Council of the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is acutely aware of financial issues facing veterinary practices and owners of companion animals. With an ever-increasing human animal bond, owners are demanding more and more advanced veterinary care for their animal companions. This intensifies the demand on practitioners to develop a higher level of expertise in their field and consequently, a greater expense to pet owners.

The paradox is always how to provide the level of care owners expect for an affordable fee and still keep the practice financially viable.

Being aware of this, Council is open to any creative potential solution as long as the AVMA’s priorities of public protection and animal welfare are maintained. This is one reason the association has put its support behind the development of the pet insurance industry in Alberta. Through insurance, owners can actually budget for unforeseen accident or disease in their pet. When a situation occurs they can consent to the necessary treatment without the fear of being unable to pay or having to rearrange their financial priorities. On the other side, the Veterinarian can offer to attend to the patient’s needs with the most modern and effective techniques without worrying about the client’s ability to pay. However, the biggest winner is the pet. No longer do animals need to receive less than optimal treatment, or worse yet, be euthanised, for simply financial reasons.

It has been proven that health care insurance has expanded the lives of many pets. The AVMA encourages the concept of health care insurance for companion animals and the development of pet insurance products in Alberta.