Why are so many pet owners too stupid to take their animal to the vet when it's sick?!?!?!?

Answer 1

Because they don't have the money and to most people, animals are dispensable.

Answer 2

Some people will spare no expence for their animals while others won't spend a penny on them. It amazes me that people whinge about spending money on their animals when it is their responsibility to care for the animal. Even better are the people who can't borrow money from a family memberor friend but expect a vet they have never met to give them credit (I can't get my car fixed with the promise I'll be in a week later to pay).
The news flash would be that most vets out there truely do care about animals, what is the point of going to university for 8 or so years if all they wanted was the money it would have been better to become a general practitioner (the hours and the money are heaps better!)
Another point is that animals are usually more stoic than humans so when they are showing sickness they are usually in a pretty bad way.
When all is said and done, vets cop a lot of flac for having high prices when in fact the pricing is usually very reasonable for the service provided not to mention that a lot of diseases can be prevented (an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure) and curing usually costs a lot more.
Owner education is the key and pet insurance is good for people who can't save, it's not up to the vet to give away services, animals don't come with any government medicare but need treating sooner rather than later if they are sick and the outcome is to be favourable
Sorry for the rant...

Answer 3

"Because unless they paid 800 or 1000 bucks for a pure breed " Even then, they don't always care. They put all their money into having a status animal but then can't afford the compliactions involved with them. It's why I never understood how peoples' kids are walking with holes in their shoes that are 2 sizes too small, they can't afford rent, but they have $500 dogs that they leave out back to fend for themselves.

I don't know that it's stupidity as much as lack of awareness. People think that their animal will simply bounce back. Vet bills are paid in cash generally - most don't have insurance, so an unnecessary vet trip could make the difference between eating mac & cheese and having a full meal.

Of course, people who can't afford the vet shouldn't have an animal in the first place, but it's never going to change. And, that people just don't notice their animal is sick or hurt, unfortunately, that won't change either. Some people just don't have that type of compassion and awareness.

Answer 4

I think that most people just never consider that their pet actually should have a regular physician, like they do. Most people have the opinion, just like deb, that vets are too expensive, and they don't want to spend the money. They also think that most of the things that vets recommend for preventative care are just "money makers".

That is so funny to me, because most of the diseases I treat can be prevented by a simple vaccine, tablet or topical treatment, the same things that people say vets use to "make money." Here's a clue, people - treating a disease is more costly than preventing one!

I just wonder why when people don't take care of their pets, its always the vet's fault that they expect money for their services. That part always astounds me.

Answer 5

I have no idea, but I think if you are going to own a pet, you should take responsibility for it's health. YOu would for a child. Pets feel pain the same way humans do. It just sickens me, but there are people out there that don't feed them too. Why have them if you aren't going to care for them. I'm a Vet Asst. and I see some awful things. If you don't want to spend the money, don't get a pet.

Answer 6

I wish I knew. Some people should not be allowed to own pets.

My niece just told me that her friend's mom stepped on her cat's leg and broke it. They "didn't know it was broken" and thus didn't take the cat to the vet. After about a week they noticed the bone sticking out of the cat's fur. They finally took the cat to the vet and the vet had to amputate the leg.

That's criminal negligence in my opinion. At the very least there should be a hefty fine for something like that.

Answer 7

Unfortunately, sometimes people see pets as 'things'. They see them as belongings, as property... not as a living, breathing, feeling creature, that deserves a warm, loving home. They don't see the animal as a family member, as an equal deserving of the basic rights that all living things are intitled to.

To some, a dog is like a bike, or perhaps a current fad: it's neat to own, but when it's outlived it's time, the people really don't want to have to go through all the trouble of caring for it anymore.

Sometimes - as scary as it is to admit - people just don't care.

Answer 8

Because unless they paid 800 or 1000 bucks for a pure breed they just don't care to spend 100 on a mutt

Answer 9

I don`t think people are too stupid to, They just want an easy answer, that`s not going to cost them a lot. and you have to admit,vets can be expensive.

Answer 10

Because now they can get all the wonderful knowledge of people from yahoo answers for free.