With more people treating their pets like family and seeking advanced medical treatments, veterinary costs in Singapore have skyrocketed. The article examines the rising cost of procedures like cataract surgery, hip replacements, and urinary stone removal, leaving many pet owners struggling to afford necessary care.
It has been five years since the authorities embarked on a review of the pet sector in Singapore , and the pet business is bigger than ever. In the second part of a series looking at breeding, ethics, medical treatments and costs in the industry, Judith Tan examines rising veterinary costs .
For example, cataract surgery for a dog today costs between $2,700 and $4,000, while urinary stone removal is upwards of $1,000. The most expensive procedure is a hip replacement, which would most likely start from between $4,000 and $9,000.According to the National Parks Board , there are about 610 licensed veterinarians in Singapore as at July 2024, an increase from 590 in May. This could be due to higher demand for veterinary services over the years, it said.
He paid about $3,000 for the surgery carried out in June 2020 and gives the dog, named Chad, physiotherapy in a special swimming pool twice a week on his own to cut down on costs. US scientists have found that the life expectancy of dogs has doubled in the past four decades, and house cats now live twice as long as their stray counterparts.
“The decision is multifaceted, and much consideration is usually placed on the ultimate welfare of the animal, whether it is in the best interest for it to be euthanised or be treated palliatively or conservatively.” Several vets said pet healthcare costs rise between 5 per cent and 10 per cent annually on average, and in the past two years , animal clinics in Singapore increased their fees by up to 20 per cent.Dr Tong said veterinary services like consultations and procedural fees are usually on the lower end of inflation at up to 5 per cent, while external items go up more, by 5 per cent to 10 per cent.
“Expectations of younger staff to have more rest days, fewer working hours per shift compared with the past, contribute significantly to increased costs, which get passed on to clients eventually,” Dr Chua said.a mobile veterinary service, does not have overheads such as rentals, but as a vet who goes to homes, she charges a little more for consultation. She says she thinks it is fairer, rather than increasing the price of medication.
In Singapore, there are about 60 solo practices and more than 10 chains, including the Mount Pleasant and Animal Ark veterinary groups, offering healthcare and medical treatments for pets.US chocolate-maker Mars, for instance, has been scooping up veterinary clinics for 30 years, including in Singapore.In 2021, it acquired the Mount Pleasant Veterinary Group, which was started by pioneer Singapore vet Tan Hwa Luck in 1985. Mars also took over Hillside Veterinary Surgery in 2023.
“Pet owners are more than willing to spend on their animals’ health, so investors are expanding beyond the usual tech sectors and into industries with steady, long-term growth. Pet care fits that bill, just like human healthcare. With more money coming in, we can expect better technology and facilities,” he said.
“Plus, the competition between the big players could help keep costs from skyrocketing. They will need to differentiate themselves with value and quality to attract clients. So while costs could increase, there is enough competition to keep it in check,” he added. Other pet owners turn to holistic or raw diets and alternative treatments like traditional Chinese medicine to try to keep a lid on costs.“I have seen pets that are cared for very well by lower-income households. Daily husbandry care is more important than expensive treatments. Pet guardians who do not have much financial capacity could discuss with the vets to reach a treatment plan that is best for them.
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