Quote:
Originally Posted by TheKillerrAnna
I'll try to start getting experience as soon as I start as an undergrad, that way if it's hard at first, I still have time.
One more question, though. (If anyone's still looking at this thread) What should you do if you end up shadowing a bad vet? As in, my aunt said that she had seen one vet that would demand money up front or he would euthanize your pet. I know it's not uncommon for vets to want the money immediately, but it seems quite extreme to choose euthanasia before treatment. She said her cat needed emergency medical care and she was out of town for two days, and rather than waiting two days for payment, he refused to take her cat unless it was to euthanize him. It just seems so wrong to me, and I really don't think I could stomach shadowing a vet like that.
If I ended up with someone unbearably bad, should I make up some excuse for why I have to stop shadowing? Should I say something to them about it? I'm sure that guy isn't the only bad vet out there, and I want to know what to do if I'm in that situation.
|
If you find yourself working for a veterinarian who you feel is unethical than politely find a "reason" that you can no longer shadow/work there. Always be careful not to burn bridges and try not to bad mouth old employees at your new job.
In the case of your aunts cat. I work at an emergency hospital and we require 50% down if the patient spends the night, or full payment (checks count ) This practice comes from vet hospitals being burned by offering payment plans. If the vet hospital gives too much away they will have to close their doors. Im sure your aunt would have paid, but unfortunately there are many people in the world that will ignore the bill.
The cat was most likely in extreme pain/severely injured. And a veterinarian will not send an animal home to suffer. If there is no money to pay for possibly very expensive treatments that may or may not save the cat, sometimes humane euthanasia is the correct response. I was not there but I imagine it was a traumatic experience for your aunt. Experiences like that very often leave a bad taste in people's mouths. It may not have been a bad vet, but simply very strict policies he has to adhere to in order to stay open.
This also brings up why it is very important to give your pet sitter written permission to seek treatment for your cat, and access to money in case of emergency.