which represents more than 4,400 Ontario vets, said it has not formally warned Canadians about vet treatments south of the border.
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