Letter: In Debate Over Regulations, Veterinarians Not 'Money-Driven'

For background on the proposed bill, read this story from The State.

To Whom It May Concern, 

I have been a veterinarian in South Carolina for 15 years. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work with a number of my fellow veterinarians, and I feel that I have a decent grasp of the feelings of the veterinary community of this state. I want to make it clear that veterinarians are not money-grubbers, we did not choose this career to “make the big bucks” and our primary concern is not our bottom line. We spent countless hours and dollars in school and since school learning how to best care for animals. We did this because we love animals, we want what is best for them and we appreciate the precious nature of the bond between a human being and their pet.

The veterinarians and the rescue organizations, humane societies, etc. have worked side by side for years. My clients adopt animals from rescue organizations and have their pets sterilized by humane societies. I understand the importance of these organizations in the community. I believe that my clients understand that these organizations receive tax breaks, donations and/or funding from the government enabling them to offer services at a fraction of the price I must charge. Our prices must cover things such as my employees’ salaries, electricity to run the clinic and the cost of the medications needed to safely care for their pets. Basically, the veterinarians and these organizations have worked in conjunction with one another for years with little discord.

I spend my days looking in oozing, pus-filled ears, horrible smelling, tartar-ridden mouths, sticking my fingers into rectums looking for masses or enlarged prostates. All, while dodging the urine, fecal material, anal gland discharges and gnashing teeth that come with my examinations. I bend down and stand up and crawl on the floor for hours every day. I do not do it for the money. I do it to make the animals better. I do it to ease the suffering of my patients and their owners.

You can choose sides in this debate of “veterinarian versus the rescue organization” but please stop painting the veterinarian as money-driven. We chose a career in which we care for animals. We don’t want to see them suffering and abandoned. We want them protected and cared for in the best way possible.

Sincerely,
Vanessa Brooks, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine