The True Costs of Vet Care

Owning rats comes with responsibilities that aren’t always obvious at first glance. One of the biggest, and often most expensive, aspects is veterinary care.

Rats, like any animal, can get sick. They need regular care, check-ups, and sometimes emergency attention. Some new owners seem to think that because they got their rats from a breeder like Forest City Rats, health issues won’t arise, or that the breeder should cover vet costs if something happens.

That’s not how responsible pet ownership works. It’s not FCR’s responsibility to ensure people take their rats to the vet. Buyers need to be responsible rat owners from Day 1. You wouldn’t bring your dog back to the breeder a year later for an ear infection, and rats aren’t any different.

I want to be transparent about what goes into keeping your pets healthy, and why vet visits sometimes cost more than people expect.

Finding a Vet Who Will See Small Animals

Not every clinic even sees rats or other small mammals. In fact, finding a veterinarian who is comfortable treating these tiny creatures can be a challenge in itself. Specialty clinics exist, but availability is limited, and appointments are in high demand.

The Reality of Veterinary Costs

A basic exam to establish a Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) usually costs between $75 and $150, often more for small mammals or at specialty clinics. But that’s just the beginning. Once diagnostics, testing, and medications enter the picture, costs can rise quickly. Small animal medications, in particular, can be surprisingly expensive.

Years ago, we had a rat named Banana who came down with a URI. The vet visit (exam + antibiotics) was ~$300 altogether.

Corporate vs. Private Clinics

It’s important to know who owns the clinic you’re supporting.

Corporate chains, like the infamous VetStrategy, are reshaping Canadian veterinary care, prioritizing profits over patients and staff. Did you know there was actually a point where they bought up too many clinics and were struggling to find Veterinarians to work at them after scaring them off?

The higher-ups at VetStrategy thinking about how they can screw veterinary professionals and pet owners over for 2026 even more than they already are.

Private clinics, on the other hand, are often run by passionate veterinarians and teams dedicated to quality care, but they also operate with tight budgets and rising overhead.

Understanding ownership matters. It’s not just about the price tag on your invoice.

Euthanasia and Cremation

Sadly, part of responsible pet ownership includes planning for end-of-life care. Euthanasia and cremation are heartbreaking realities, and yes, they come with costs. These prices reflect both the compassionate care provided and the emotional labour involved in guiding families through a difficult process.

Why You Didn’t Just “Get Told Nothing’s Wrong”

I’ve seen it too many times: clients frustrated by high costs when a vet tells them nothing is wrong. Veterinary medicine is a process of elimination.

Confirming that a pet is healthy is just as important as diagnosing a problem. Sometimes ruling out conditions is a win, and it comes with professional expertise and time that deserves recognition.

What Makes Vet Visits Expensive

Vet care involves more than just the doctor. There are multiple staff members, all deserving fair pay, who support diagnostics, patient monitoring, and client communication. Clinics face overhead costs, supplier price increases, and rising operational fees.

I’ve worked at a clinic where a 4DX blood panel jumped from $75 to $150 overnight, thanks to corporate decisions (another reason to know who owns the practice).

The Bottom Line

Quality veterinary care isn’t cheap, but it’s essential. It reflects expertise, compassion, and the infrastructure needed to provide safe, reliable treatment for your pets.