04/05/2025
I put extended this warning out almost a year ago so this should not be a surprise to anyone!
I will and have been implementing this new billing procedure already but not to the extent that I really should have.
ANY large animal client that is not considered a “routine client” this mean we are NOT doing any of the following pregnancy checks, hoof trims, vaccines, herd health visits (where we check all animals FAMCHA scores, hooves, check for lice, etc a true THOROUGH herd health exam), multiple disbudings, multiple castrations, services such as those. But instead we are basically only seeing your animals when they are sick or there is an emergency. At this time you WILL be charged a HEFTY emergency fee.
The reason for this change is this is an ABUSE and dishonor of my veterinary education and YEARS of experience (that no weekend class is ever going to be even close to the equivalent) this is what is causing the LACK of LARGE ANIMAL VETS nation wide! Why put up with all the things I do when I could work in a cozy clinic and make 4-8 TIMES what I am making now. If you feel that you are more capable than a veterinarian at doing ultrasounds or think blood test are acceptable replacements (ESPECIALLY in small ruminants where knowing if there are multiple fetuses if VITAL) you are discrediting the knowing that I’ve spent getting a veterinary degree, doing tens of thousands pregnancy checks in both cattle and especially small ruminants. Not even counting that I’ve been working in the field for longer than I have not (since I was 13 years old!) That we are just there to be at your beck and call you are sadly mistake. For these clients I will also not be providing free text/phone/message consults they will be charged at a per message rate or how long it takes to reply whichever is more expensive. The abuse will stop now. I THOUGHT I had wonderful clients that appreciated me but it is apparent this is not the case. Another note blood draws for state lab panels DO NOT COUNT as routine services as we provide this basically at cost to encourage testing of herds.
For all the clients which is the VAST majority that appreciate our services we will continue to provide our services as we always have.
This post has been in my mind to post for several months now, so any timing to any clients I have seen in the last few weeks is coincidental.
I don’t think that yall understand that many vet including myself have around $600,000 in student dept and the AVERAGE income for a large animal vet is $68,000. We actually pay the highest liability insurance work in all types of weather, on holidays and in all hours. If you have an ultrasound or blood testing for pregnancies fine it’s fun but it is NOT an alternative to a true veterinary pregnancy exam. Same with FAMACHAs, vaccines (we absolutely recommend rabies vaccine in most all animals in the region), or even a proper hoof trim or exam.
I would like to thank the support of my true clients and even my new clients I continue to get.
Please remember I am not obligated to do any work I don’t feel I have a valid veterinary client patient relationship which even written within the law requires trust. And if I have lost trust in you as an owner, you may be searching for a new veterinarian.
I left and declined many many jobs that pay more, offer benefits, give vacations, don’t require on call work for the practice I have built. I am proud of what I have done. I am proud to help the food and fiber animal community but if you are not going to respect me don’t expect to get the warmest of welcomes.
New clients please discuss and ask about if you will be changed an emergency fee.
Many times for first time clients we do not charge this fee but there are exceptions so always feel free to ask form a quote.
Thank you
Dr. Saintsing, Owner
