This particular blog is set out to let you see us and hopefully answer some common misconceptions about us. Vets are people pleasers; they are hard workers who like to fix things. We will go out of our way to make sure you are getting the care your animal deserves. We hate to not know what is wrong with your animal and we hate more not being able to make it better. Sure, there will be bad eggs out there, vets that just want to shuffle you along in the line of patients they have, some that want to make the most money off of you that they can, but, for the vast majority of us, we just want to help. We all worked REALLY hard in vet school and are still working just as hard to better our techniques, better our medicine, learn what is working better. We have entire social networks dedicated to sharing information and sharing what works for us and asking for help with cases. Tens of thousands of veterinarians constantly reaching out for help from vets all over the country and even the world, with tens of thousands open to helping and giving advice. Even board certified surgeons, internists, etc are answering some of our questions on some of these hard cases. I’m no 100% certain, but have asked human doctors and, to my knowledge, they don’t have this.
“Vets are just in it for the money, if they cared about animals, they would do it for free/less.” – Other than world famous veterinarians, the vast majority of us make much less than you would think. Modern veterinary school tuition is anywhere from $20,000/year to $60,000/year (tuition and fees ONLY – not rent/living expenses/food) for 4 years. So, at best, we are paying approximately $150,000 for the degree alone, including undergrad (4 years). Then, you have to factor in at least 4 years of lost financial gain where you couldn’t work enough to pay for rent/food – we had class from 8am to 5pm then ate something non-nutritional, started our IV drip of cowboy coffee and studied from 6pm to 12am/6am depending on if there was an exam (or 3) the next day- so add another $50,000 (depending on the state you lived). So, graduate with $200,000 in the hole. Unless you or your parents are independently wealthy (and they don’t hate you), you will have to take out a loan for this. In our country, interest rates can vary between 5% and 8+%, meaning that some of us pay upwards of $1200/month just to cover interest. One vet I know has paid $50,000 over 5 years toward her loan, but owes $80,000 more than when she graduated. One tells me she earns an extra $41/day in interest. Per. Day.
So, fresh out of school, with a $200,000 hole in your bank account. You get your first job, like I did, making $42,000/yr. , then, after 3 years, upgrade to $65,000. Now, you have a family, a mortgage, and other expenses to pay such as daycare so you and your spouse can actually go to work. So, you make $4000/month after taxes. You have costs of ~ $4200/month to live (these are figures from a time in my own life including only mortgage in a really low cost area, car payment, electric, daycare, gas, health insurance for the family – mine was covered by the company – and food – does not cover medical bills, car repair, other random bills) plus your $1200 interest-only payment. Your monthly costs are now at a minimum of $5400 meaning you make -$1400/month (that’s negative $1400) for being a DOCTOR. For having studied for 8 years, for continuing to upgrade and improve your knowledge as fast as you can, for bending over backwards, staying extra hours to work on a case, personally taking animals home to make sure they get the right care, crying in frustration or tragedy if the animal is not improving or dies. For storing every single one of those losses in our memory, but never seeming to remember the successes.
Some older vets may throw their younger colleagues under the bus and say that vets charge too much these days. Vet school tuition in the 60s was approximately $350 PER. YEAR, in the 80s; $1600/yr and calculated with inflation that translates to 60s: $2800/yr and 80s: $3900/yr compared to $50,000/yr now (that’s almost an 1,800% increase). I’ve had people argue with me and say “well, if you can’t afford vet school, you shouldn’t attend it.” My question is “would you rather have the best and the brightest working on you or your animal, or do you just want the rare rich folks who actually want to be a vet doing it?” – just like a larger country or state is more likely to get good athletes, a larger field of people to pull from will get better vets.
So, we don’t make a ton. Let’s talk costs of veterinary medicine. Every piece of equipment we use in a vet hospital – blood analyzers, ultrasound, x-ray, surgical instruments, gloves, syringes – all of it – is the same equipment used in human medicine and they all cost a pretty penny. Granted, they probably cost a human hospital as much as they do us, but a human hospital can charge you 10-100x what we charge for the same procedure because of insurance (*cough* “SCAM” *cough*). These are the same procedures we do with the same amount of training that goes into performing and interpreting them, but often with less wait time.
Another difference between human medicine and veterinary medicine is the way we look at our patients. In a human hospital (I imagine for the most part), patients are priceless family members and the best treatment is often not a question. In veterinary medicine, there are two very different views of the patients and a full spectrum in between. On one side, we have the pets that are considered family members, that go everywhere and do everything with their owners. Some are the only children our clients will ever have. Some are the last remaining piece the owner has of a deceased child or spouse to whom the pet belonged. Even mentioning cost of care could be insulting to them, because, obviously, this is their child and money is not a concern (though, sometimes “money is not a problem” means they don’t have any money =) and OF COURSE they will do whatever is the absolute best.
On the other side of the spectrum (which is not wrong) is people who view animals as animals. As possessions with monetary value. Some may be farm animals or hunting dogs, or barn cats and the idea of spending any amount of money above the animal’s perceived economic value is completely absurd. So, you had better discuss costs with these people before doing anything because if they walk out with a $200 bill for a barn cat, they will have a conniption.
Without a client making it perfectly clear to us where on the spectrum they stand, we offer all the options from the most ideal to the most conservative. This can make people mad. If the client is on the “my dog is my child” side they may get offended that you would even offer something that’s not the absolute best and, therefore, question your credibility as a doctor. If they are on the “it’s just a dog” side they may feel that you are pushing them to feel guilty to spend more money because you are just money hungry. Even if a client agrees to the most economic route, even if you explain all the potential risks of not doing the ideal option (again, not necessarily to push guilt, but to cover our butts) and the client signs a waiver, this still does not guarantee they will not or cannot come back at you later and sue or go for your license.
So, yes, vets are in it for the money… but mostly the love of animals, science, and fixing things. We love animals, but we must make money to live, to support our children. I’ve never heard of someone telling a car mechanic they shouldn’t charge money and just fix the car because they love it. (but perhaps they have heard that) We want to help you and your animal. That’s all we want. Please consider all of this next time you are upset with a vet bill. Consider the area that you live. The same procedure in Boulder, CO is going to be much more expensive than in Clare, MI – the same size house is about 7x the cost.
Can’t wait to see you and your animal next time!!
Pictures of my pets: 3 out of 4 of them are hazards of the job that I love!
You keep doing what you love Emily and I will pray for a salary for you that you can pay ALL your bills with and maybe afford a steak and a vacation on!
AMEN!! EMILY IS AMAZING I FOR ONE WATCHED THE SHOW TO SEE EMILY’S WORK! SHE IS A FANTASTIC DOCTOR AND MOTHER( I COULD NEVER HAVE BIRTHED A COW AT 8+ MONTHS PREGNANT! ) SHE’S PUTTING HER FAMILY AT RISK DOING THIS TO HELP YOU!!! EMILY GOOD LUCK IN THE FUTURE AND I PRAY YOU AND YOUR FAMILY WILL BE BLESSED IN YOUR FUTUTRE! YOU DESERVE DOUBLE OF WHATEVER YOU WERE MAKING!!!!
I found a Vet who is honest and has reasonable prices. She’s not into it for money but the love of animals. I’ve paid some pretty outrageous fees for dental cleaning etc. This lady has very fair prices. It was 149.00 to have my poodles teeth cleaning. I’ve paid 600.00 at another Vet! Her dog food is cheaper than in the next town over 😳. I’ll be having my 2nd poodles teeth cleaned and one removed. It’s only 20.00 a tooth pulled. She has a deformed tooth that grew forward instead of backwards. I rescued both girls. I’m so grateful for the care my girls both get! I can actually afford their Vet! My last fur baby passed away last May. I ate cereal for 3 months so she could get treatment every 2 weeks. I sacrificed food for my fur baby. I wish more Vets would offer fair prices for those of us who can’t afford pet insurance. I spent 600.00 or more each month for 3 months on Vet fees. Not all Vets are bad. I just wish prices for treatment weren’t so expensive.
I know $600 seems like a lot, but the cost of a dental can vary wildly, depending on what needs to be done and how bad the teeth are. If a tooth cleaning and polishing is all that is needed, or if the teeth that need to be removed are so loose that they come out easily, then surgical time and time under anesthesia are less, which translates to a lower cost procedure. However, in the area I live in that procedure would still be over $150 at most clinics. Keep in mind that pets need to be under anesthesia and along with all the monitoring and precautions that entails, for any kind of dental work, which is not the case in human medicine. Unfortunately, sometimes a tooth or multiple teeth are not healthy, so extractions need to be done, which is a surgical procedure, which takes increased surgical and anesthesia time, not to mention additional meds and ideally additional radiographs to make sure the entire tooth has been extracted. Many times, because we see pets that have never had their teeth brushed nor have had any type of dental cleaning until there is a real problem, the latter procedure is accounts for a lot of the dentals that are done.
I had no idea Merlin is a tripod! I always thought big dogs like Saint Bernards don’t do well on three legs.
All of your pets (and patients) are lucky to have you.
Its so true, good you wrote it down.
Everything costs money. I love my Valley Vet Clinic. They go out their way to help me with my stray cat and my other animals. They always find time to fix my stray i bring so often. And i work hard so my cats can have better life. Even got a second job so i can pay for them 🐱
Very good I formation! Most people don’t even think about what it takes to become a vet. So glad you persevered! It seems to me to even want to become a vet you’d have to love and care about animals. Especially considering the long hours and work involved.
This post is amazing. So true on every level. Thank you for writing what all of us vets truly feel. You are awesome!
Well said! And, loved the pictures of your fur babies!
Well I thank you and my local vet for doing what you do. Because as a middle aged man my 2 dogs are my people. And as teenagers I know they won’t be around much longer but I hope my vet cares enough to keep them healthy as long as possible.
Your love of animals and your dedication to doing your very best for each one brought to you came across extremely strong on television. That is why so many people (myself included) will miss you, your compassion, your expertise, your explanations and your humor. The fact that you are so pretty with a very attractive family will also be a darn good reason to miss our favorite vet.. RIGHT ON, DEAR EMILY, WRITE ON.🤠🤠🤠
It takes a person with passion to become a vet. Compassion. Dedication. Hard work. I’d say the majority of vets aren’t in it for the money. I’m sure there are exceptions to the rule. Fortunately I haven’t met any.
God Bless You!
I love the example that you have set, Emily. I have enjoyed watching your love and dedication to the animals, and to your family. I will miss seeing you on Dr. Pol’s show.
Thanks for another great post. I am very thankful for my vet. My black lab Jax had medical problems my vet had never seen in 30 years of practice. She did everything in her power to help him. Unable to have children he was my child. In the end I had to make the gut wrenching decision to let my boy go. Not even 5 years old. My vet called me every night to talk about Jax and see how I was doing. She went over and over his medical problems trying to see if there was something more she could have done. I thank God for such a wonderful vet. So keep up the great work Dr. Emily, your one of the good ones
You sound like you have a lot of anger or regret. I feel for you. Nothing like not being appreciated, when all you want to do is help. It’s so frustrating. Sometimes no one really listens.
You can talk to me anytime because I care about you…😉
I am not subscribed to any blog but yours. When I found out you were off the show and heard you were in Virginia, By the way I used to live in Arlington I later on came by your blog, by accident. I’m 48 and when I was 19 I worked at a vet clinic in Long Island New York. A year later was bit on the face during an exam with a golden . FYI I was bit on the face in my 20’s from a co workers bill dig. Threatened them not to put the dog to sleep, but to get the dog more training. I wasn’t mad at my mangled piece of skin both times & still love animals. I have 3 dogs & 2 bunnies all are rescues. I only started watching dr pol last year after my 1st back surgery. I often wondered why he didn’t use oxygen and trachs or whatever they are called on animals & let animals go home still sleeping. But I’m
Not a vet so who am I to judge. I also soon noticed you were the only one to take an animal home during the night. I find your honesty refreshing. I actually just told my husband that he should sign up for your blog.
I am happy that or I should say I hope that working on the show & exposing yourself to good and bad criticism at least set your family for success.
Thank you for your honesty.
Those are happy, healthy looking furry members of you family. We have a couple adopted from a semi-feral mother who raised them in our garage. Thanks for sharing.
Keep up the post/blog Dr. Emily, you are one good vet, wish you were near where I live. Thanks again, will miss you on the Incredible Dr. Pol but sure understand, you, your hubby and precious children are more important than any “job” . I remember getting burned out in my job so I do know how that feels. Hang in there young lady you got this thing made.
What happened to Norman the beagle? (I think I’m remembering that right.)
He ran away after we neutered him. He got out of our backyard and we were able to catch him once. The next time, he was gone.
Dr. Emily, Please let me know how to read your blog. I’m a 67 year old who is not tech savvy. I also love you on Dr. Pol. I really loved seeing your passion for animals. You will be missed. I had not heard that you were leaving until now. Thank you for the years you were on the show! Susan Soyars……susan.p.soyars@gmail.com
All my blog post are at the top of the page, you can choose from any of them up there. They range from how I started at Dr. Pol’s clinic to how to bathe 3 kids. Enjoy
Dr. Emily
My name is Starr. I’m just an old lady On disability in California but I just want to share something with you if you have a minute.
I think you are absolutely precious. You are one of my favorite people of all TV time ever. I wish you were my sister.
You are most obviously a wonderful person and I wish wish Pol vet paid you better I don’t think they should’ve EVER let you go.
But if you are happy now then I am happy and I just want to wish you all the best and tell you to never forget that you are very very loved by so very many people
Take good care Dr. Emily I’ll be watching for you. Love Starr
That’s very sweet of you, thank you. It wasn’t the money that made me leave the practice. I had to choose my family and my health. I am very happy where I am at now
Ah, the Beagle’s nose! I hope he found a new home. I had the sweetest 13-inch beagle, Miss Hattie. Christmas 2006 I had left her with a friend while I was in Charlottesville for Christmas. That first night she got out and I woke up to that news on Christmas morning. It was only a year after Hurricane Katrina and New Orleans was still a mess. She was chipped, but it was her tag with my old phone number on it that enabled me to be reunited with her two weeks later. Volunteers from Common Ground found her in a part of town that was devastated and they tracked me down. She was with me about four more years. So I have a soft place in my heart for beagles. Now I have a bichon frisée poodle mix that I can let off leash, with me watching her, and her nose does not lead her astray.
Some of us, well I’m going to say most of us see our animals as family members. Both vets and physicians are only people who do their best to help in any medical situation. I lost my dog two years ago after she fell down a step and dislocated her back leg. Unable to set her leg (Phoebe was 16.5 years old) she was laid to rest. The vet at the emergency hospital had has many tears as I did. The vet even called me to see how I was. Vets are wonderful and don’t get enough credit for their hard work. By the way…I got a puppy a month later. Your great Emily!!
I have two cousins that are Vets, practicing in Montana and everything you informed us with is spot on. They met in Vet school and started at a clinic near them. Twin boys, then another son and then a beautiful daughter born to them. She specialized in small animal surgery several days a week to offset cost of day care, he finally let Vet practice and studied to get a position with the government inspecting brands and health, etc at the border…….he did this to make the money needed to raise their family and for insurance and benefits. There children all now in college with the daughter having assisted her mother at clinic also with a goal of becoming a Vet. We have raised Schnauzers, for the experience (you earn every dollar you sell them for, if you were lucky) and have since had a Schnauzer or two as our pets. We could/would never question a health care procedure….unless, we felt there was no emergency and wanted another opinion. Our last one, Jubilee was rescued from a puppy mill and was fragile; we relocated several states away and first went to Vet a neighbor suggested. Impressive on outside and as you walk in the owners were treated to aroma therapy to calm them and then in the pet area, the pets were treated to aroma therapy as well. Wonderful! Not! We had a totally wrong diagnosis and treatment. We found a small, not so fancy clinic and made a consult appt.; no fancy aroma’s in the air, friendly staff and a Vet staff that were spot on and cared as well as made the correct diagnosis and correct treatment. You have more than earned respect in your field and I hope you will now thrive financially and more over that you have on staff, techs. that will do the anal glands for you! Yes, I remember your comment! Blessings!
You go girl!
A few years ago I watched a series that followed a group of vet students to graduation.
It really opened my eyes to your profession and the incredible cost.
Thank you for your dedication and your incredible intelligence and honesty.
My sincere best wishes for your well deserved success.
Emily, you are a godsend. Thanks for this. It made my day and pet pics at the end. I love it.
I know some may say “it’s just a cat” but my hubster and I rescued our cat, Titus when he was 4 m/o, and I read that cats can live 20+ years. An by his personality and everything, Titus will probably outlive cockroaches lol jk.
So, do you think pet insurance is a good idea?
Dr. Emily God Bless You for being such a caring person and you are making a difference.
You were as good a vet as Poe n just as great to watch. I would love for you to be my babies one on only Vet and gonna miss the show cause you are no longer there!! Wish u the best because u are the best and will miss you so.
When I saw you moved and knew you wouldn’t be on the Dr. Pol show anymore, I was so upset. You brought so much to the show with your spunk and grit. But reading your blog is WAY better than just seeing you on the show. Your honesty and obvious love of what you do and who you are are not just amusing and informative, but truly inspirational! Thanks so much for sharing yourself with us.
PS- think you could talk Brenda into a blog? I love her, too! 🙂
Emily, when I found out you and Tony were writing a blog I subscribed immediately and read them daily (when posted anyway) 🙂
As you know Ashley has considered veterinary medicine so I forwarded this one to her for some background on some pros and cons of becoming a vet (a little light reading…Haha!). I feel like this is good information for someone that is on the fence. There is a ton of time and dedication that goes along with being a vet that the rest of ordinary humans clearly are not aware of. You have my utmost respect for taking on this role while parenting 3 kids, 4 animals, and a husband (LOL…I know Tony is your rock!)
Thank you Michelle, being a vet is very stressful and demanding, but it is also very rewarding.
What ever happened to the Beagle that showed up in your yard in Michigan? I believe the kids named him Norman.
Love your blog Dr Emily! It helps people understand the predicament Vets are in on a daily basis.
A former student of mine is now a professor of Veterinary Medicine and has made this really clear to all who will listen. She also points out the absurdly high suicide rate of DVMs due to these stresses as well as having to euthanize animals because the owners don’t have any money. It’s a really difficult job with enormous pressures. Some of us greatly appreciate your work!
I am loving your blog. Being in a job with being on-call necessiates loving your job. Thanks for all you share with us. God bless
Bonjour, cela doit être vexant pour vous de travailler à vos débuts pour tout rembourser … Je suis de Belgique et j’ai un petit chien et 5 chats qui eux ont tous été recueillis errants dans la rue, quand on a bon coeur, on ne compte pas ! Courage et bonne chance pour votre nouvelle vie. Bisous ♥
American Systems are pretty tough and so unbelievable to us here in Europe. In Germany you pay only little compared To America for studying. Also health insurance does not have to be paid by us.
The new UGA vet school looks like a new uptown hospital for humans Lord only knows what it cost to attend now. Love your blog I hope it opens eye’s and heart’s to help student’s that are living below the poverty line and if it wasn’t for food pantry and family or friends would not be able to become the wonderful Vets that we depend on for taking care of our wonderful pets that are such a wonderful part of our lives. Rock on Dr Emily 💖
Takes a special person to be a vet, especially large animal. Some of the conditions in Michigan was unreal.
You really impressed my famiy
Takes a special person to be a vet, especially large animal. Some of the conditions in Michigan was unreal.
Will really miss you and Tony when new season starts tomorrow, but totally understand why you left. Now, I will just enjoy your blog!
I understand all the years of vet school you must go thru to get where you are. But as a pet lover we also have to live. I do anything for my animals. I took out a loan to give my pet chemo so my option wouldn’t have to be euthanasia. There r elderly people that only have their pets and they have to put them down because they can’t afford care. Yes , I think some vets are in for the money. If you are in it to help the animals vets should consider many other factors and have a little bit more empathy for the owners.
Love how your blog elicits deep thoughts, humor, and that warm cuddly feeling from seeing your pics. I anticipate your next blogs… Thanks for being you, sharing your thoughts, feelings and family! Teachers and first responders commiserate. The love of job, service provided, and passionate thank you’s make the meager salary worth while! (I agree, tuition prices are outrageous!) 💕
The love for anything living….. human or animal is in
your blood. It is a God given talent….. Gift! The feelings will never go away. God chose you because he knew you would do great things.
You will be missed …… maybe you should have your own show!!!!
All agreed. And add whatever liability insurance costs you incur.
Keep up your good work.
Thanks, Emily, for more insight into the life of a vet. We “know” all these things, but it helps to hear it from a doctor in the job. Keep writing!
I am so sorry for the pressure you felt while working for Dr. Pol. I hope you have found a happy balance and would consider doing a “Dr. Emily” show~
Thank you for your kindness and compassion where the animals are concerned. I have enjoyed watching u on the show. Over the years I have done the best I can for my animals from a financial standpoint and never complained about the fees that I have paid for the services I have received.
I love the show, it’s a way to come home to Michigan. I did undergrad at Central Michigan Univ and know that area well. You were an integral part of the show’s success and I will miss your heartfelt treatment of the pets and farm animals. I grew up on a Michigan pig farm, selling them at fair paid for the degree from CMU! VA is lovely, hope you are welcomed and loved. You will be missed!
Emily – your post highlights something important about higher education in this country. I’ve been in college teaching for almost 20 years. Through grants, scholarships, some creative program opportunities, and a little ingenuity, I graduated with my Masters (so six years not 8) with almost no debt in 1995.
I am a HUGE exception and darn lucky. We are rapidly pricing our best and brightest out of many vital fields as the education needs of specialty fields increase along with the price. More time + higher price = untenable costs.
It’s not just veterinarians. It’s engineers, educators, scientists, and many skilled fields feeling this pressure. Education has tremendous value but it should add to quality of life not put people into near poverty.
Agree with the posts saying they’ll miss you and the family, you really were impressive, and funny, on the show. I admit, I have wondered about some recent vet costs, but NOW I understand better why. And I am on a fixed income, but my Vet understands my issues, but we do what’s needed to keep my two senior dogs alive and happy. I certainly would Not want a Vet being underpaid, the work & Vet are too important. I hope 2020 brings you and yours a joyous new beginning, safety/good health, and peace. Thank You for always being real and doing your best for your patients.
Dr Emily,
I can relate after being a RN for more than 25 years. Understaffing, increased demands, inadequate salaries lead to burn out. I do love watching Dr Pol but recognize the effects of creative editing. (btw….I hate when someone says, oh you’re a nurse… what do you make?)
God Speed
Hi Dr. Emily,
My wife Shannon and I (and our 7 and 10 year old kids) have watched you and Dr. Pol the last few years and can appreciate the hard work and dedication you put into that program, as well as the job. Although we are not vets (I am a periodontist and my wife is an endodontist), we can relate to the financial risks and responsibilities that come with your profession. Like you and your other veterinarian colleagues, we took out an INSANE amount of loans to get our education, which lasted a total of 8 years each beyond college. And that loan debt was 400K each x 2 coming out of school!!! So when I hear a patient say to me: “I probably paid for your vacation “, I kind of get a little frustrated inside. Unless you’re a healthcare professional of some sort, you really don’t get it. You’re always in debt and you have to get further in debt if you want a chance to retire at all. In all fairness, I cannot complain because I am fortunate to be in the position I am in, and have the opportunities that I have. But my wife and I have worked hard and continue to work hard for it. I co-own a multi-specialty dental practice with another dental specialist, and we have Shannon and an associate working with us. We’ve been working together for almost 7 years and I can tell you that the biggest benefit from that dynamic is that although we all do different things in the practice, the 4 of us have the same core values, we do it together under one roof, and we learn from each other by communicating with each other regularly. No one person is better than the other and the key is to always keep trying to learn through experience……that can only help you and your practice in the long run. The most common thing we hear from patients is that we actually listen to them and explain things to them……….so it’s scary to think that other places don’t do those things. It’s also nice to hear that you have a network of other vet professionals that you can bounce ideas off of because that is the absolute best way to help each other improve and grow. We belong to a dental version of this called the Dental Nachos group out of Philadelphia …..it’s great because it gives you a forum where you can get advice and help in a non-judgemental environment. Our kids love animals and we could see them pursuing your profession some day but I hope that the whole health professions landscape is a little more user friendly in the future. We have 6 cats and our vet is awesome and we definitely appreciate them and their staff! Good luck in your future endeavors and spending more time with your family!
You seem to have left out the middle of the spectrum. Those of us that liove our furkids and will do whatever we possibly CAN to keep them safe, warm, well fed, etc. Spend more on our furkids than we do ourselves. Yet still can’t afford a Surgery for them if something were to happen. Can BARELY afford a vet visit itself because it costs $60 JUST TO WALK IN THE freakin’ DOOR!!! And that NOT including an an x-ray, meds, or even JUST the exam! It would be GREAT if vets would accept payment plans! There’s a difference between paying $200 NOW, or paying $30 per pay period to pay off a bill. I, for one, struggle like hell to survive, working 90 hours per pay period (6 day work week, paid twice monthly). I make a lousy $2200/mo. After rent, car payment, insurance, electric, food, gas, cat food/litter, etc I have about $100 for myself (which is usually spent in my kitties). So no, I CAN’T afford the outrageous fees that a vet charges! I don’t have a rich family that can help… I do everything on my own. So if one of my babies gets sick or were to have an accident, I do whatever I CAN DO to get them better, and hopefully it works, because I can’t afford to walk through the door of a freakin’ vet clinic with the prices that are charged! And since vets REFUSE to do a payment plan, then yeah, my opinion IS that y’all ARE just in it for the money! If my kitty is sick and needs to see a vet, I have to HOPE that someone will help me out financially! And if I can’t get help…..I’m screwed! I’ve even had to put a couple of my babies down in the past because nobody would help me out and they were to sick (without surgery). It was $200 for the euthanasia ON TOP OF the $60 exam fee. Y’all could ATLEAST be kind enough to not charge to put an animal down, when the human has no other option (since you WON’T do a payment plan)!
Such beautiful pets you have. I grew up with dogs cats list goes on.
I would love to have a cat now. I can’t afford it though. How much is pet ins. I know that wasn’t around when I was a kid. And can you only get it through the vet? Just wondering.
Spot on, sister.
Dr. Emily Thomas, Your children are absolutely adorable, so glad you are sharing some of their “growing up” so to speak. I saw your last baby when he was born. Good to see you coming farther South. I am a NC resident my whole life and would’t have it any other way. I am also a senior so changes are a little hard but good for you in doing what feels right for you and your precious family. You are a great vet so enjoy your new job even though I/we will miss you terribly on the Dr. Pol show. Just a little food for thought.
I for one appreciate all vets do! It can be costly, but I don’t think my vet is gouging at all. I just had to put my lovely fur baby to sleep this past Monday, and my vet not only stayed with me in the room after, but they then sent a lovely sympathy card. I love my vet.
You are wonderful at enlightening us pet owners of the other side of the coin as a pet lover. You share not just a pet owners perspective but that of the Dr as well.
Hi, Dr. Emily!
I much appreciate this post. The cost for vet school makes sense with the level of memorization it requires.
Our corgi-Jack Russell was just diagnosed with an anal (perianal?) adenocarcinoma. My family has not yet had him for two years, but he is so precious to us. His sacculectomy is next Wednesday. We know that he will have a rough recovery, but we feel he is beyond worth it.♥️
Thank you always for your candidness, straight answers, compassion, intellect, and just for being you!
Hi Emily, people are always gonna complain and try to make you feel like you’re robbing them and should be doing more to help them. Like it’s your fault that things are so dang expensive in the good old USofA. Corporate America, what is it good for! Except to make the rich richer and it’s still never enough for them. They need more money! Us people that are hardly making it or live well below the poverty level, like me, would love just a little more money. Not a lot, just enough to live comfortably without having to worry about this bill or that bill. Or enough to take care of our children and or pets! Then they think that if minimum wage was higher they could make it better. The problem with that is the more employers have to pay their employees then they have to raise prices to be able to pay them. So everything goes up! And we still can’t do better. You think the rich care! Not at all!!! They want more of your money. Lol. What a wonderful country we live in! I’m disabled, just over 60, my wife left me cause I couldn’t do the things I use to. I’m depressed cause I can’t do the things I use to do! I haven’t been able to work for 20 years!
I have a cat and a dog and I live with my mom, who is even more disabled then I am and she has 9 cats and a dog. We will do whatever we can to take care of them. If I have to sell my things to do it then I will!!! My pets are basically my only friends and family, besides mom! Lol. My mom’s house and property are all paid for so that’s an expense we don’t have. We have one car and that is a 1990 Mazda MPV van and almost all parts don’t exist any longer. We pay for internet and cable TV so we can be entertained. Of course other normal bills also. If either one of us has to go without something so we can keep our pets health then we will. I’m not exactly happy living below the poverty level. But there are a lot of rich people that aren’t exactly happy either. There is always someone worse off then me. I’m greatful for what I do have. I smile and laugh but yet I’m always depressed. I’ve watched you on TV since you started working for Dr. Pol and I see that you carry depression also.
Emily, people may cheat you, blame you or even harm you but you’ve got to let it live in the past. There’s nothing you can do about it. You can’t please everyone. Unless you become rich some how you’re going to have bills and wonder where you’ll get the money to pay them. You can work your ass off and seem like you’re not getting anywhere. But you’ve got a family that lives you! You’ve got pets that love you! And maybe even some friends. A shrink I seen some time ago told me that I can’t please everyone. I may be poor the rest of my life. But I can’t let it get to me because I can’t always change all of it. But what I do have is better then a lot of others have. He was right. I’ve met people that had a lot less than me, like living on the streets. And a couple of them were still happy. No matter what you may think, God loves you and has plans for you. You may not know exactly what that is. Maybe it’s just barely living, taking care of people’s animals! 😀. That’s more than what I have! Lol. And many people are happy that you do what you do and are very greatful! That in itself has to make you feel good about things!
I loved watching you on TV and the things you did to make an animal better. I fairly recently found this site of yours and I’ll be watching you still, as long as you’ll let us! 😏 Stay close to your family. Love them with all you have. They won’t alwaysbe little! But grandkids are great to see and be with. Keep your spirits up. You’re doing a wonderful thing for people! Even though some can’t or won’t understand what you have to go through. Don’t let them kind of people getto you. They’ve all got their problems! Course some are just plain mean!!! Y’all are in my prayers! Like the song goes, “don’t worry, be happy”
Oops, sorry.. I didn’t mean to write a book.😏