Animal Doctor

Sorry About the Euthanasia -- Please Pay Up

Discussion Policy

Comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Dear Dr. Fox:

Why is it that veterinarians charge to euthanize an animal even though the owner has always been faithful regarding checkups and injections?

If I am faithful from day one with checkups and the like, I think my veterinarian should write off this charge. It is traumatic enough to have to put down an animal you have had for years, and then your veterinarian gives you a bill.

S.R.

Arlington County

In the days before dehumanizing, money-driven ways took precedence over common sympathy and decency, a vet would never charge a regular and responsible client for euthanasia. Now the service is usually tacked onto a body disposal or cremation fee, the latter being reasonable. But as a business courtesy, if not on the grounds of professional etiquette and ethics, I think veterinarians should not charge their faithful clients one dime for euthanasia.

There are many overhead expenses when running any good veterinary clinic or hospital, but some loss of revenue regarding the euthanizing of one's animal patients would pay off in other ways. Imposing a bill for services during a time of intense grief and devastating loss seems impersonal and demeaning. Better to at least send the bill later, after a sympathy card.

Dear Dr. Fox:

CONTINUED 1 >