When to see the vet?
"As a vet, I can fully understand that many owners are worried about the costs they may face if their pet is in need of veterinary care. What's important is that both pet owners and vets work together to manage expectations, especially in cases where the treatment is not routine. Our goal is always to provide the most appropriate care and find the best possible solution for every pet and every owner, whether a pet is insured or the owner has very limited funds.
“Having a poorly pet is stressful. I encourage all pet owners to discuss any concerns or expectations with their vet as early as possible. These conversations help us create the most appropriate treatment plan for both you and your pet. When our pets are unwell, emotions often run high and decisions can feel overwhelming. It is therefore extra important that our pet’s care is guided by both openness, understanding and compassion.”
Publication: Newsquest
Focus: Vet costs
Commentary attributed to: Lars Mortensen, Head Veterinarian at the Agria Pet Insurance App
"As a vet, I can fully understand that many owners are worried about the costs they may face if their pet is in need of veterinary care. What's important is that both pet owners and vets work together to manage expectations, especially in cases where the treatment is not routine. Our goal is always to provide the most appropriate care and find the best possible solution for every pet and every owner, whether a pet is insured or the owner has very limited funds.
“Having a poorly pet is stressful. I encourage all pet owners to discuss any concerns or expectations with their vet as early as possible. These conversations help us create the most appropriate treatment plan for both you and your pet. When our pets are unwell, emotions often run high and decisions can feel overwhelming. It is therefore extra important that our pet’s care is guided by both openness, understanding and compassion.”
Lars' advice on points to consider before going to see your vet:
- Estimates
In many cases, your vet can provide an estimate for treatments, diagnostic tests, or surgery. These are not always exact and may change depending on test results or how your pet responds to treatment. It can be helpful to think in advance about how much you are willing or able to spend, as your vet can take this into account early on.
- Medicines
Medications can be expensive, and many are available in different forms – such as tablets, liquids, or injections – at varying costs. Let your vet know if you have concerns about administering medication, and don’t hesitate to ask whether there are more affordable alternatives.
- Prescriptions
In some cases, your vet can provide a written prescription, allowing you to buy medication (or an equivalent product with the same active ingredient) from another supplier, such as an online veterinary pharmacy. Prescriptions are often more cost-effective for pets with long-term conditions requiring daily medication over months or years. Your vet can help you decide which option is best.
If you do use an online retailer, it’s essential that the medication is genuine and has been stored and transported correctly. Make sure the retailer is registered with the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) and always order directly from their official website: https://vmd.defra.gov.uk/register/online-retailers.
- Avoid unnecessary delays
If you think your pet may be unwell, it’s usually best to see your vet sooner rather than later. Many conditions can be painful or uncomfortable, and some conditions such as skin or eye problems are much less costly and easier to treat when seen early.
If your pet becomes unwell outside your vet’s normal opening hours and you’re unsure whether it’s an emergency, speaking to an out-of-hours vet can be very helpful. Many insurance policies include access to veterinary advice, such as the 24/7 video veterinary advice service from the Agria Pet Insurance App - which can help give fast guidance and advice when you’re concerned about your pet.
