The cost of pet care has skyrocketed in the last ten years, and no, it's not just inflation. We’ve demanded better medical care for our non-human family members … and the industry has responded. When vets are asked to do more than “give a shot” … a vaccine, antibiotic, or steroid … the medical standards rise. And so do costs. State-of-the-art equipment costs money, as do overhead and labor. Good medicine costs good money, it turns out. Today, we do a deep dive into the inner workings of the veterinary medical industry and its complex economics. We explore the heavy impact the pandemic has had on veterinarians and their clinics. Why are so many mom-n-pop practices selling to corporate networks? Why have so many veterinarians and veterinary technicians left the field, even as demand rises? Is pet insurance a good option, or is it only adding complexity to an already-tangled situation? Historical inefficiencies must be set aside to modernize the industry … are there innovations coming that will help veterinarians help more dogs with even better medicine? Episode Links Pet Fund PayPal for donations Covetrus The company trying to help vets and pet owners with solutions to expensive medication and practice costs. Gravity Payments The payment processor to help vet clinics get payments through without a hassle. This episode is sponsored in part by EverPup and BarkBox. About Jenna Stregowski Jenna Stregowski is a former veterinary technician and hospital manager with over 20 years of experience. She is now a full-time pet journalist who writes for The Spruce Pets and other publications. About Dr. Marty Becker Marty Becker, “America’s Veterinarian,” is a long-time veterinarian, media personality, and best-selling author. He is the founder of “Fear Free,” which works to alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress, in pets. About Karen Leslie Karen Leslie is the Executive Director of The Pet Fund, a non-profit dedicated to funding vet care for those who cannot afford it. About Randy Valpy Randy Valpy is President of Underwriting at Trupanion and has over 20 years of experience within the animal health industry. About Dog Podcast Network (DPN) DPN is the first of its kind. A podcasting network as devoted to dogs, as they are to us. Our mission is simple: entertain, inspire and inform. We will improve the quality of life for dogs and the people who love them. Check out Dog Podcast Network for other dog-adjacent shows: The Long Leash where we rescue tasty scraps from the editing room floor in an unscripted interview show Dog Cancer Answers which offers vetted advice from real veterinarians who answer your questions about dog cancer Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices