How do you ensure good vet care at a reduced cost?

Let me start by saying, that I appreciate everything the shelter vet does for us. The problem is that sometimes I feel that we are being rushed through the office. I have done my best to call ahead for appointments and respect the fact that we are getting services at a reduced cost. Believe me I understand that every cat we take to the vet makes them less money that pets brought in by an owner, but we pay our bills on time every month. I have just noticed lately that I do not believe that we get the type of care I expect for my own cats. Maybe my expectations are unrealistic, but today has been a difficult day. I am not saying that the cats are getting bad care, just not the same level of care as I would expect. I don't want to go into details, but I am just wondering what others do to make sure their shelter cats are getting the care they require?

I have experienced the same thing, they seem to treat shelter animals as second class to their clients animals.

The vet records go with that animal to the new owner so a lot of the time they keep that animal as a patient, we try to remind them of that

Many vets feel that they are doing shelters a service, IMO, so they do not do as in-depth examinations & such. I think our shelter is lucky, as our vet is excellent - when I have taken shelter animals & my own fosters in - I get the same examination as my own pets do.

Originally Posted by white cat lover

Many vets feel that they are doing shelters a service, IMO, so they do not do as in-depth examinations & such. I think our shelter is lucky, as our vet is excellent - when I have taken shelter animals & my own fosters in - I get the same examination as my own pets do.

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My vet does give me quicker once overs on "my fosters" than mine but she also does not charge me ... outside any meds needed.. she just does not check temps and trim nails... she does the same for a animal I may adopt or have adopted

The shelter I used to work at was lucky enough to have it's own veterinarians and hospital.

Do you think that the vets your shelter uses could be approached and talk to them about what is going on?