Why is medical treatment for my pets so expensive in Memphis, TN?

Over the years, I have worked for several veterinary clinics. I started out in Seattle, WA and over six years ago migrated to Memphis, TN. I assumed that the cost of veterinary services would improve having moved to a smaller city with a large low income population. So far, I have been confronted with bills that would make jaws drop in my former Seattle clinic. My clients there thought they were paying too much. I think a few visits to some Memphis clinics would shut them up.

I used to pay cost for many procedures in Seattle. In those days, I could get all my pet vaccines for around a dollar each. I also had my dog spayed for about $15 (cost of anesthesia and stitches). But the regular price wasn't all that bad anyway. I think it was about $80 for a female spay and $60 for a neuter. I didn't think it would be all that different here in Memphis. I've assisted in many of the procedures. I realize how simple they are, how long they take and what the costs of performing them are.

So I visited Central Animal Hospital, which is near where I live to have my female puppy spayed. I didn't bother asking for a quote because I just assumed it would be around $100, give or take a few dollars. Imagine my astonishment when I am told that I owe them close to $400 for this $15 procedure. Oh and I should mention that I opted on the less expensive non-laser surgery version of this procedure. I can only imagine what my bill would have come to.

That was one of my first experiences with the outrageous expenses of just taking my pet to a local vet. I have since heard and witnessed many others.

If anyone comes across this blog and wants to share similar stories or be a guide to those of us in Memphis that are looking for good, kind and reasonably priced veterinary clinics, please post something! It will be my goal to review all future veterinary clinics that I visit. Currently, I will be scratching Central Animal Hospital and Walnut Grove Animal Clinic from those lists...unless they at some point start catering to people on limited incomes. The doctors have been good for the most part, but they aren't good enough to justify the expense.