Interview question point of view needed

[pierlucke]

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Hi Everyone, About interview question (hope I'll have one ). There are two questions I have problem dealing with and would like to know what you think.

I know a Vet has the right to refuse some practices (cutting dog ears , tail, etc...) but do you have the right to refuse treatment for money purpose? If a family does not have the money to pay? Can you refuse treating the animal?
I think you can offer financing? What if they don't want to do it and the dog or cat is suffering? Is there any ressources for this kind of situation? What would you answer if this question was asked?

Another question is about people brigning animal for euthanasia for no reason? (does not like the cat anymore, need to moove, etc...)
what do you think is the best way to deal with those situation?
To me , I think I would try to have them find a solution (Trying to find a new owner on internet trough ad websites or journal, Animal protection agency)

Thanks your help is appreciated
Pier

 

[amom427]

I think the best way to answer an interview question is with what YOU would do. I think the interviewers are just trying to get to know you and your personality.

Remember you are running a business. My vet has a policy of pay the same day and for larger procedures you have to put down some money. Then pay the remaining amount before you can have your dog back. There is a also company that owners can borrow from (forget the name) for expensive procedures. Then there are financial euthanasias as well, unfortunately.

There is always the option of giving the animal up for adoption. Many people may not know all their options and you as vet will have to educate them.

 

[PrimalMU]

As I understand it, you are obligated to perform life saving procedures in emergency situations. However, you by no means are obligated to treat an animal if the owner can't pay for your service. Vet clinics would never stay in business if they were forced to treat a pet if the owners couldn't pay. Financing is an option, however with services like CareCredit you don't even have to bother with that (and clients can get approval over the phone before a procedure is performed).

 

[DVMDream]

Financing is an option, however with services like CareCredit you don't even have to bother with that (and clients can get approval over the phone before a procedure is performed).

Unfortunately, CareCredit is credit-based and even if some clients do get approved for some money it is often not enough for the procedure. Like the emergency C-section we had to do last summer where the guy was approved for $500 of CareCredit and we had to set up a financial plan for the rest of the procedure. So, it is not an end-all to money issues, unfortunately. I wish it was; it would sure make my job easier.

 

[david594]

As I understand it, you are obligated to perform life saving procedures in emergency situations.

Nope. Obligation is really only to relieve suffering.

 

[sumstorm]

Nope. Obligation is really only to relieve suffering.

I think how this is defined differs from state to state and known owner vs samaritan.

To answer the OP, where I come from if owners can't afford reasonable treatment or at least pain relief for an animal, most vets will offer euthanasia, and sometimes will swallow the cost of that (or bill it knowing they won't get it back.) Not only can you refuse to do some procedures, you can also refuse to accept a client or a patient for any reason. It is a bit harder to fire a client during treatment, but clients can be fired as long as you complete your obligations.

As to euth for convenience, I have personally decided I will not euth a new clients dog…if that is the only reason you are coming to see me, I am not ok with it, partly due to ownership concerns. After that, what is convenient and what is realistic are gray areas, and it would have to be a case by case situation for me. IE the 16 year old grumpy/cranky dog whose owner passed away and there isn’t a ready home, but the dog is healthy, I would probably euthanize because rehoming would be difficult, might be risky, and may not be reasonable for the responsible party. The poodle that doesn’t match the new furniture is going to result in a discussion and I will likely refuse, but one concern I have in the area my husband currently lives is refusing to euth which then results in the dog being surrendered to the county shelter would actually be a worse death (with over 98% euth’d by groups gassing after being kept in very poor conditions.) Sometimes a foolish death in caring arms is better than a bad death in a low chance, low care place.

I think the biggest thing on questions like these is to understand that there are gray areas, and to be able to respect the actions of others, even if you wouldn’t do the same.