29/05/2025
Statement Regarding Recent Media Coverage of Veterinary Costs
Recent articles published in The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald and The Project have raised concerns around the rising cost of veterinary care in Australia, sparking debate among pet owners, professionals, and the wider community. While we understand the financial pressures many families face, it is important to bring context and clarity to the discussion.
Veterinary fees reflect the true cost of delivering complex, high-quality medical care in a system that receives no government funding or subsidies. Unlike human healthcare—where Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) cover the majority of medical costs—veterinary care is 100% privately funded by pet owners. According to the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA), Australians on average contribute only 15% of their own human healthcare costs, while pet owners carry the full financial responsibility for their animals' medical needs.
The reality is that veterinary teams provide professional medical services that involve skilled clinicians, advanced diagnostics, surgical expertise, and around-the-clock care. These services are comparable in quality to human healthcare, but must be delivered by small, independent businesses without the same financial safety nets. Veterinary clinics face significant operational costs, including medical equipment, ongoing training, staff wages, and overheads—costs that continue to rise with inflation, workforce shortages, and increasing demand.
And yet, veterinary care accounts for just 14% of total pet-related spending in Australia, with the remainder going toward food, toys, grooming, and accessories.
At Kirrawee Vet Hospital, we love what we do. We are privileged to care for your pets and feel lucky every day to work alongside a team of dedicated vets and nurses who pour their hearts into every patient. What happens behind the scenes—hand-feeding anxious animals, staying late for emergency care, following up results after hours—is often unseen but always done with love. Our team treats every pet like their own.
But while we are proud of the care we provide, we also cannot ignore the very real emotional toll that comes with this work. The pressures of the profession can be immense, particularly when dealing with unrealistic expectations or client abuse. Tragically, the veterinary industry has one of the highest su***de rates of any profession.
We remember Adelaide vet Dr. Sophie Putland—a daughter, sister, friend, and beloved vet—who took her own life in September 2021 after suffering the emotional weight of client abuse and workplace stress. Her story is not isolated. On average, one Australian vet dies by su***de every 12 weeks.
The Not One More Vet movement reminds us that behind every consultation, there is a human doing their best—often under immense pressure—with compassion and care at the forefront.
We ask for kindness, understanding, and open dialogue. Veterinary teams will always try to work with clients to find practical solutions and treatment plans, but it is crucial to understand the structural realities of our profession. These fees are not about profit—they are about sustainability, quality of care, and the wellbeing of both pets and the people who dedicate their lives to them.
Let’s work together to protect the future of veterinary care in Australia. Let's support the people who care for the animals we love.
Kirrawee Vet Hospital
