Angie's List: Finding specialty veterinary care

How much would you pay to save your pet?

According to estimates by the American Pet Products Association, Americans will spend over 13 billion dollars on general and specialty care this year.

Medical specialties such as cardiology, oncology, neurology and internal medicine – once reserved for human health care - continue to expand into the realm of veterinary care. However, with specialized care come increased costs.

According to a nationwide Angie’s List poll:

• Nearly 47 percent of respondents say they’ve sought veterinary specialty care for their pet;
• And of those, 27 percent say they have spent more than $2,500.

Paying for a debilitating disease or injury can be costly. Specialty care is more expensive due to additional training, equipment and facilities.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recognizes 21 veterinary specialty organizations that oversee 40 distinct specialties. The number of specialists in each discipline varies, but some - such as oncology - have relatively few across the globe.

Angie’s List Tips: Navigating veterinarian specialty care

• Check credentials: From a cardiologist to a radiologist, verify the veterinarian’s board certification. Board-certified veterinary specialists must complete an internship and residency in their specialized field which typically means an additional three to five years of training and required exams.
• Do your homework: Before committing to costly care, ask the specialist detailed questions about his/her experience, training, success rate, and techniques he or she will use to treat your pet.
• Know your limits: Think ahead before an accident or illness occurs about how much you want to spend on your pet’s health. While some are willing to pay whatever it takes to keep their pet healthy, others are left with stick shock. Research pet insurance options to plan for unexpected expenses, but be sure to ask about deductibles, exclusions, co-pays and caps.
• Manage your expectations: Some pet health conditions cannot be resolved, no matter how much money you spend on treatment. Seek a second opinion if you’re not satisfied, but be prepared if nothing can be done.
• If you run into problems: Speak with your veterinarian to resolve any issues. If a situation can’t be resolved, you can file a grievance with your state’s veterinary board.